The time to ‘kick-off’ tailgating gatherings with food, friends and fun has arrived. The tradition of tailgating brings along the custom fare that tends to be higher in calories and fat from bags of chips with dip, overstuffed sandwiches to chicken wings slathered in sauce. Why not try a twist on traditional favorites that can be equally appetizing while still enjoyable at your next tailgating party.
Huddle around the Grill: Take advantage of the great flavor and aroma grilled foods bring to the party. Instead of traditional skin-on or deep-fried BBQ Chicken Wings, make Teriyaki or BBQ Chicken Skewers by threading boneless, skinless chicken breast strips on skewers and baste with teriyaki sauce or BBQ Sauce. A great treat hot off the grill.
Sack the Chips: Chips and dipping sauce are standard offerings at tailgating parties that can weigh you down, but you still want the crunch of chips. Keep it healthy with baked chips, exotic vegetable chips from Terra or make your own pita chips. Simply cut pitas into eight wedges, place on a baking sheet and spray with cooking spray and season. Bake for 15 minutes or until toasted. Vegetables can also be a great alternative to get the crunch of chips without the calories. Still needing to dip? Serve chips with salsa instead of creamy dips that are often higher in fat and sodium.
Rush to the Bowl: Stir up a hearty pot of Chili with lean ground beef or sirloin tips. Add a variety of beans, corn and diced tomatoes for added nutrients. Try this simple chili recipe on those cold tailgating days to warm up your tailgating faithful.
Hearty Steak Chili Recipe (serves 6)
- 2 cups Sirloin Tips, cooked
- 1 Tbsp. Butter
- ½ medium Yellow Onion, diced
- 2 Tbsp. Chili Powder
- 1- 4 oz. can Chopped Green Chilies, drained
- 1- 14.5 oz. can Petite Diced Tomatoes, drained
- 1- 15 oz. can Kidney Beans, drained
- 1- 10.75 oz. can Tomato Soup + 1 can of water
In a stock pot, sauté onions and butter until onion is transparent. Add cooked sirloin tips and chili powder, cooking for 2 minutes. Add remaining ingredients and simmer 30 minutes.
Enjoy your new tailgating healthy bites, as they are sure to score some extra points with your tailgating friends!
Happy tailgating,
Laura Fremming, RD
