This weekend’s big game is one of the most anticipated sporting events of the year, not just because of the activities on the field, but because of amazing commercials and the incredible food we get to eat.
No game-day is complete without a smorgasbord of kefir eats, so we’ve put together a list of our favorite recipes that will not only fill your tummy, but impress your guests as well. Check them out.
In the Beginning
Before we get too far along, we want to suggest starting your morning off with a tall glass of our kefir, or with one of our favorite superfood smoothies. A creamy kefir smoothie provides you with the probiotics you need to keep your tummy in check, while also supplying you with vitamins and minerals to keep you well. Kefir is also a great source of protein to keep you full, so you can be well on your way to a successful eating day (at least until the tortilla chips come out). Try our Guava Smoothie for an exotic flavor sure to beat the winter blues!
Need a healthy base for your favorite game day dip? No problem! Lifeway Farmer Cheese is the perfect substitute for sour cream and mayonnaise in many of your favorite recipes. It provides a tart and tangy probiotic kick, it’s an excellent source of protein, and has a better texture and nutritional profile than cottage cheese (with no blending required!). We use it to top our chili, tacos, soups, and as the base for our favorite dips. Just prep the night before and feel good about what you’re eating – and feeding your friends – tomorrow. Try our Easy Farmer Cheese Dips to get started!
Get the Party Started
The big game typically lasts for a few hours, and even if you’re planning on serving a main meal, an array of appetizers and snacks is always a good idea. They help keep nerves in check and hanger at bay (which might be really important, depending how the game goes). Our favorite snacks or appetizers include:
Strained Kefir French Onion Dip – it’s a classy and healthy take on a fan favorite. You’ll get points for quality and presentation, too!
Kefir Green Goddess Potato Salad – once a staple of barbeques and picnics only, our version of this deli classic uses fresh ingredients and has a tart and tangy kick, thanks to the kefir
Game Day Guacamole – you can’t have a football party without guacamole! We have two versions of an avocado dip we like to serve to guests, but this version packs probiotics and extra protein, thanks to the addition of our kefir.
Farmer Cheese Stuffed Fried Olives – The appetizer of all appetizers! You’ll never be the same after these poppable delights filled with Lifeway Farmer Cheese and high-quality, nutrient-dense olives. Not into fried foods? Just bake them instead!
The Main Event
When the game gets tight and tension sets in, it might be time to switch to a heartier dish that can help keep your feelings in check (no one likes to be nervous AND hungry, after all). Here are our favorite in-front-of-the-TV-friendly finds:
Chicken Kebabs – these ultra moist kefir-marinated chicken skewers add elegance to finger foods (yes, we just said that). If it’s too cold to break out the grill where you live, cook these in the oven then finish them under the broiler before serving.
Roasted Root Vegetable Flatbread – meat lovers won’t be missing anything when they dig into these hearty flatbread. Topped with our favorite veggies and Farmer Cheese, cut into breadstick-style slices for easier eating.
Farmer Cheese Lasagna Roll-Ups – This pasta dish is the perfect game day eat. It has the flavor you love with a boost of protein and is a leaner option than most other lasagna options.
Bonus Round:
Chef Joanna Stachon of Ada Street in Chicago developed a truly mouth-watering recipe for Grilled Chicken Wings with Lifeway Kefir Ranch for the Taste Talks All-Star BBQ last year. Check out this video of her process and why she loves Cooking with Lifeway Kefir:
Just Desserts
Every game has a loser, but all of your guests will be winners if you serve them up one of these gut-friendly, protein-filled delights:
Oatmeal Raisin Cookies – who doesn’t love cookies? These oatmeal raisin kefir cookies are a great way to finish off a hearty meal, or satisfy a sweet tooth when the game comes down to the wire.
Blueberry Lavender Ice Cream – You’ll be far from blue when you taste this sweet cone of goodness! Our probiotic-rich kefir gets a boost of soothing, sweet floral flavor from lavender and is the perfect after-dinner treat.
Whipped Farmer Cheese Berry Dip– If you’re craving something lighter, then our sweet Whipped Farmer Cheese Berry Dip is just the right thing. You’ll love its velvety texture balanced out by the richness of our Farmer Cheese and satiating Farmer Cheese’s protein.
Kefir Chocolate Truffles – For those times when you don’t have a healthy frozen dessert in the house or isn’t available in your area, have no fear! Just turn our kefir into these kefir chocolate truffles as a farewell treat to top end a great night – and season.
If your big game gathering involves one of our Lifeway recipes, tag us with the hashtag #MadeWithLifeway and let us know on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram!