There is nothing like watching the NCAA Basketball Tournament with friends and family. Game day watch parties are now a steadfast American tradition on par with apple pie and baseball. They allow us the opportunity to bond with near and dear ones, friends and family, all while yelling for our home team (or our brackets) at the top of our lungs. Although the tournament is the main event, itÕs debatable whether March Madness watch party goers are more excited for the actual games or the delicious assortment of game day foods that normally accompany it.
Now, usually junk foods – extra large pizzas, burgers, and other processed snacks and beers – make up the bulk of the menu for a typical game day party. However, as March Madness continues, how about considering throwing a watch party with some healthier options? WeÕre not saying you have to go on a salad diet, but you will be surprised how many healthy snacks exist that can rival their unhealthy counterparts! At Tidal Creek, there are even plenty of ready-made party snacks like our awesome vegan and regular party dips, 7 layer dip, hummus, salsa, guac and pimento cheese Ð all located in the Caf Grab and Go case!
Here are our top selections for March Madness watch party indulgences that wonÕt leave you feeling lousy the next day.
1. Blue Cheese Apricot Balls
Eat these as a standalone finger food or atop a flax seed cracker!
Ingredients
- 6 Ounces reduced-fat cream cheese (Neufchatel)
- 1/4 Cup crumbled blue cheese (1 ounce)
- 12 Dried apricots, finely chopped
- 5 Tablespoons finely chopped toasted walnuts
- 1/4 Teaspoon salt
- 1/2 Teaspoon finely snipped fresh rosemary or 1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary, finely crushed
Directions
Start by combining cream cheese and blue cheese in a small bowl. Next, beat these up in a mixer on medium speed until they become smooth. Add in the apricots, 3 tablespoons of walnuts, and salt to the mixture. Shape it into balls. Next, in a small bowl, mix the remaining 2 tablespoons of walnuts and rosemary together. Roll the balls on this nut mixture so that it covers it.
2. Southwestern Layered Bean Dip
This recipe puts a healthy twist on an old time favorite. Instead of just the typical bean dip ingredients, this layered dip rendition also includes fresh avocado, lettuce, and tomato.
Ingredients
- 1 16-ounce can refried beans, preferably ÒspicyÓ
- 1 15-ounce can black beans, rinsed
- 4 scallions, sliced
- 1/2 cup prepared salsa
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 cup pickled jalapeo slices, chopped
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack, or Cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 1/2 cups chopped romaine lettuce
- 1 medium tomato, chopped
- 1 medium avocado, chopped
- 1/4 cup canned sliced black olives (optional)
Directions
Combine the refried beans, black beans, scallions, salsa, cumin, chili powder and jalapeos in a medium bowl. Put this into a shallow 2-quart microwave-safe dish and sprinkle it with cheese.
Microwave on high for 3 Ð 5 minutes until all the cheese has melted and the beans are hot.
Spread sour cream evenly over the hot bean mixture, then scatter with lettuce, tomato, avocado and olives (if using). Be sure to have some whole grain tortillas baked and ready to go before serving!
3. Lemon Drop Chicken Wings
Tangy and crispy, these chicken wings are the perfect healthful addition to your game day party! These are also baked rather than fried (like most chicken wing recipes require) so no trans-fats involved here.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup vodka
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 1/2 pounds chicken wings, tips trimmed off
Directions
In a large bowl combine vodka, lemon juice, sugar, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Stir properly to dissolve the sugar and salt. Now add the chicken wings and mix it properly with the solution. Cover the bowl and refrigerate it for 2 to 4 hours.
Next, line a 9- by 13-in. baking pan with two layers of foil. Arrange the chicken wings in a single layer in the pan, and pour the solution evenly over all of them. Preheat an oven to 400¡ and bake for about 1 hours and 15 minutes until meat is well browned and pulling away from the bone. Serve hot or warm.
ItÕs a little strange that game day, which should represent physical fitness and a disciplined lifestyle, is celebrated mostly with foods that are disastrous for health. Make a commitment to adopt a healthier lifestyle in 2015 (of course that is if you are not doing so already) and see the changes that it brings in your life. ItÕs easier than you think! One way to increase your nutrient intake in 2015 is to try drinking your fruits and vegetables as smoothies. They are easy to make and can be taken on the go. Click here for some recipes to get started, or stop by and try some of the best smoothies in Wilmington at Tidal Creek Co-op Caf. See the menu here!
