Superbowl Snacks

We had planned to bring some yummy snacks over to the Honas's house to watch the superbowl, but I was not feeling well and we had a major roof issue (which will be the topic of a subsequent blog). So when life gives you lemons you gotta make lemonade. Or in this case, some yummy snacks- all of which were quite delicious...

Recipe #1:  Hoisin-glazed turkey meatballs

Hoisin-Glazed Turkey Meatballs
Makes: 26 Meatballs. Active Time: 20 minutes. Total Time: 30 minutes.

2 tablespoons reduced-sodium Tamari or Soy Sauce
1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
2 teaspoon finely grated fresh ginger root, preferably grated with a rasp-style grater
1 teaspoon Sambal Oelek sauce (see *ingredient note) or 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
1 teaspoon sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 scallions, minced plus sliced scallion greens for garnish, divided
1/2 cup drained, finely chopped water chestnuts
1 pound lean ground turkey
1/4 cup purchased Hoisin Sauce (see *ingredient note)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro leaves (coriander)
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice

Black and/or white sesame seeds, for garnish

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Whisk Tamari or soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, sambal or crushed red pepper and sugar in a large bowl. Whisk in cornstarch until smooth. Stir in 2 minced scallions and water chestnuts. Stir in turkey until completely combined.
3. Drop turkey mixture by rounded tablespoons onto the prepared baking sheet, gently re-shaping into ball shapes if necessary. Lightly coat the balls with cooking spray and transfer to the oven. Bake until the meat is cooked through, 15 to 17 minutes.
4. Stir Hoisin sauce, cilantro and lime juice in a large bowl. Add the cooked meatballs and gently stir to coat. Sprinkle with the remaining sliced scallions and sesame seeds and serve hot with toothpicks.

Recipe #2: Buffalo Wings Legs

Recipe Adapted from BBQ Bible

For the wings and marinade:
16 whole chicken wings (about 31/2 pounds)
1/2 cup Tabasco sauce or your favorite hot sauce
1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
1/4 cup vegetable oil
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons coarse salt (kosher or sea)
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

For the mop sauce:
 2 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup Tabasco sauce or your favorite hot sauce

For serving:
Ranch

Bake in the oven for 15 minutes at 425, then baste with mop sauce and turn legs over. Bake another 15, baste again. Bake up to another 15 minutes or until skin looks crispy.



Recipe #3: Maple Glazed Cinnamon Almonds

Maple Glazed Cinnamon Almonds
Adapted from CupcakesOMG

• 1.5 cup unsalted almonds
• 2 Tbsp. good maple syrup
• 1 Tbsp cinnamon
• pinch of sea salt (don't be too skimpy)

1.) Preheat your oven to 300 degrees F. Line a cookie sheet with foil or parchment paper.

2.) In a bowl, combine almonds, maple syrup and cinnamon. Using a silicon spatula, mix until the almonds are well coated. Taste the almonds and add more cinnamon if you like.

3.) Spread almonds onto foil-lined cookie sheet into an even layer. Sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt if you like. Roast in the oven for about 20 minutes, stirring about halfway through.

4.) Allow almonds to cool for about 5 minutes before breaking into pieces.