Keeping Resolutions on Game Day

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The first test of my New Year's resolutions is always football playoffs and the big game.  We love bringing everyone together to watch all the excitement on tv, and with parties always come the best food and drink.  Because we are all still on the healthy-eating bandwagon, I have come up with some better-for-you alternatives for big game parties that I, as a hostess, don't feel guilty serving to my guests.  Add all of it to the perfect football-themed table, and we are ready to party!

The first step was to set the tablescape.  This tablecloth wass so much fun (and easy!) to make, using x's and o's as players to draw football plays all over the brown butcher block paper.  You can find rolls of this paper in the craft section of your local Walmart.  Above the table, I hung my favorite astroturf-inspired yard line banner that I made myself!

After the table was completed, next was adding the serving platters, plates, jars (each with a cute green or black-striped straw), and yellow "penalty flag" napkins to it.  This is a great step to do the night before so that you're less stressed on game day and have plenty of time to lay everything out the way you want it.

Now, all this table needed was the food and drink before the games begin!  I did all of my shopping at Walmart, picking up all the fresh items and pantry staples needed for my recipes, especially RITZ Crackers and Coke Zero.

The main dish for my football party was a delicious Skinny Spinach and Artichoke Dip.  This dip is better for you than traditional spinach and artichoke dips.  With only 64 calories and 9.5 grams of protein per half cup, you won't feel guilty enjoying it throughout the big game, and it's the perfect compliment for the original RITZ Cracker!

Ingredients (makes 7 servings):
1/2 cup less fat cream cheese
1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
1/4 cup Parmesan-Reggiano cheese (grated)
2 cloves garlic (chopped)
9 ounce package of frozen spinach (thawed and drained)
1 cup marinated artichoke heart quarters (drained and roughly chopped)
salt and pepper
1/4 cup reduced fat mozzarella cheese (grated)
RITZ Crackers for dipping

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
2. Using a hand mixer, combine cream cheese, yogurt. parmesan cheeses, and garlic.
3. Fold in spinach and artichokes.
4. Transfer dip mixture into a pie plate, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and top with mozzarella.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until edges are bubbly.
6. Turn up the broiler to 450 degrees, and broil for 2-3 minutes, until the top browns.
7. Serve with RITZ Crackers.

The final step before the party was to get the Coke Zero chilling.  This was another piece of the party that definitely won't break our resolutions either.  Delicious Coca-Cola taste but with zero calories - what a perfect drink to cheers to the new year.  To add a little extra healthy fun, I paired the Coke Zero with a variety of chopped fruit to make the drinks feel even more decadent.

Now the party was ready to go!  We just love time with family and friends, delicious food and drinks, and, of course, the game!

Because we want our guests to have a variety of healthier options to snack on, the food table also included easy bruschetta (diced tomatoes, garlic, onion, olive oil, salt, and pepper) and caprese crackers (fresh mozzarella, basil, and tomato).  Both were the perfect healthy toppings for RITZ Crackers!

How are you going to watch the big game this year?  As you can tell, refreshing drinks and finger foods are definitely my favorite way!

Looking for extra game day party inspiration?  Check out even more ideas for snacks and sips at #ReadyforKickoff!