Healthier Superbowl LI Party Snacks/Meals
It's the start of February and it can only mean one thing - Superbowl Sunday! I admit I'm not a huge football fan but I've always enjoyed Superbowl Sunday because of the half time show and all the delicious food. Since I am still in prep mode for competition I will only be enjoying the half time show this year but that's okay - I can deal with that. It's definitely a time people over indulge and if you are still trying to stick to your New Years resolution of eating healthier these 5 recipes are sure to help - old favourites with a healthy spin. I've made them all and enjoyed them so much that they have made their way into my recipe collection. Enjoy the game Sunday - who do you hope wins?
Chicken Fingers
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts 1 cup almond meal 1 tbsp paprika ½ tsp garlic powder 1 tsp cumin 1 tsp cayenne pepper 1 tsp black pepper 1 tsp sea salt 2 eggs, lightly beaten
Directions: Preheat oven to 375 F. Cut chicken breasts into long 'chicken finger' strips. In a bowl, mix together almond meal, paprika, garlic, cumin, cayenne, pepper, and salt. Place chicken strips in egg and then coat with almond meal spice mixture. Place coated chicken on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20-25 minutes until cooked and crispy. Enjoy!
Pulled Pork (or Chicken)
Ingredients:
3 Tbsp smoked paprika
½ Tbsp salt
2 tsp black pepper
½ tsp cayenne pepper
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp dried thyme
¼ cup honey
¼ cup apple cider vinegar
3 Tbsp olive oil
1 red onion, peeled and sliced
3 - 3 ½ pounds pork shoulder, cut in half (or chicken breast)
Directions:
In a bowl, combine all spices and mix. In a serparate bowl, add honey, vinegar, and olive oil and stir to form a paste. Place the onion in the bottom of the slow cooker. Top the onion with pork (or chicken) and then pour the paste on top of the meat. Turn the slow cooker on to low and cook for 7 to 8 hours or until the meat is tender enough to be easily shredded with a fork. Serve alone or on buns for sliders. Enjoy!
Macaroni & Cheese
Ingredients:
1 3/4 cups macaroni
3 Tbsp coconut oil
1/4 cup spelt flour
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp dry mustard
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/8 tsp smoked paprika
2 1/2 cups unsweetened almond milk
3 cups cheddar cheese, grated
Directions:
Preheat oven to 375 F. Boil the pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside. In a saucepan over medium heat, add the coconut oil. When the oil has melted, add the flour, salt, dry mustard, pepper, and 1/8 teaspoon smoked paprika. Stir constantly for a few minutes. Add the milk slowly, stirring constantly with a whisk. Continue to stir constantly until the sauce thickens, about 10-12 minutes. Remove from heat and add 2 cups of the cheese, stirring until melted. Pour the cheese sauce over the pasta and toss gently until all of the pasta is coated. Add half the pasta to a two-quart casserole dish (9" x 9"). Sprinkle on half of the reminaing cheese. Add the rest of the pasta. Top with the rest of the cheese. Bake for about 25-30 minutes, until the cheese browns on top. Enjoy!
Quinoa Pizza Bites
Ingredients:
1 cup quinoa, cooked
1/2 cup shredded cheese + 2 tablespoons of cheese (for top)
1 egg
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp ground pepper
3 Tbsp of marinara sauce + extra for dipping
1/2 tsp garlic powder
3 tsp italian seasoning
1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
Directions:
Preheat oven to 400 F. Grease a 12 mini muffin tin pan. Mix all of the ingredients together. Place a tablespoon into each muffin tin, packing them in tight (so they don't fall apart after they are cooked). Bake for 12-15 minutes. Remove from oven and top with remaining 2 tablespoons of cheese. Place back in oven until cheese is melted and brown (use the broil setting if you dare). Allow to cool on a wire rack for about 15 minutes and then remove from pan. Serve with Marinara Sauce. Enjoy!
Baked Pita Chips
Ingredients:
Pita bread
Salsa (for dipping)
Directions:
Pre-heat oven to 375 F. Cut pita bread in half and cut each slice into triangles (like cutting a pizza). Place pita on a pan lined with parchment paper and place in oven for 3 - 5 minutes or until desired crisp (watch carefully because they don't take long to get crispy). Serve with salsa. You could also make these into nachos. Click here for the recipe. Enjoy!
