2012-02-02

The Super Bowl weekend parties can be as difficult to manage as Thanksgiving dinner so Weight Watchers has some recipes for you to consider whether you are a host or a guest bringing a dish to the affair.

While football fans enjoy the game, others will tend to focus on the party atmosphere and all the trimmings. That means a well-stocked supply of beer and other alcoholic beverages and an endless array of party food that can be daunting to someone who is attempting to maintain or lose weight.

The usual advice applies. Try to limit portion sizes of the fattiest and heaviest of the food choices and fill up on healthier choices if they are offered.

But, to be on the safe side, why not make something and bring it if your host has no objection? If you are the party host, some or most of your guests will appreciate something on the lighter side. Here are a few recipes to consider.

Chili Party Dip

Ingredients: 15 oz. canned turkey chili without bones, 1/2 cup fat-free cream cheese, 4 oz. canned jalapeno peppers, drained and chopped, 1 small onion finely chopped and 1/2 (or to taste) hot pepper sauce.

Preparation: Combine all in a saucepan over medium heat. Cook about seven minutes or until heated through, stirring frequently throughout.

Zucchini Fries

Ingredients: 1 tsp. Italian seasoning, 1 1/2 tbl. of all purpose flour, 3/4 tsp. salt, /4 cup(s) dried plain bread crumbs, panko style is preferred, 2 medium-size zucchini, 2 large egg whites whipped.

Preparation: Mix together Italian seasoning, flour and salt. Place bread crumbs in another small bowl. Slice each zucchini in half lengthwise and then each half into 2 pieces widthwise. Slice each zucchini chunk into 4 fries. Dredge a zucchini fry in flour mixture and then dip into egg whites; dredge in bread crumbs.

Place on baking sheet that is coated with non-stick spray, preferable olive oil flavored. Cook at 450 for 12 minutes, turning fries once during the process.

Creamy Mexican Dip:

Ingredients: 1 cup fat free yogurt, preferably Greek variety, 1/2 cup fat free salsa, hot chipotle variety if possible, 1/2 medium avocado, diced, 1/3 cup(s) cilantro, fresh, chopped, 1/2 small uncooked red onion(s), chopped, 1/2 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp table salt, or more to taste.

Preparation: Stir together yogurt and salsa until blended, stir in the rest of ingredients, cover and refrigerate up to 1 day. Garnish with: 1/4 medium avocado, diced , 1 Tbsp cilantro, fresh, chopped and 1 Tbsp uncooked red onion(s), chopped.

There are many more ideas and recipes that can make a Super Bowl party less of a minefield to navigate. Weight Watchers Facebook page has more for your consideration.

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