Justifying Super Bowl Snacks

All right, I admit, unless the Seahawks or Broncos are playing, I am probably not going to watch the Super Bowl. Don’t mistake me; I like football, and I’ve enjoyed a few Huskies games in person. But games on television just don’t carry the same magic. So I usually just watch the commercials, but now you can watch them on Hulu too. Hmmm now why would I want to watch it?

I have gone to a few football parties for the snacks and the chatting. When we lived in Pueblo, some women in the Junior League hosted a really great party. Two years ago, we went to an uncle and aunt’s house “on the Eastside” in Lake Sammamish. This year, we’re probably going to try juggle football parties and some relaxation time. As a food researcher, I feel that it’s my responsibility to inspect snacks at the football parties. As a nutritionist, I should probably also double check the choices that we have for healthier snacks. Most of the time, you’ll find typical party fare, like chicken wings, chips, dips, nachos, beer, soda, and cookies. These are delicious, but they’re a bit hard on the beach body.  So, if you’re trying not to damage your diet or train for your next 8k run (Torchlight anyone?), then maybe try some healthier game foods.

You can add a vegetable platter, hummus dip, fruit and yogurt dip, baked chips, and even flavored calorie-waters to the menu to provide some slightly healthier options. Don’t forget, you do get days off your diet, so don’t feel like you have to forgo a bite of a delicious treat, but choose those indulgences carefully to enjoy them the most.

Green Giant sent a tasty looking recipe for Sriracha Veggie Cheese Balls, so I figured I’d share it with you. It’s not gluten-free, but you could substitute Pamela’s gluten-free baking mix for it. Sriracha is spicy, so use it sparingly, or generously, to your taste.

Sriracha Veggie-Cheese Balls and Sauce

1. Heat oven to 350°F. Spray or grease bottom and sides of 15x10x1-inch pan.
2. In large bowl, stir together veggie-cheese ball ingredients. Slightly wet hands with water for easier rolling; shape mixture into 1-inch balls; place on pan.
3. Bake 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown. Meanwhile, in small bowl, mix dipping sauce ingredients.
4. Immediately remove balls from pan. Serve warm with sauce for dipping.