Easy, Healthy Super Bowl Party Food

Super Bowl Sunday is only a few weeks away, and it's time to start thinking about the menu for your Super Bowl feast. Most people associate pizza, chicken wings and dips with Super Bowl parties, but how about adding a few healthier options to the menu? Here are a few ideas that go beyond fried foods and fatty dips.

Salsa - this salsa is easy to make and a healthy alternative to dips; it can be made hours ahead of time, also.

4 medium tomatoes, chopped
1 medium onion, chopped
1/4 cup chunky salsa
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/4 cup canned chopped green chilies (optional)

Combine the ingredients in a large bowl, cover and refrigerate for several hours. Makes 4-1/2 to 5 cups. Serve with tortilla chips or your favorite dippers.

Popcorn - air-popped popcorn on its own is a healthy snack. Add some of these seasoning ideas to kick it up a notch.

Chili Cheese Popcorn

8 cups popped popcorn
1/4 cup melted butter
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Put popcorn in a large bowl; combine butter, chili powder, and salt, and pour over popcorn. Spread into a 15"x10"x1" baking pan, top with cheese, and broil 6" from heat until cheese is melted (about 2 to 3 minutes). Put in an airtight storage container and toss to coat.

Cinnamon Popcorn

8 cups popped popcorn
1 lightly beaten egg white
1/2 cup sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt

Preheat oven to 300-degrees F. Place popcorn on a 15"x10"x1" baking pan. Mix egg white, sugar, cinnamon, and salt together; pour over popcorn and mix. Bake for 20 minutes; cool and store in airtight container.

Bacon Ranch Dip - this easy recipe uses reduced-fat products for a lighter dip option.

1/2 cup reduced-fat mayonnaise
1/2 cup reduced-fat ranch salad dressing
1/2 cup fat-free sour cream
1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup cooked bacon, crumbled

Combine ingredients in a bowl, mixing well. cover and refrigerate at least 1 hour before serving. Makes 1 to 1-1/2 cups. Serve with fresh vegetable dippers of your choice.

source: "Taste of Home Tailgate Cookbook," Fall 2006, Reiman Media Group, Inc.