Healthy Super Bowl Appetizers

With the approach of the Super Bowl, amateur and professional chefs alike are planning the menu that will make their Super Bowl celebration unforgettable. Although hot wings and queso dip are usually the forerunners on an occasion such as this, they aren’t very artery friendly, and many people are not willing to throw that New Year’s resolution out the window just yet. If you’re looking to add variety to your menu, or just satisfy the cravings of a few health conscious vegetarian friends, here are some healthy alternatives that are sure to be undetected by the carnivorous among the sausage balls and cheese logs.

Appetizers

Hot Black Bean Dip

• 1 can fat-free refried beans
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup salsa (Adds the spicy kick. Make it as mild or hot as you like.)
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp ground black pepper
• 1 cup shredded cheese

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. In a large bowl combine beans, sour cream, salsa, salt and pepper. Spoon into a 3 to 4 cup shallow baking dish. Top with cheese. Bake 10-15 minutes, or until heated all the way through.

Serve with sliced vegetables and pita chips.

Lettuce Wraps

I first had these at a chain restaurant Chinese bistro, and I fell in love with them. Since then, I’ve made them at home, and they always turn out great. Here’s the supposed recipe the restaurant uses.

• 3 tbsp oil
• 1 cup water chestnut chopped finely
• 1 cup mushroom chopped finely
• ½ cup carrots chopped finely
• ½ cup onion chopped finely
• 1 tsp garlic minced
• 1 tbsp crushed red pepper
• 1 lb ground chicken
• 4 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• Lettuce leaves (I like to use romaine)
• 3 tbsp fresh ginger root finely diced
• Hot mustard (as a sauce for dipping)

Add oil to wok and heat over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook thoroughly. Add water chestnuts, mushrooms, onions, garlic, ginger and soy sauce. Heat for an additional 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently.

Wrap mixture in lettuce cups, using string or ribbon to secure. Serve with hot mustard.

Note* Tie up the lettuce wraps with the colors of your favorite team!