No matter what team you root for, football season means Sunday evenings spent anxiously watching the game with an array of delicious foods to add flavor to the experience. Food is a major part of these events, but just because it’s celebratory doesn’t mean it can’t also be healthy. Here are some recipes to try out.
Flavored Pumpkin Seeds
Fast and simple, baking your own pumpkin seeds makes for a delicious snack when watching the game.
Just use the seeds left from carving pumpkins this year.Once you’ve preheated your oven to 375°F, coat the seeds with oil, salt, and pepper, and add your favorite flavors. Some delicious options include paprika, curry powder, rosemary, parsley,and hot sauce.
Once they’re seasoned, spread them out on a baking sheet and put them in the oven for about 15 to 20 minutes total, stirring occasionally.
Peach and Brie Quesadilla
Quesadillas are simple, but generic. Here’s a way to kick them up a notch. The ingredients are:
- 6 6-inch flour tortillas
- 1 peach, pitted and sliced thin
- 1/4 lb. of brie sliced thin
- 1/4 of a red onion, sliced thin
- 1 tbsp. butter
- 1 tbsp. oil
- 1/4 cup of honey
- 1 tsp. of crushed red pepper
- 1/2 tsp. anchochile powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Heat the butter in a pan on medium-low heat, sauté the onions until caramelized, and then set aside. Then heat the oil on medium high, add the peaches, and sauté about 2 minutes on each side. Set those aside as well.
You’ll make your quesadillas using three tortillas each in double-decker fashion. Each layer will have a quarter of the brie, peaches, and onions. Season each layer with salt and pepper. Once assembled, cook each one over low heat for about 5 minutes on each side. Then chop into pieces and drizzle with the chile honey.
Pizza Bagels
Rather than order a pizza, make your own (somewhat) healthier version. You’ll need:
- A pack of 10 mini bagels
- 1 cup of marinara sauce
- 8 ounces of shredded sharp cheddar
- 6 ounces cheese curds, torn up
- 10 basil leaves
- Olive oil
- Sea salt and black pepper to taste
Preheat your oven to 450°F and split each bagel in half. Line them along a baking sheet and bake them for about 3 minutes. Remove, then top with the sauce, cheese, and cheese curds. Bake 10 to 15 minutes, then sprinkle on the oil, salt, pepper, and basil.
In Conclusion
So rather than resort to greasy chips and pathetic hotdogs, try these recipes out this football season, and check out Nashua Nutrition for all your healthy snack needs!
