Healthy Recipes for Game Day!
As the Super Bowl draws near, so do the party preparations – and I’m sure you all have similar thoughts running through your heads: the copious amounts of nachos, wings, cheesy dips, and desserts that will be in abundance at these parties. With your spring break bod in mind, here are two healthier recipes you can bring to the table for game day that are both equally delicious you will forget they’re even healthy!
Kale Pesto Pizza
For the dough:
1 package of instant yeast
2 ¾ cup whole wheat flour
1 cup warm water
¼ cup grated parmesan
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon sea salt
Toppings:
About ¾ cup pesto – I used Buitoni
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup kale
1 handful of cherry tomatoes, sliced
2 tablespoons goat cheese – crumbled
Start by preheating the oven to 500⁰ F. For the dough: First, whisk the warm water, oil, and yeast in a small bowl. Wait about five minutes for the yeast to proof (you should see some bubbling). In a larger bowl, combine the flour, parmesan, and salt. Slowly pour the water mixture into the flour mixture and mix until dough forms. Using a lightly floured surface, knead the dough slightly with your hands. This recipe yields enough for two pizzas, so half the dough – you can make both halves or save half for another time! Use a rolling pin (or if you don’t have one, use a wine bottle like I did!) to roll out the dough into a large circle. It should be about 12 inches wide.
Next comes the fun part, adding the toppings! Spread out the pesto evenly across the surface of the dough. Sprinkle the mozzarella across the pesto. Layer your chopped kale and top with sliced cherry tomatoes. Lastly, add your crumbled goat cheese for an added flavor boost! Throw the pizza on a baking sheet in the oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the crust is crispy. Enjoy!
Energy Balls
Ingredients:
2/3 cup medjool dates
1/3 cup cashews
1 tablespoon coconut oil
1 tablespoon chia seeds
1 teaspoon almond butter
1/3 cup shredded coconut (for topping)
You will need a food processor for this! Start by pitting your dates. This involves simply slicing them open and removing the hard center of them. First, add the cashews to your food processor, chopping until they are in small pieces, but have not yet formed a powder. Next, add your dates, coconut oil, and chia seeds. Process for a bit until a doughy texture has formed. If the mixture seems sticky enough, you can skip the almond butter. Mine needed a bit more, which is why I added it. Transfer the mixture to a small bowl or plate, and start forming small ½ inch balls with your hands. The recipe should make enough for 12. Lastly, roll the energy balls into the coconut shavings, or other toppings of your choice (chia seeds, cacao powder, etc.) Store them in the fridge until game day – enjoy!