(Family Features) - Every winter, football fans come together for
the viewing party of the season. This year, as you prepare to host a
hungry crowd for the big game, intercept unhealthy appetizers and
lighten up your favorite game-watching dishes by infusing vegetables.
Jodie Shield, mom and childhood nutrition expert, knows first-hand the
challenge of making dishes that not only taste good, but are good for
you.
"People don't traditionally think veggies when they think about
game-day entertaining, but incorporating vegetables into your favorite
recipes is an easy way to feel good about the food you are serving
while still scoring points for home team health," says Shield. "Veggies
are full of nutrients and flavor, are a great way to add flavor,
texture and color to your recipes, and can even be used as edible
serving pieces."
To ensure your guests enjoy their veggies before and after the final
whistle is blown, here are some of Jodie's tried-and-true tips for
making vegetables delectable on game day and every day.
Shred the evidence. Shred veggies, like broccoli,
carrots, bell peppers or mushrooms, and toss them into turkey-sliders,
sloppy Joes, quesadillas, tacos or pizza. A small amount will blend
right into your favorite dishes and boost the nutritional value, too.
Contain their interest. Tempt big and small
appetites by using the vegetables themselves as edible serving pieces.
Serve veggie dips in hollowed-out bell peppers, mashed potatoes in
potato skins or even squash soup in mini pumpkins.
Dip it. Don't be afraid to pair up vegetables with
tasty sauces or dips. A 2006 study found that children eat more
vegetables when paired with a moderate amount of ranch dressing.
2 each: green, red, orange and yellow bell peppers
Preparation
Combine mayonnaise, sour cream, yogurt and ranch dip mix in a medium-size bowl; place in the refrigerator to chill.
Meanwhile, remove the tops of the bell peppers, rinse and remove seeds.
Slice one green, red, orange and yellow bell pepper into
quarters. Place one quarter of each color bell pepper into a food
processor and chop until fine. Remove and drain excess water.
Add the diced bell pepper mixture to the fiesta dip and stir until well combined.
Pour the dip into each of the remaining whole bell peppers and serve with the remaining bell pepper cut into strips.
Serves
Serves 8
Preparation Time:
10 minutes
Introducing Farmhouse Originals
It's no secret that adults and kids alike enjoy dipping their
veggies into Hidden Valley Original Ranch dressing. The makers of
Hidden Valley dressing are excited to introduce four new flavors that
will make vegetables delectable for the entire family.
New Hidden Valley Farmhouse Originals dressings step beyond ranch to
add robust, fresh-from-the-farm tasting flavors to even the simplest of
dishes. Flavors include Roasted Onion Parmesan, Hickory Bacon &
Onion, Garden Tomato & Bacon and Creamy Parmesan.
To learn more about the Farmhouse Originals dressings, and for great tips and kid-friendly recipes, visit www.hiddenvalley.com.
