Super Bowl Snacking
It's that time of year when even non-football enthusiasts gather around the television for a few hours to watch a predictably spectacular football game (and half-time show) ... satisfaction guaranteed.
If only we could say the same for the often super-caloric Super Bowl party food! Don't worry I won't be a stick in the mud or a party pooper by suggesting everyone serve carrot sticks and rice cakes. Trust me, that is so not the way I do things. I just have a few suggestions for you below-accept the pass or punt it-it's up to you.
What would you say about oven baked potato skins served with a lean and mean chili! Both dishes can be lower in fat and not too high in calories and rich in fiber, delicious and very satisfying. (There are recipes in my new Comfort Food Makeovers cookbook for both-I know that's not going to help you right now though) So this is basically what you do:
Always, and I mean always, include a platter of raw veggies and fresh fruit at your superbowl party. You would be surprised how quickly this good stuff goes when it's right there in front of people. If they are going to mindlessly munch during the game, it might as well partly be nutritional winners like fruits and vegetables.
A bag of tortilla chips is just a bag of chips until you dress it up with a few easy ingredients to make....drumroll please...healthier NACHOS! Start off with a plate of tortilla chips then top it with spoonfulls of fat free refried canned beans blended with some taco seasoning warmed up in a small saucepan (just takes a couple of minutes). Cover the top with some reduced fat cheese (shredded in bags) some chopped peppers and tomato and green onions. Microwave the plate or pop in a hot oven until the cheese is nice and melted. Add a dollop of fat free sour cream and/or chopped avocado if desired.
I love those assembly type appetizers that you throw together with a few ingredients, don't you? Let's see what are some of my favorites...
Assembly Option #1
How about wheat crackers (the lower fat type) topped with a thin slice of brie cheese and top the cheese with a small spoon of bottled sundried tomato bruschetta (found mine at Trader Joes).
Assembly Option #2
Open up a box of light cream cheese onto a serving plate and top with some pesto. Serve with light crackers or thinly sliced pieces of baguette.
Assembly Option #3
Wrap up light turkey franks (cut in half or thirds) in reduced fat crescent roll dough (use dough from half of a crescent roll for each hot dog piece) and bake until lightly brown. Serve with assorted dipping sauces like BBQ and catsup and honey mustard.
Assembly Option #4
Buy already cooked shrimp or prawns (usually have several options in the frozen section) de-veined but with tails on and thaw just barely-serve with bottled cocktail sauce or other fun bottled dipping sauces.
Have a super Super Bowl everyone!
Elaine
Related Topics: Why the Super Bowl Matters, Super Bowl Pledge: Get Moving, Get Fit
Technorati Tags: superbowl, snacks, nachos, chili, appetizers, healthysnacks
If only we could say the same for the often super-caloric Super Bowl party food! Don't worry I won't be a stick in the mud or a party pooper by suggesting everyone serve carrot sticks and rice cakes. Trust me, that is so not the way I do things. I just have a few suggestions for you below-accept the pass or punt it-it's up to you.
What would you say about oven baked potato skins served with a lean and mean chili! Both dishes can be lower in fat and not too high in calories and rich in fiber, delicious and very satisfying. (There are recipes in my new Comfort Food Makeovers cookbook for both-I know that's not going to help you right now though) So this is basically what you do:
- You can make a lean chili with a nice ground sirloin or any ground beef or ground turkey with around 6-8% fat. Don't add too much extra fat, if you have to saute the onions, etc...usually no more than a tablespoon of canola oil is needed when you use a nonstick frying pan. Make sure and add plenty of canned beans and canned tomatoes, they will add phytochemicals, fiber and other vital nutrients.
- To make the lower fat potato skins, scoop out the baked potato halves (make sure at least 1/4-inch thick of potato flesh is left). Then spray with canola cooking spray (or brush the inside lightly with canola oil). Then broil carefully so the potatoes are nice and golden. Meanwhile blend some reduced fat sharp cheddar with some turkey bacon bits and chopped green onion. Sprinkle the inside of each potato skin with some of this mixture and broil carefully until the cheese is nice and melted. Serve with fat free sour cream or light ranch dressing.
Always, and I mean always, include a platter of raw veggies and fresh fruit at your superbowl party. You would be surprised how quickly this good stuff goes when it's right there in front of people. If they are going to mindlessly munch during the game, it might as well partly be nutritional winners like fruits and vegetables.
A bag of tortilla chips is just a bag of chips until you dress it up with a few easy ingredients to make....drumroll please...healthier NACHOS! Start off with a plate of tortilla chips then top it with spoonfulls of fat free refried canned beans blended with some taco seasoning warmed up in a small saucepan (just takes a couple of minutes). Cover the top with some reduced fat cheese (shredded in bags) some chopped peppers and tomato and green onions. Microwave the plate or pop in a hot oven until the cheese is nice and melted. Add a dollop of fat free sour cream and/or chopped avocado if desired.
I love those assembly type appetizers that you throw together with a few ingredients, don't you? Let's see what are some of my favorites...
Assembly Option #1
How about wheat crackers (the lower fat type) topped with a thin slice of brie cheese and top the cheese with a small spoon of bottled sundried tomato bruschetta (found mine at Trader Joes).
Assembly Option #2
Open up a box of light cream cheese onto a serving plate and top with some pesto. Serve with light crackers or thinly sliced pieces of baguette.
Assembly Option #3
Wrap up light turkey franks (cut in half or thirds) in reduced fat crescent roll dough (use dough from half of a crescent roll for each hot dog piece) and bake until lightly brown. Serve with assorted dipping sauces like BBQ and catsup and honey mustard.
Assembly Option #4
Buy already cooked shrimp or prawns (usually have several options in the frozen section) de-veined but with tails on and thaw just barely-serve with bottled cocktail sauce or other fun bottled dipping sauces.
Have a super Super Bowl everyone!
Elaine
Related Topics: Why the Super Bowl Matters, Super Bowl Pledge: Get Moving, Get Fit
Technorati Tags: superbowl, snacks, nachos, chili, appetizers, healthysnacks
0 Comments:
Post a Comment