Go Team! Superbowl Appetizer Ideas

It's that time of year again where I scramble for some good snacks to make for the big Superbowl game. If you are like me, the high point of the afternoon is usually the commercials, the half time show, and the food. Fresh fruit and veggies are always a healthy alternative on game day, but when you are looking for something a little more indulgent, here are a few things to try.

Bacon Wrapped Dates with Almonds
There are several brands of gluten free bacon out on the market, including Hormel, Oscar Mayer and Wright's brand. I prefer Hormel's Natural Choice because it is free of nitrates and nitrites as well.

1 lb of Gluten Free Bacon
1 package Whole Almonds
1 (8 oz.) package of Dole Whole Pitted Dates
Toothpicks

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Place almonds on a baking sheet and bake until toasted. Remove from oven and let cool. Take bacon from package and cut into half slices. To assemble appetizers, stuff date with almond and wrap with a half slice of bacon. Place individual appetizers onto aluminum foil lined baking sheet. Once baking sheet is full, place appetizer in oven and cook until bacon is browned and crispy. Remove from oven and place on paper towel lined plate, to absorb excess grease. Insert toothpicks into appetizers to serve.

Didn't Know They were Coming Taco Dip
In my former gooey cheesy existence, this was a simple and delicious appetizer to prepare for a gathering. With the dairy modifications, it still is just as easy and tasty too!

2 (8 oz.) tubs Tofutti Imitation Cream Cheese (No Butterfat version has no trans fats)
1 can Hormel Chili (Regular Beef with Beans, Chunky and Low Sodium varieties are gluten free)
2 (8 oz.) pkgs. Daiya brand Cheddar Style Shreds
1 Bag of Gluten Free Tortilla Chips

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spread both tubs of Tofutti cream cheese in the bottom of a 9x13 oven-safe glass dish. Spread chili on top of cream cheese. Then sprinkle Daiya Cheddar style shreds on top. Place in oven and cook for 10-15 minutes or until cheese melts on top. Dip chips! Being from Chicago, El Milagro brand of tortilla chips are my favorite.

Asparagus Roll-Ups
The combination of flavors with the bacon, creamed cheese and asparagus is always a hit.

16 Fresh Asparagus Spears
16 slices Udi's Gluten Free Bread (crust removed)
1 (8 oz.) tub Tofutti Imitation Cream Cheese - No Butterfat (this version does not have any trans fats)
8 Gluten Free Bacon Strips, cooked and crumbled
2 Tbspn. Fresh or Dried Chives
1/4 cup Earth Balance Vegan Spread, melted

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Cook asparagus until crisp tender. Flatten bread with a rolling pin. Combine the imitation cream cheese, bacon and chives. Spread 1 tablespoonful onto each slice of bread. Top with an asparagus spear. Roll up tightly. Place seam side down on a greased baking sheet and brush with butter. Cut roll-ups in half. Place onto baking sheet and bake 10-12 minutes. Makes 32 appetizers.

Helpful hint: You can make these the night before and refrigerate. Remove from refrigerator and cut just before baking, to make slicing easier.