Super Bowl Sunday isn’t exactly a boon to healthy eating habits. (Just flash back to the deep-fried chicken wings and buckets of beer of game-day buffets past.) This year, we’re taking control and reserving space in our party spread for a healthy alternative: pesto hummus. The creamy hummus is packed with protein and brings all the herbaceous qualities of a good pesto to the table in dip form. Serve it with baked pita chips and crunchy vegetables, and consider your dip and dietary needs satisfied. 
Pesto Hummus 
Recipe adapted from Frank Bonanno, Vesper Lounge, Denver, Colo.
MAKES 8 TO 10 SERVINGS (ABOUT 4 CUPS) START TO FINISH: 15 MINUTES
INGREDIENTS DIRECTIONS
4 ounces fresh basil

3 cups canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed

4 ounces feta cheese

1¼ cups extra-virgin olive oil

Zest from 1 lemon (about 2 tablespoons)

Juice from 1 lemon (about 2 to 3 tablespoons)

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

 1. Remove the leaves from the basil and discard the stems. In the bowl of a food processor, blend the basil with the chickpeas and feta, scraping down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula as needed, until just combined.

2. With the motor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil and mix, scraping down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula as needed, until smooth. Transfer the mixture to a serving bowl and mix in the lemon zest and lemon juice. Season to taste with salt and pepper, and serve immediately.

***T-O-U-C-H-D-O-W-N***

Need More? OKay..  How about some sweets, again with a less regret twist?!

skinny chocolate- caramel banana bread

Yield: 1 loaf (16 servings)

Prep Time: 20 min

Cook Time: 1 hour

Ingredients:

2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
1/3 cup granulated white sugar
2 tablespoons softened unsalted butter
2 tablespoons unsweetened applesauce
1 1/2 cups mashed ripe banana (about 3 medium)
1/2 cup egg whites (or 2 large)
1/3 cup light sour cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
5 packets Skinny Cow™ Milk Chocolate Dreamy Clusters Candy, chopped

Directions:

1. Place rack in the center of the oven. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spray an 8-inch loaf pan with nonstick spray.

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, soda and salt.

2. In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to combine the sugars, butter and applesauce. Mix in the banana, egg whites, sour cream and vanilla. Blend in the dry ingredients and mix just until combined. Stir in the chopped candy, reserving a few pieces to sprinkle on top.

3. Scrape the batter into the prepared pan. Sprinkle the reserved chocolate pieces on top.

4. Bake for 1 hour (checking at 45 minutes on how much the top has browned... place a piece of foil loosely on top of the loaf if it has already browned nicely on top). At one hour, draw a toothpick or a sharp knife into the center of the loaf to check for doneness. It should come out fairly clean- if not, bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes until done.

5. Cool in the pan for 10 to 15 minutes, then turn out on a wire rack to cool completely before cutting and serving.

Nutritional Information per serving: (Using the Spark People Recipe Calculator)
Serving size: 1/16th of the loaf
Calories per serving: 113
Fat per serving: 3.8g
Saturated Fat per serving: 2.4g
Sugar per serving: 16.5g
Sodium per serving: 180.9g
Fiber per serving: 1.5g
Protein per serving: 1.4g
Cholesterol per serving: 7.1mg
Carbohydrates per serving: 22g

Source: RecipeGirl.com

Okay!  Looking for your ideas now! What is your healthy or NOT SO HEALTHY Super Bowl Foods?!  Share Share Share!