Superbowl XLIX Recipe Roundup

Is everyone ready for the Superbowl this Sunday?  Obviously, being from Washington I am a Seahawks fan!  We are having some friends from Spokane visit us this weekend so they can come to Seattle to watch the game in a big bar with us.  Should be loud, fun, and exciting!

They arent getting here until late late Saturday night, so earlier in the evening, Im going to a local natural food market called Marlenes for a WFPB class hosted by Nina from Urban Vegan Chic.  Although, after 4 years of practicing a Nutritarian lifestyle, I know my way around the WFPB-block, you never know what new things you will learn.  Im excited to have this opportunity to meet others in my community with similar interests.

Since moving to Puyallup in July, I have felt a little disconnected from not having any face-to-face plant-based support in my life.  (Im a part of several facebook group centered around ETL, which are wonderful.)  My parents, when I lived in Spokane, were my nearby support where I could go for a meal and never have to worry about being served SAD foods or being challenge for my ideals.  Hopefully I can find some of that support through classes like these.  Im optimistic. :)

Now on to the Superbowl... what are you going to make!?  Although we are going to be spending the day in Seattle for Superbowl, I ended up making some snackies for a work party and for Saturday snacking.  Here are a few of my favorite game-day dishes: (links to each recipe are included in the titles)

APPETIZERS

We ALL know that the best part of Superbowl is grazing on appetizers for a good portion of the day.  Keep yourself and your guests satisfied with these healthy appetizers alongside whole-grain chips/crackers and veggies.

Spicy Cajun Cauliflower Bites


Guacamole and Mexi-Salad


Pico De Gallo


Vegan Ranch Dip


Roasted Pine Nut Hummus (Mock Sabre Hummus)


Spicy Buffalo Hummus (This one is my favorite for game day with celery sticks!)


Whole Wheat Vegan Naan to go with hummus (Step-by-step instructions with pictures!)



Oil-Free Baked Falafels with this Tzatziki-like Dip



Baked Vegetable "Fries"


SIDES

Here are two of my favorite "side dishes" that would go well with Superbowl fare:

Spicy Macaroni Salad


Quick Collard Wraps


MAIN DISH

This is my absolute FAVORITE chili!  It cooks up quick and easy in a pressure cooker from dried beans, or can be done fairly quickly on the stovetop with canned beans.  This recipe will feed a small crowd, but it never lasts too long when we have friends over.

Three Bean Chili (Pressure Cooker Friendly)


DESSERT

Every Superbowl party has to have something sweet to go with all of the savory appetizers.  Try this dessert dip with apple slices or some whole wheat gram crackers.  It is sure to hit the sweet-spot!

Brownie Batter Dip



Health and Happiness,

Amy

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Spicy Buffalo Wing Hummus for Superbowl Sunday!

Go Hawks!

Some of you may know from previous blog posts that I live in Spokane, Washington... so naturally, I have been a Seahawks fan my whole life.  All season long Kevin and I, along with all of our friends who are also Seahawk fans, have watched them march to victory.  And now, with only two days left until the Superbowl, we cant wait for the best victory of all!!!

In the meantime, the Inland Northwest has gotten a bit of snow.  The driving hasnt been too bad (not Alabama bad), but the key is just to go slow, have the right tires, and to stay away from cars as if everyone is out to get you.  It has worked so far for me!

Here is Kevin shoveling snow at my parents place after working out at the gym.
I cant believe he wasnt freezing in a t-shirt and shorts!
 I was happily inside playing with my puppy. :)

Last night we went to the gym and Kevin did weight training and cycling while I went to a yoga class.  I am always so relaxed afterwards, but also thoroughly sweaty from the hot temperature and challenging moves.  Tonight, after Kevin is finished with one of his last exams before becoming a Certified Secondary Education Teacher in Washington, were planning on going to the gym to workout.  Im planning on working in the workout below into our session.

We are planning on spending our Superbowl at a bar just down the street from our apartment.  We were lucky enough to win a raffle for a $20 gift card and pick of tables for the Superbowl the last time we went for the playoff game.  Before heading to the bar for the game, we are planning on having everyone over for some pre-game snackies and beer (so our gameday tab doesnt end up being too horrible).  For the party I will be making one of my favorite dips: Spicy Buffalo Wing Hummus!

Spicy Buffalo Wing Hummus

Ingredients:

• 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1/4 cup Franks RedHot Buffalo Wing Sauce (more to taste)
• 3 Tbsp tahini (sesame seed paste)
• 2 Tbsp bean liquid
• 1 1/2 Tbsp fresh squeezed lemon juice
• 2 tsp minced garlic
• 1/2 tsp liquid smoke
• 1/2 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/4 tsp onion powder
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper *Optional*

Instructions:

1. Place all ingredients into a food processor.  Blend until smooth and creamy, adding more Wing Sauce and/or cayenne pepper to reach the desired spiciness.
2. Scoop the hummus into your desired serving or storage dish and sprinkle with some extra cayenne pepper (or paprika if you are not a fan of the heat... that the Seattle D will be bringing on Sunday!).
3. Serve immediately or chill until game-time!  Serve with whole wheat pita slices and veggies to dip. 

Amys Notes:

I LOVE this hummus with celery sticks.  My husband loves to eat spicy chicken wings, so when we go out and he has those, I often order a side of wing sauce with a bunch of celery to enjoy.  Celery seems to always accompany wings, and it makes the perfect flavor combo here.  I find that celery has a way of cooling down the heat in a sauce or dip, while still allowing you to enjoy all of the flavors.

Check out this hilarious Superbowl commercial: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GBKX2RV3Ajw

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