Fitness Column
We, as Americans, tend to take our football very seriously. Regardless of whether the beloved (and arguably the most hated) New England Patriots are in the biggest game of the year, the Super Bowl party is something to look forward to.
I like to refer to this day as the 4 F’s: fun, friends, football and FOOD. However, something I never look forward to is having a stomach ache or completely losing sight of my healthy lifestyle due to over indulging on pizza, nachos and dips. Now the unthinkable! How to serve up delicious, crowd-pleasing finger foods that are also healthy?
It is possible, and if I can make a suggestion do not tell people it’s healthy until after they try and love the food. For some reason when the dish starts with ‘healthy,’ or ‘skinny,’ or ‘gluten free,’ people tend to be a little weary of trying it. So here we go, three recipes that won’t leave you feeling food hung-over after the big game.
Sweet and Sour Meatballs
Ever feel like when you go to a Super Bowl Party you fill up on sweet and salty snacks like cookies and chips, but are looking for something more satisfying and protein based? If so, sweet and sour meatballs are the way to go! Don’t tell anyone but this recipe is gluten and dairy free.
Ingredients:
2 pounds ground beef, chicken, or pork
2 large eggs
2 small sweet onions
2 tablespoons coconut flour
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1.5 teaspoons ground ginger
2 teaspoons sea salt
Sauce:
3 cups tomato puree
¾ cup unsweetened pineapple juice
⅓ cup honey
¼ cup tomato paste
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1.5 teaspoons sea salt
½ teaspoon ground ginger
½ teaspoon onion powder
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Make the sauce first by combining all of the ingredients in a large pot. Bring to a low boil then reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer uncovered for 45 minutes, until thickened.
3. While you are waiting, start making the meatballs.
4. Place the onion in a food processor and pulse until finely minced.
5. Add the egg, coconut flour, meet, oil, ginger, and sea salt. Pulse until fully combined.
6. Roll the mixture into small bite-sized meatballs.
7. Space them evenly on two rimmed baking sheets and bake for 12 minutes, turning once.
8. Once the sauce has thickened, transfer it and the meatballs to a crock pot set to low. Cover until ready and enjoy.
Stuffed Jalapeños
These have always been a favorite snack of mine, and I swear this healthy vegan version can easily pass as the real deal. The below recipe makes about 12 appetizers.
Ingredients:
6 jalapeno peppers
1 medium baking potato fully cooked
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 teaspoon non-dairy margarine
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1/4 cup minced parsley
1/3 cup vegan shredded cheese, such as Daiya
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 385 ºF
2. Lightly grease an 8x8 inch shallow metal pan or cookie sheet.
3. Slice the jalapeños in half lengthwise, scoop out all the seeds, and remove the pith (the white part) from the pepper.
4. Peel the baking potato and place into a food processor along with the garlic, margarine, and sea salt.
5. Blend for at least 2 minutes, scraping down sides as needed.
6. Transfer to a bowl and mix with the parsley and shredded vegan cheese.
7. Place the peppers cut side up and fill with the cheesey mixture.
8. Bake 40 - 45 minutes in the oven, until the filling is browned on top and slightly bubbly. Sprinkle with smoked paprika and serve hot.
Baked Buffalo Wings
For a version that doesn't compromise flavor or texture, but cuts back on the fat, try this recipe. You can skip the frying, pop them in the oven, and focus on enjoying the game.
Ingredients:
3 lbs chicken wings
Salt and fresh ground pepper
1 tablespoon of butter
6 sprigs of fresh thyme
10 garlic cloves, crushed
1 cup of hot sauce
For blue cheese dip:
1 cup low-fat plain Greek yogurt
½ cup blue cheese crumbles
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F
2. Lightly grease pan
3. In a large bowl, generously season chicken with salt and ground black pepper.
4. In a sauté pan over low heat, melt butter.
5. Add thyme and garlic allowing them to simmer for 3 minutes then add hot sauce and stir.
6. Pour entire mixture over chicken and toss to coat. Allow wings to marinate in the fridge for about 30 minutes.
7. Meanwhile, combine blue cheese and low-fat plain Greek yogurt in a small bowl. Mix well, and refrigerate.
8. Transfer chicken to baking dish and place in oven.
9. Bake for 30 minutes; flip and baste wings.
10. Bake for an additional 25 minutes, occasionally basting wings while they're in the oven.
11. Remove pan from oven, and allow wings to slightly cool in pan. Baste with juices, and serve with blue cheese dip.
I don’t know about you, but writing this certainly made me hungry! I hope after reading this you realize it isn’t all or nothing. You are able to partake in the Super Bowl party and continue making healthy decisions. Go Pats!
