Snacks for the Big Game!

When I was growing up, joining my family and friends for a Super Bowl party meant not paying close attention to the game (well, maybe only the commercials) and making multiple trips to the food table which was filled with an array of salty snacks and sweet treats. Sound familiar?

If you are maintaining that resolution to lose weight, Super Bowl parties can put your defensive game to the test. By doing a little game planning in advance, you and your friends will still feel completely satisfied without overindulging.

                                         

These dishes pack flavor, and you will still feel good about serving these selections to your guests:

Chili Cheese Dip

Serves 16

All you need:
1 yellow onion, diced
1 green pepper, diced
2 (15 oz) cans vegetarian chili with beans
2 (8 oz) packages fat free cream cheese
4 oz. 2% Colby Jack shredded cheese

All you do:
1. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium high heat. Add the onion and green pepper and cook until softened, 3-4 minutes. Add the chili and heat to combine, 1-2 minutes longer.

2. Spread cream cheese on the bottom of an 8×8 baking dish. Spread chili mixture over the cream cheese. Finish with a layer of shredded cheese. Microwave for 5 minutes or until the cheese melts. Serve with veggies and whole grain crackers.

Buffalo Chicken Flatbread


Serves 16

All you need:
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce
2 cups shredded, cooked chicken
4 whole grain flatbreads
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
3 celery ribs, sliced thin
1/4 cup blue cheese crumbles

All you do:
1. Preheat oven to 500.
2. Melt butter in the microwave for 15 seconds. Combine with the hot wing sauce and pour over the shredded chicken. Toss to combine.

3. Lay flatbreads on a baking sheet. Top with mozzarella cheese, chicken mixture, celery and blue cheese. Bake for 5-10 minutes or until cheese melts.

Turkey Sliders with Apple Chutney and Smoked Gouda


Serves 16

All you need:
Apple Chutney:
2 large Granny smith apples, diced small
1/2 cup red onion, diced
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
1/4 cup dark brown sugar
1 tablespoon orange zest
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
1/2 teaspoon allspice

1 1/4 pounds ground turkey
Salt and pepper, to taste
16 slider buns, split
4 oz. smoked gouda cheese, sliced thin

All you do:
1. Bring the chutney mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally. Reduce the heat to a simmer and continue cooking, stirring occasionally, for 50 minutes to 1 hour, until most of the liquid has evaporated. Allow to cool.

2. Form ground turkey into 16 small patties. Season with salt and pepper. Grill or saute the patties in a nonstick skillet until golden brown and juices run clear.

3. Top each slider bun with a turkey patty, a slice of smoked gouda cheese and a spoonful of apple chutney.

Cheddar Sliders with Chipotle Cherry BBQ Sauce


Serves 16

All you need:
BBQ Sauce:
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 yellow onion, chopped
3/4 cup cherry preserves
1/4 cup dried cherries, chopped
2 tablespoons chipotle in adobo, seeded and minced
1/4 cup ketchup
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar

1 1/4 pounds 93% lean ground beef
Salt and pepper, to taste
16 slider buns, split
4 oz. 2% sharp cheddar cheese, sliced thin

All you do:
1. Bring BBQ sauce ingredients to a boil over medium high heat. Reduce heat to medium low and simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from heat.

2. Form ground beef into 16 small patties. Season with salt and pepper. Grill or saute the patties in a nonstick skillet to desired doneness (I recommend medium).

3. Top each slider bun with a burger patty, a slice of cheddar cheese and a spoonful of BBQ sauce.

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