MILWAUKEE -- Packers season is in full swing -- which means it is officially tailgating season. But many of those tailgating options are not healthy. Maribel Alchin, a healthy living advisory from Meijer, joins FOX6 WakeUp with healthy snack ideas for your next football-themed party.
Tips for a great tailgate:
The Menu: Plan a menu that takes advantage of foods in peak season, from grilled zucchini early in the tailgate season, to chili topped potatoes later in the season. Also, plan your menu to balance out your “labor”. Don’t include too many dishes that require extensive time or effort. Balance more complex dishes with simple to prepare items or pick up pre-made items (such as Meijer deli meat trays, vegetable trays, salads and fruit platters).
Offer a variety of foods: Include several healthy options and add in a few indulgent treats for fun. Balance high calories foods, such as bratwurst, with fresh vegetables and light dips.
Have snacks available: Fruit, nuts, crackers, cheese, chips, dips, hummus; you get the idea. Make sure that food is available whenever your tailgating guests are enjoying alcoholic beverages.
Keep it safe: Hot foods need to be kept hot—a propane or charcoal grill can help to keep foods warm outdoors. Keep cold foods chilled using coolers packed with plenty of ice. Store coolers in a shaded area (even when it’s cool outside—the heat of the sun can raise the temperature inside the cooler).
Have plenty of non-alcoholic options available. Water, carbonated beverages, tea (iced or hot), and coffee drinks are great options to alcohol. Try preparing special beverages for your guests, such as a simple blend of pink lemonade (2/3 cup) with cranberry juice (1/3 cup).
Here are some healthy alternatives that are sure to impress the crowd at your next tailgate party.
Tailgate Menu
Sriracha Cauliflower Wings
Turkey Pumpkin Chili
Apple Nachos
Sriracha Cauliflower Wings
Serves 4
1 large head Cauliflower
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp. sirarcha powder
1 tsp. McCormick® Ground Cumin
¼ tsp. salt
¼ cup olive oil
½ fresh lime, juiced
Preheat oven to 400°F. Separate the florets from the cauliflower. Put them in a bowl with garlic, sriracha powder, cumin, salt and olive oil and toss gently to mix together and coat well.
Spread the seasoned cauliflower in a shallow roasting pan.
Roast 20 minutes or until tender, stirring occasionally.
Squeeze lime juice over roasted cauliflower.
Nutrition Information (per serving): 118 calories, 7g fat, 0mg cholesterol, 354mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate, 4g fiber, 4g protein
Source: Chef Maribel Alchin, MBA, RD, LDN, Meijer Health & Wellness Regional Advisor
Turkey Pumpkin Chili
Serves 8
Ingredients:
20 oz. lean ground turkey, 93% lean, 7% fat
1 tbsp. olive oil
1 cup diced white onion*
1 cup diced sweet bell pepper blend*
2 jalapeño peppers, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 (14.5 oz.) can Meijer diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
1 (15 oz.) can Meijer 100% Pure Pumpkin
1 tbsp. chili powder
2 tsp. chipotle chile powder, if desired
1 tsp. ground cumin
½ tsp. salt
¼ tsp. black pepper
1 (15.25 oz.) can True Goodness™ by Meijer™ Organic Whole Kernel Corn, rinsed and drained
1 (15 oz.) can True Goodness™ by Meijer™ Organic Low Sodium Black Beans, rinsed and drained
Directions:
In a pot, add turkey and cook until browned. Remove turkey from pot; set aside. Heat oil in pot. Add onion, bell pepper blend, jalapeños, and garlic and cook until onion is translucent and tender, about 4 to 5 minutes. Add turkey, tomatoes, pumpkin, chili powder, chipotle chile powder (if desired), cumin, salt and pepper to onion mixture; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium low and add beans and corn. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally for 25 to 30 minutes more.
Source: Chef Maribel Alchin, MBA, RD, LDN, Health & Wellness Regional Advisor
Time-saving tip: *Pick up pre-cut onion and bell pepper in Meijer produce department.
Nutrition Information (per serving): 245 calories, 8g fat, 52mg cholesterol, 498mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate, 6g fiber, 19g protein
Serve with True Goodness™ by Meijer™ Blue Corn Tortilla Chips.
Toppings: Reduced fat shredded cheese, diced avocado, chopped cilantro
Apple Nachos
Serves 4
3 slightly tart apples (honeycrisp or granny smith), sliced
1 tsp. lemon juice or pineapple juice
3 tbsp. True Goodness™ by Meijer™ Creamy Peanut Butter
¼ cup chocolate chips
Place sliced apples on a platter. Coat apple slices with lemon or pineapple juice to keep them from browning.
Melt peanut butter until it’s super runny and drizzle it all over the apple slices.
Top the apple slices with chocolate chips.
Recipe adapted from www.allysonkramer.com
Nutrition Information (per serving): 208 calories, 11g fat, 0mg cholesterol, 25mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate, 5g fiber, 4g protein