A low-carb lifestyle helps me to stay on track, keep my weight under control and energy levels balanced. I Sugar Detox, (MW 10 day sugar detox) once every 3 months and in between I keep my carbs from grains and processed foods low. Sticking to my 11 Veggies a Day for Health and Vitality strategy (11 Veggies Per Day for Health and Vitality), whatever the occasion, ensures a nutrient dense, healthy diet every day.

I don’t personally watch football or even dare I say really care about football, BUT, I do love a good party and Super Bowl Sunday is a good excuse for a party. When I was a kid, the rest of my family would be gathered in the living room, watching the game. Back in those days we only had one television in the house, so I could be found in the kitchen mixing up treats for the game watchers. So began my life-long love for making and sharing food.

Super Bowl Sunday parties are all about appetizers and finger foods, these are a few of my favorites that I have developed over the years. They are low-carb, nutrient-dense, full of veggies and flavor.

Spicy Buffalo Chicken Wings

24 Chicken wings

Buffalo Spice Rub:

2 Tbsp. brown sugar

1 Tbsp. each of the following spices: chili powder, sweet smoked paprika, ground mustard, kosher salt, ground cumin, ground black pepper

1 tsp. cayenne pepper

2 Tbsp. garlic powder

Whisk the spices together and put in a shaker container.

Coat the wings lightly with olive oil, place on baking sheet, generously sprinkle seasoning on both sides of the wing (keep leftover spice). Bake in 400 degree oven for 30 minutes. Flip wings and sprinkle more seasoning on the wings. Continue to bake for another 15 minutes or until skin is crispy. Lots of Celery and Carrot sticks on the side for offsetting the heat of this recipe and for dipping in your favorite dressing.

 

7 Layer Taco Dip

8 oz organic Greek yogurt

1 package organic taco seasoning

2 avocados, mashed

1 clove garlic, minced

1 Tbsp. minced red onion

Squeeze of lemon

1 can organic refried bean, pinto or black

1 jar organic salsa

1 tomato, diced

1 small can sliced black olives

4 oz. shredded Monterey Jack cheese

1 small can sliced jalapenos, optional

2 green onions, chopped

Combine sour cream and taco seasoning, set aside. Combine mashed avocados, minced garlic, minced red onion and lemon juice(guacamole), set aside.

Start layering in a pie dish:

Refried beans make a good base layer, salsa, guacamole, Greek yogurt mixture and repeat.

Top with fresh tomato, olives, jalapenos, and cheese. Garnish with green onions. Allow to set up in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before serving.

Serve with: Cucumber slices, Endive leaves, Carrot sticks, Celery sticks, Grape tomatoes, Mushrooms and Broccoli and Cauliflower for dipping.

Crab Stuffed Mushrooms

2 lbs. organic medium button mushrooms, stems removed (save for a stir-fry)

8 oz. crab meat, water removed

1 egg, lightly beaten

1.5 cup spinach, rough chopped

1 small tomato, diced, seeded, and juiced

1 large ball fresh mozzarella, cubed small, pat dry with a paper towel

 

Combine all ingredients except the mushrooms. Stuff the mushrooms, bake covered in a 375 degree oven for 30 minutes, uncover and bake until browned, about 15 more minutes.