Game time is approaching and party mode is in full effect. That means it's the first time since winter break that it's acceptable to pig out. Thank you, football gods!
Super bowl Sunday is all about the nachos, pizza, pigs in a blanket, pinwheels, soda, chips and dip, along with tons of other goodies. Being a vegan or a vegetarian doesn't mean you can't enjoy this great American tradition. You actually get to exceed enjoyment by being healthy at the same time. Score!
Traditional game day munchies are often packed with a lot of calories and a high fat content. According to research from the Calorie Control Council and Snack Food Association, the average viewer will consume 1,200 calories and 50 grams of fat just from snacking on Super Bowl Sunday. That does not include regular meals.
Worry no more! Today is your lucky day. Vegetarian chef Cindi Avila has provided meatless recipes to satisfy hunger and junk-food cravings for the big day. These recipes are super easy to make and your guests will never know the difference. Few of these recipes are vegan. As I said, it is all about baby steps. Luckily, most of these recipes can be "vegan-ized." To do so, substitute cheese for Daya substitute cheeses, Tofutti substitute cream cheese and butter such as Earth Balance, as well as other tasty alternatives I suggested in previous posts! You can find all of these products in either Publix or Whole Foods stores which are both conveniently near campus.
Mini Calzones with Lightlife Smart Deli Pepperoni
Serves 6
Ingredients:
1 package of Lightlife Smart Deli Pepperoni (diced)
8-ounce package of pizza dough
8 ounces ricotta cheese
4 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese
Flour (for flouring surface only)
Directions:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Flour surface. Roll out pizza dough from package and cut out 12 circles with large biscuit cutter. Put two tablespoons of ricotta cheese in center of circles, then sprinkle one tablespoon of chopped Lightlife Smart Deli Pepperoni over ricotta cheese and top with one tablespoon of mozzarella cheese. Fold dough in half and seal by pressing two sides together (can use a fork over the edges to pinch side). Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until light golden brown. Serve with marinara or tomato sauce on the side.
Smart Dogs in a Blanket
Serves 8
Ingredients
1 package of Lightlife Smart Dogs
8-ounce package of crescent roll dough
Directions
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Roll out triangles of dough. Wrap each Lightlife Smart Dog into one triangle. Place on baking sheet. Bake for 13 to 16 minutes or until golden brown. Cut into bite-sized quarters and serve with mustard, ketchup and Veganaise Vegan Mayonnaise on the side.
Lightlife Smart Deli® Turkey Pinwheels
Makes 32 Pinwheels
Ingredients
2 packages of Lightlife Smart Deli Turkey
1 package vegan cream cheese (softened)
4 tablespoons relish
1 package small, soft tortillas (you can always substitute flower tortillas for whole grain ones.)
Directions
Mix cream cheese with relish. Slather mixture onto tortillas. Top with three pieces of Lightlife Smart Deli Turkey. Roll tightly and wrap in plastic wrap. Put in refrigerator for approximately two hours. Remove and cut in one-inch slices, serve and enjoy.
Chips and salsa is my favorite super bowl snack by far. I think I am addicted. I like to believe that I have perfected my own salsa and guacamole recipes. They are so incredibly simple to make. Give me a chance and try it out yourself. I won't let you down.
Killer Guacamole
Ingredients
Either a few Hass avocados or two large Fuerte avocados. Both can be found at Publix or Walmart stores.
1 lime
Fresh garlic
1 Tomato
1 purple onion
Any spices you desire (salt, organic garlic powder, organic onion powder etc.)
Directions
Remove skin and pit from avocados. Either puree in food processor or place avocado chunks in a bowl that has a lid (like Tupperware for example) and shake it up as hard as you can until most of the chunks are gone. Dice tomato and onion. Mix with avocado. Dice garlic as small as you can and add to mixture. Cut up the lime and squeeze in as much as you'd like.
I don't really have to many rules when it comes to cooking. Don't worry about measuring; measuring is for weenies. Just add ingredients little by little and keep tasting along the way to make sure it will satisfy your taste buds along with your guests. Spice to taste.
Salsa
Ingredients
2 "Trifectas" (Look for a package of pre-cut tomatoes/peppers. Green, yellow and red. Found in produce section at Publix and Walmart)
1 lime
Small chopped onion (optional)
Cilantro (optional)
Any spices you desire (salt, pepper, garlic, etc.)
Directions
Throw the Trifectas in a bowl, squeeze in as much lime as desired along with cilantro and spices and voila! Fresh homemade salsa! Of course you can also cut up your own vegetables -- but who has time for that? There's a game to watch!
Don't forget to pair these dips with organic tortilla chips from Publix's GreenWise section. Whole Foods and Super Target also offer some great chip options.
Combine the chips, salsa and guac with melted vegan cheese, Tofutti Sour Cream, Morning Star Meatless Crumbles, vegetarian refried beans, jalapeños, olives, onions, chives and whatever else you choose to top it with. You should always find a way to personalize your cooking. A Super Bowl party is the perfect way to show that off! Have fun with your new vegan or vegetarian ingredients.
Remember, you can have a fully satisfying meal without meat. These are just a few suggestions but Google will help you find more. There will always be a vegetarian substitute for your favorite food, and it will most likely be better. Try to improve your eating habits by adding a few more substitutions each week. Once again, your body will thank you.
The excitement of the Super Bowl is enough to get you to go crazy loco. Just thinking about all of this delicious yet extremely healthy food just makes me bounce of the walls with excitement. I love the game just as much as the next football fan, however, that doesn't mean I want to devour twice my average daily caloric intake in just one sitting.
Be smart; make positive and intelligent choices whatever the situation may be. More importantly, go Packers!
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