Amid the shouts and groans of touchdowns, there’s always a call for more food! Harvest Home has a few suggestions for snacks that will help keep you out of the kitchen so you can enjoy the game. At the same time, you can also help keep your family and friends from gaining as much weight as a quarterback by sneaking in a few healthy nibbles.
Have the dip, but skip the chips. An average serving of either tortilla or potato chips has 150 calories! There are 34 servings in an average sized bag! WOW!
Instead, try thinly sliced veggie sticks. Apple slices, carrots, peppers (red, yellow, orange or green) cucumbers, cauliflower and celery cut into small sticks are great dippers with less calories and salt than chips.
Dips that delight: A slightly new taste twist can make old favorites stand out
(Mash with a fork or use a food processor. Ready in 15 minutes!)
Black Bean Dip: Combine 1 19-ounce can of rinsed black beans with ½ cup salsa (hot or mild) 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice, 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro, ¼ teaspoon ground cumin and salt & pepper to taste.
Spicy Avocado Dip: 4 medium tomatillos, husked and quartered, 1 avocado, pitted and peeled, 1 chopped jalapeño pepper, 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, ¼ onion, chopped & 2 tablespoons lime juice. Season with salt and pepper.
Hummus: Make your own and season creatively! (See below)
“Half-time Nachos:” Preheat oven to 375
Cut 4 whole grain tortillas into triangles, spritz with olive oil, sprinkle with salt, bake for 10-15 minutes until crispy. Let cool.
Place tortillas in a large pan and top with 4 oz shredded cooked chicken, 1/4 cup black beans, 2 tablespoons enchilada sauce, 1/4 cup low-fat shredded Monterey Jack cheese, 2 tablespoons salsa, 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt, 2 tablespoons refried beans & chopped avocado
Relax and enjoy the game (and the commercials)!
RECIPE: Popcorn for Nibbling
Ingredients:
•2 Tbsp vegetable oil
•1/3 cup unpopped popcorn kernels
•1 Tbsp butter
•Seasoning for taste (see tips)
To Make
•Put oil and popcorn kernels in a large pot with a tight fitting lid. Turn on the heat to medium.
•With oven mitts, shake the pot gently so kernels are evenly spread. As soon as the popping starts, turn the heat to medium low and shake again
•When the popping slows to every 5 to 10 seconds, turn off the heat. Wait till the popping stops completely before opening the lid
•Mix with a bit of oil or butter and toppings in a bowl
Popcorn toppings:
•2 Tbsp of seasoning is usually enough. Add 1 Tbsp at a time and taste:
•Minced scallions & cilantro
•Parmesan cheese and black pepper
•Chili powder and lime
•Whatever you like!
•Storing popcorn for freshness: Just keep out moisture. Use dry herbs and seasonings for flavoring. Store in a dry, tight-seal container. It will last for several days.
TIPS: Spicing up Hummus
Make your own Hummus:
Ingredients: Blend together:
•1 (15 ounce) can garbanzo beans, drained & rinsed
•2-4 Tbsp of water
•2 Tbsp olive oil
•1 Tbsp lemon juice
•1 clove garlic, crushed
•¾ tsp ground cumin
•¼ to ½ tsp salt
To Make
Put in a food processor or mash with a fork until smooth
Hummus Plus: Make it different every time by adding your favorite herb or spice:
Some suggestions to try:
•2-4 Tbsp of Greek Yogurt for extra smoothness
•Chopped olives
•Paprika
•Cilantro
•Lemon or lime juice
•Whatever you like!
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