Touchdown!- Superbowl Healthier Foods

By: June Owens

It’s Superbowl time and no matter how many debates there are about which team will come out ahead on game day, everyone at the party will agree that the menu is always something worth cheering for.  Right now, you are probably thinking about those zesty wings, loaded nachos, potato skins, or even that deep dish pizza, just a delivery away.  I know I’m about to go raid the fridge before I finish typing this. ?

But what if this year could be different? What if you didn’t have to break out the elastic waist bands just to really enjoy the food? It is not only possible, but the defensive line will be stopped in their tracks with just one bite of your lighter fare that is certainly not light on flavor. Here’s a few tasty appetizer recipes for kicking off a new tradition this year. Lower calorie versions of traditional Superbowl party foods can also be found at http://www.eatingwell.com/gallery/13590/best-healthy-snack-recipes-for-the-super-bowl/.

Buffalo Pickle Chips

• Whisk together 2 eggs and ¼ cup of buffalo sauce and set aside.
• Place 4 cups Rice Chex, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon paprika, ½ teaspoon red crushed red pepper, and ½ teaspoon black pepper in food processer. Pulse until combined well and transfer to shallow bowl.
• Drain a 25-ounce jar of dill pickles, dip each into the egg mixture followed by the cereal mix, then place on oiled wire rack atop a baking pan.
• Broil on middle shelf for 8-10 minutes then serve with a side of blue cheese or ranch dressing for dipping.
  

Bunless Cheeseburger Bites

• Combine 2 pounds of lean ground beef, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon pepper, ½ teaspoon onion powder, and ½ teaspoon garlic powder in a bowl.
• Use approximately 1 tablespoon of mixture to create 48 meatballs, then bake them on a foil lined pan at 400 degrees for 15 minutes.
• Turn oven off and add ¼ slice of American cheese (or any of your choice – I’m thinking of trying pepper jack and swiss) to each meatball, then place pan back in over for 1-2 minutes to partially melt cheese.
• Cut 24 cherry tomatoes in half and chop some lettuce.
• Assemble on toothpicks … tomato first, followed by a dill pickle chip, lettuce, and the cheese topped meatball.
• Serve with thousand island dressing for dipping.

Black Bean Salsa

• Combine 1 can drained whole kernel corn, 1 can drained and rinsed black beans, 1 cup chopped red onion. 2 cups seeded and chopped Roma tomatoes, ½ cup seeded and chopped jalapenos. ¼ cup chopped cilantro, ¼ cup lime juice, ½ teaspoon cumin, 2 tablespoons olive oil. ½ teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon pepper.
• Serve with tortilla chips or pretzel crisps.

Whether you agree with all the plays on the field on February 2nd, we all know we each fumble the ball of life at times. If you are feeling like those new year’s health resolutions are falling to the wayside, check out the many opportunities to get back in the game offered at the YMCA at https://www.daytonymca.org/programs/fitness-classes. A commitment to healthier living … a true touchdown for you and those you love!