Thursday, April 16, 2009

Super bowl snack down!


It’s coming soon: As the two best (cough where are the Hawks cough) teams come head to head for a battle on the gridiron this weekend, two things are sure:

1. There will be yelling.

2. There will be heavy duty noshing.

While social occasions are never an excuse for falling face-first into a vat of con queso, this week I’m sharing recipes and ideas that will help keep you on plan.

Chips, Dip, and Food with Zip

  • Flax crackers: This vehicle for dips is loaded for bear… and ready for your dips.
  • Nacho Chips: Load ‘em up, move ‘em out! Better than your nickel defense, you’re going to push through the lines with this vehicle for dips. Made from cauliflower or zucchini, these are sure to make you wish you’d made more.
  • Zucchini ‘Doritos’: The flavors are as limited as your imagination. From spicy nacho, to sour cream and onion to ranch, these make mouths munchy, but without the guilt.
  • Veggie Tray: It gets no easier than popping down to the local Kroger.
  • Taco Dip: A layered deliciousness that is easy, fresh, and suited to both high-and low-carb football friends.


Protein Snacks

  • Hard-Boiled Eggs: They’re shaped like little footballs. Just don’t spike them into the coffee table.
  • Beef Jerky: More spicy than those half time ads for Godaddy.com, having plenty of meat candy on hand is sure to be a pleaser.
  • Meat and Cheese Tray: Hit the local grocers for a special tray of different cheeses or meats; or, better yet, make your own!

Appetizers that Rock

  • Boneless Chicken Wings: Flavor these and go! Just like Pizza Hut’s wings, but with a low-carb breading, whether you like yours from Buffalo or with barbecue, the flavor is smokin!
  • Mozzarella Cheese Sticks: Who says you can’t enjoy a little gooey sumpin sumpin with marinara?
  • Cream Cheese Wontons: Fry this recipe and you won’t be fried from carb hangover. Make wonton wrappers earlier that day for Super Bowl fun.
  • Breadsticks: Thick and savory, you won’t guess what the main ingredient is.

Main Event Dishes

Sweet Satisfaction

  • Dessert Pizza: Who doesn’t love pizza? Now this potable portent of perfection can be in your face while you yell at the refs. There’s never a bad call when there’s fresh fruit with so many options.
  • Cream puffs: Grab and go. Make with your favorite pudding and whipped cream, and it’s a winner every time.