Is it too early to be thinking Superbowl?I don’t know about your house, but the Superbowl in mine is given almost as much billing as other top holidays. A day solely reserved for football, beer, and food.

Maybe it’s because I live with someone who has almost convinced himself that he plays for the Packers, but football tends to be a topic of much discussion. Mostly, how it in going to ruin run our weekend? What day can I plan for us to do something, and which day is BL going to be parked in front of the TV?

While I would never call myself a fan, I actually don’t mind the enormous amount of attention that BL gives his games. It allows me to enjoy almost an entire weekend day to grocery shop, cook, and work on this blog. All without interruption from B. That being said, I am also ready to kiss this season goodbye! I’m excited to get him back to enjoy Sunday brunch, workouts, and weekend get-aways.

Whether your favorite team is playing or not, chances are good that you will be spending this day with family or friends, enjoying commercials, questionable halftime shows, football & food.  Think of the Superbowl as a second Thanksgiving, with the average day of grazing clocking in at well over 1,000 calories and a day’s worth of saturated fat. For New Year’s Resolutioners, it’s the first ‘big test’ of the year. No matter what your goal, here are my top picks for surviving, no thriving, during the Super Bowl.

I’ve also included 5 yummy recipes that will be featured in my Superbowl Spread. What are you making?

Cauliflower Buffalo Wings

You knew these were going in the mix, right? I’m officially obsessed.

Tip #1: Bring something for you, and others, to enjoy. Try creating a healthier version of your favorite dip or entree for you, and others, to share. Bean chili, cauliflower chicken wings, low-fat dip and vegetables, or guacamole are all easy, mostly familiar choices. That way you can fill up on healthier choices, while still leaving room to indulge in your favorites.

Beach Cookies

Photo and Recipe: Beach Cookies by Chef Chloe

Tip #2: It’s a marathon, not a sprint. Most Super Bowl spreads are meant to be enjoyed over the course of 4+ hours, so no need to over indulge before the halftime show. Use smaller plates and place a small amount, just a bite or two, of foods. When finished, put down the plate. Wait at least twenty minutes before going back for seconds and only get stuff that is truly worth it.

Awesome Easy Layer Dip

Photo and Recipe:  Chorizo, Mango, & Avocado dip from C’est La Vegan

Tip #3: Watch the alcohol. Ice cold beer pairs so well with bar-type food, even more so when the game is on. However, we all know that alcohol isn’t calorie free. Not only does overindulging make you more likely to overeat at the buffet table, it also contributes to empty, non-filling calories. Choose a light beer and stick to 1-2. My favorite drink? Ginger Beer & Vodka. Keeping it classy in the DK household

Dill Pickle French Fries

Photo and Recipe: Peas & Thank You

Tip #4: Exercise the day of. Since most of the afternoon/evening will be spent on the couch, make it a point to move earlier in the day. Enjoy a walk with family, go on a bike ride, or take a class at the gym, whatever motivates you to move!

Chipotle Black Bean Chili

Smoky Black Bean Chili with Tortilla Chips

Enjoy your three-day weekend!

Ever since I made these lemon salts, I have been trying to find new salts to create. Heading back to the East Coast this summer, I was looking to make a few salts to gift to friends and family.

I received a large bunch of Lemon Verbena in our CSA a few weeks ago, a very fragrant herb that I had no clue what to do with. I searched the internet for a few recipes and didn’t come up with much. Lots of cookie, cake, and ice cream recipes but nothing that I really inspired me to go further. However, I loved the smell of lemon verbena and thought it would make for a great finishing salt.

I followed the same directions as my lemon-parsley salt. Dry the zest and lemon verbena leaves until no moisture remains- about 1 hour in a 180 degree oven. Pulse in a food processor until fine. Add sea salt and pulse a few more times to combine.

To balance out the lemon verbena salt, I choose thai chilies to focus on next. The ultimate salt and pepper combination, Thai chilies pack quite a punch. Perfect for rubs, curries, and blackened tofu, this Thai chili salt might be my new favorite.

Follow the same directions as above. Pulse 4 dried chilies in a food processor until fine. Add flaky sea salt and pulse a few times to combine.

Don’t like thai chilies? Use dried chipotle peppers instead.

BL and I LOVE this meal, our spin on a hearty chili. Packed with fiber, protein, folate, and iron this meal is not only delicious but good for you. He made this for me when we first starting dating and it’s become a permanent meal in our house. I love brown rice here but feel free to use any whole grain you have on hand. I cannot  stress enough how super easy this meal is, open a few cans of beans, add brown rice and tempeh and you have a quick weeknight meal.  Not the prettiest meal but man, is it good. The filling is also great on its on, in burritos, or tossed with lettuce for “taco” salad.

Tempeh Chili and Brown Rice

Ingredients:
2 cups brown rice, cooked
1 cans black beans, drained and rinsed
1 can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
1 can corn, drained and rinsed (or use frozen corn. I love the roasted frozen corn from Trader Joe’s)
1 large can diced tomatoes
2 jalapeno, diced
3 tbsp. taco seasoning
1 package tempeh (1lb.)

Prepare tempeh by steaming for about 10 minutes. This step is optional but I like steaming tempeh first before crumbling it. Remove the tempeh from the steamer basket and let cool. Crumble or finely dice, set aside.

Heat a large skillet pan and add the tempeh, corn, beans, tomatoes, seasonings, and jalapeno peppers. Continue to cook over medium-high heat until warmed through, about 10 minutes. Serve over brown rice.

So yummy! What are your favorite 30-minute or less dinners?