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Health & Fitness

Game Day Eats- Thinking outside the bowl (of chili)!

Just say no to boring game day snacks! Some fun ideas for healthy and delicious appetizers.

I know the big game is February 3.  Can I tell you who may be playing in it?  Nope.  

Can I tell you what time kickoff is?  Nope!  I do know that Beyonce is part of the half time show (yay!)  I may not know a whole lot about football but what I can educate you on, is how to make some stellar snacks that are guaranteed to be winners on game day!Let's run down the list of your typical super bowl snacks. 

Then I will enlighten you by giving you a better, tastier, healthier list for you to try this year.  I teach, you listen and create.  You report back to me about how delicious it was and how everyone at your party wants to call me and thank me personally.  You're welcome :)  OK here we go.

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Snack number 1- the almighty chip and dip. 

OK- I'm not going to lie here.  I do love the chip and spinach dip combo.  There is a time and a place for them!  But if you're hosting a Superbowl party and wanting to try some new and exciting snacks just say no to these!  A whole grain tortilla chip and a white cannellini bean spread is easy to make and super delicious!  Don't go around bragging how healthy it is- let them eat it first and ask where you bought it!  When you casually say you whipped it up in less then five minutes, you won't be sure if the applause is for you or the newest Volkswagen commercial during the game.  Here we go. 

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You will need:

  • 1 or 2 bags of tortilla chips or pita chips
  • 2 cans white cannellini beans
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (go for the good fresh stuff!)
  • 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 cloves of garlic minced
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper

Combine all ingredients in food processor and puree until smooth. Easy peasy!

Snack number 2- pigs in a blanket. 

One word.  YUM.  If you don't like pigs in a blanket just look the other way when I see you in town.  Kidding!  They are just so cute!  And full of preservatives.  I've been playing with recipes for years trying to come up with a healthier version.  And here's what I found. You really cannot fully replicate the taste of those frozen greasy piggies. I have an alternative though, that should please even the most picky eaters and your arteries will thank me for it. 

Try it and see for yourselves how delicious (and easy) an alternative can be.

  • 1 turkey kielbasa or package of sweet turkey sausage
  • 1 package of frozen phyllo dough (defrost it before use)
  • 1 small jar of apricot preserves

Fully defrost phyllo dough until pliable, but don't break it! Lay it on a flat floured surface and carefully spread a thin layer of apricot preserves on top.  Place turkey kielbasa or sausage on top of preserves and roll up phyllo so the sausage is in the middle.  If using kielbasa roll the entire amount together, then slice into two-inch pieces before baking.  If using turkey sausage, roll each individual sausage, then cut in half and place on greased cookie sheet.  Bake at 400 degrees for approximately 20 minutes but watch carefully because phyllo tends to burn!  As soon as it's browning up, it's done.  Serve with spicy brown mustard for dipping and make enough for seconds! 

Snack number 3- cheese and crackers. 

Yawn. What can I say? There's nothing exciting about a fake neon orange brick of cheese and some round crackers! How about a warm buffalo chicken and blue cheese dip instead?  If you love wings and blue cheese dip, here is the perfect combo of both without the hassle and the mess :)

  • 1 package of cream cheese (room temp)
  • 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
  • 1/2 cup blue cheese dressing (get the good chunky kind!)
  • 1/2 cup Redhot wing sauce (can find this is any grocery store)
  • Cubed chicken breast (Buy the rotisserie kind and dice that baby up)!

Mix all ingredients until smooth in a large bowl saving chicken for last.  Once chicken is added, pour into baking dish.  Heat at 350 for 20 minutes, serve with pita wedges, whole grain crackers or veggies.  Fab-u-licious!Don't be afraid to say no to your old standbys and try something new this Superbowl Sunday!  All of these dishes are quick, easy, and can be made ahead of time and either reheated or popped in the oven as your sitting and watching the game. 

My only warning?  Make more then you think you'll need.  These snacks may be gone before Alicia Keys finishes singing the National Anthem (See?  Another fun fact I knew about the Superbowl!)  Enjoy the big game!

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