Superbowl parties have become a social event that is more about the food, commercials and half-time show than the actual game. Especially when “your team” isn’t playing. Instead of drowning your sorrows from your team’s lack-luster season in with foods that make YOU feel like the linebacker – try these healthier takes on traditional Superbowl Party-fare.
HEROIN WINGS
Our family-favorite, and the only reason I still have Dana Carpenters Low Carb Cookbook in our kitchen, is her Heroin Wings. O. M. G. While not full of veggies or coated in flax seeds – these are the best alternative to deep fried and dredged in random sauces (which can contain MSG and other chemical preservatives and artificial colors). Adjust the spice based on your taste for heat.
INGREDIENTS
- 4 pounds chicken wings (get the ones already split – much easier!)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons dried parsley
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 2 teaspoons chili powder (optional heat)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 cup butter
DIRECTIONS
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
- Cut the wings into drumsticks, saving the pointy tips. (Not sure what to do with those wing-tips? Freeze them for soup—they make great broth).
- Combine the Parmesan cheese and the parsley, oregano, paprika, salt and pepper in a bowl.
- Line a shallow baking pan with foil or parchment. (Do not omit this step, or you will still be scrubbing the pan a week later.)
- Melt the butter in a shallow bowl or pan.
- Dip each drumstick in butter, roll in the cheese and seasoning mixture, and arrange in the foil-lined pan.
- Bake for 1 hour, and kick yourself for not having made a double recipe!
CAULIFLOWER BITES
For my veggie friends – these cauliflower bites have the same heat with out the meat.
LAYERED TACO SALAD
My first exposure to layered Taco Salad was visiting my husbands family in Pennsylvania over 10 years ago and it included ground beef, Doritos, sour cream, shredded cheese and Catalina dressing – oh yeah, a little shredded lettuce and maybe a chopped tomato. Not my idea of salad, but definitely tasty! This video (click link below) demonstrates a healthier version. (Crushed hard taco shells can be used in place of unsalted tortilla chips.)
LAYERED TACO DIP
Another football party staple – serve with sturdy corn chips and/or thick sliced peppers and cucumbers. This can be made vegan/dairy free by omitting the yogurt and cheese.
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 (8 ounce) container black bean hummus
- 1 (5 to 6 ounce) container plain / greek yogurt
- ¼ cup your favorite salsa
- salt, to taste
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ⅓ cup thinly sliced green onions
- ½ cup diced green bell pepper
- 1 cup diced avocado or smashed with 1/2 c salsa for guacamole
- 1 cup diced fresh tomatoes or red peppers
- 1/4 c chopped fresh cilantro
- sliced black olives
DIRECTIONS:
- Spread the hummus in an even layer in the bottom of a 9-inch pie dish. Drop the yogurt in small dollops over the top, then spread into an even layer.
- Spread salsa over the yogurt and layer the top evenly with the remaining toppings.
Zucchini Brownies
Veggies in brownies – say WHHAAATT??? Don’t knock it till you tried it! The coconut oil and grated zucchini give these brownies a wonderful fudgey texture!
INGREDIENTS
- 1/2 c coconut oil
- 1 c. sugar
- 2t. Vanilla
- 2c. Flour
- 1/2 c cocoa powder
- 1 ½ t baking soda
- 1 t. salt
- 2 c grated zucchini.
DIRECTIONS
- Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and mix until well combined.
- Spread in 9×13 greased or parchment-lined baking pan.
- Bake at 350 until toothpick inserted in center comes out with few crumbs. Don’t over-bake to preserve fudgey texture.
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