Savory Saturday- Healthy Game Day Appetizers

There is no question, It is definitely football season here in the McGuire household. One of my favorite parts about this time in the past has been the food. You know, wings, nachos, pizza, fries. All the really bad stuff for you. This season I have obviously been trying to find healthier choices than what I have chosen in the past. These three recipes are sure to please and are an excellent choice when trying to put a healthier spin on everyone's favorite recipes.

Black Bean & Corn Salsa

• Ingredients

1. 1 can black beans
2. 1 can yellow corn, or yellow and white corn
3. 1 can of Rotel
4. 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
5. about 3 tbsp freshly chopped cilantro
6. a dash of lime juice (or squeeze one lime)  

• Directions

1. Open can of black beans, place in strainer and rinse off excess "juice". dump in bowl.
2. Open can of corn, place in strainer to drain off excess water, then dump in bowl with beans.
3. Open can of rotel and add to beans and corn.
4. Add onions and cilantro and stir. Add lime juice to your taste.

Just add your favorite chips and you are all set!

Baked Buffalo Cauliflower Bites

• Ingredients

1. 1/2 Cup water
2. 1/2 Cup milk
3. 1 Cup of flour
4. Small head of cauliflower
5. 3/4 C Frank’s RedHot Sauce (the Buffalo style is great if you can find it). 
6. 1 Tbsp. unsalted butter, melted
7. 1 Tsp. garlic powder 

• Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 450. Line a baking sheet with a silpat or parchment paper…or just spray the sheet with cooking spray.
2. Cut the cauliflower into florets (yields somewhere between 4 & 6 cups)
3. Whisk together the water, milk, flour, and garlic. Coat each floret with the batter, letting any excess drip off.
4. Place the coated florets on the prepared baking sheets. Bake for approximately 20 minutes (until the batter edges start browning).
5. While those bake, combine the hot sauce and melted butter.
6. Once the florets are baked, remove from the oven & pour the hot sauce mixture over. Carefully turn the pieces to make sure everything is well-coated. Bake for an additional 5-10 minutes.

Then, serve them up just like you would buffalo chicken wings, with some celery and your favorite ranch or bleu cheese! Obviously, the texture and flavor is a bit different than a boneless chicken wing. But, the taste was great! So, if you’re craving a buffalo taste without all the calories of fried chicken wings, or you need a vegetarian option, these are great! 

 

Baked Zuccini Fries

• Ingredients

1. 3 small zucchini, or 2 large
2. 1 cup panko crumbs
3. 2 Tbsp Italian Seasoning
4. salt
5. ¼ cup shredded parmesan cheese
6. 2 eggs

• Directions

1. Preheat oven to 425. Line a cookie sheet with aluminum foil and lightly spray with cooking spray. Set aside.
2. Start by cutting your zucchini. Cut off each end. Then cut the zucchini in half and then lengthwise. Set one piece on its end and cut it in half lengthwise. Cut that half in half. Cut that half in half. Stack the planks on top of each other and cut into strips. Lightly sprinkle with salt.
3. Combine panko crumbs, italian seasoning, and shredded parmesan cheese in a shallow pie dish.
4. Whisk the egg together and working in batches dip each zucchini strip into the egg and coat well in panko mixture.
5. Set on a the cookie sheet. Bake for 12-15 until lightly brown. Can be dipped in marinara sauce, ranch, or your favorite dipping sauce.

xoxo Kelly