Super Bowl, Snacks and those Budweiser Puppies

Super Bowl time!

At my school this week, we're having our annual SOUP-er Bowl food drive. Each student dresses in favorite team colors or jerseys and they each bring in a can of soup to be donated to the local food pantry. I love this way of turning a national sporting event into something that will help people.

I wish I could send along some of the wonderful, hearty soups we've featured here at the cafe.

 Okay, so it's Super Bowl time for real this weekend. In our house, the mourning has finally lifted. I think my husband is secretly relieved he doesn't have to go through the nerves of his team playing. My daughter bought theater tickets for the two of them to see a play he's been really wanting to attend. She accidentally bought them for Super Bowl Sunday. That could have been a disaster DISASTER, but it all worked out in the end. He can see the matinee and then come home and watch the game..
I mentioned in comments a week or so ago, that I rarely have to make football snacks because nerves keep hubby from eating during the game. But everyone else will be eating so I thought I'd see if I could round up some healthy variations rather than the ones that leave you needing a week at the spa beginning Monday morning. I read a quote that said the average American eats a day's worth of calories during the game!!!

First up -

PopSugar.com has a recipe for Black Bean Hummus. With garlic, jalapeno, and tahini added to the black beans, there should be enough heat for even the most diehard snacker. Serve it with crackers or pita crisps.

Spicy Garbanzo Beans - I've seen these sold in bags at the store, but this is a "super" easy healthy recipe. All you have to do is rinse and drain a can of garbanzo beans (chickpeas), toss them with the spice mixture, and bake for about 30 minutes.

A Spinach Dip that also uses watercress (Super healthy) and subsitutes Greek Yogurt for sour cream. If you want to really get carried away, there's a recipe for flaxseed crackers too.

Maybe you're looking for something sweet? One of my favorite recipe sites - Oh She Glows, has an amazing recipe for Almond Butter Dip (almond butter, maple syrup cinnamon - just imagine dipping apple slices into this at halftime)

How about making your own trail mix? Here are some recipes for

• Cashews, dried cherries, and dark chocolate chips
• Almonds, walnuts, dried apricots, dried cranberries, and milk chocolate chips
• Roasted almonds, dried ginger, and bittersweet chocolate chips
• Almonds, sunflower seeds, spicy wasabi peas, curry powder, and coconut flakes
• Pecans, raisins, dried figs, and peanut butter chips

Okay, now can we talk commercials.

I am SO disappointed that Budweiser is not doing any more of the puppies. I've modeled two heroes after these ads. The Budweiser ones are my all time favorites.

What are yours?  If you want to post a youtube link I'll edit them into the main post.


And please feel free to share your healthy super bowl snacks!





Adding in Ruthy's commercials:

Mary Jane's videos: