Healthier snack foods

I know it's not a surprise to anyone that we watched the Super Bowl on Sunday. Didn't everybody?

We also had all our favorite snack foods, including pizza from our favorite pizzeria and some great wings from a local wing place.

We did try to have a few healthy things -- a fruit tray, a veggie tray with Tofutti sour cream, salsa and chips and a no-cheese, cheesy dip. (You can tell we have some milk allergies in our crowd.)

We all enjoyed the dips but the cheese dip was probably every one's favorite. It is cheesy, thanks to the nutritional yeast we added. It looks like regular cheese sauce because it is colored with a red bell pepper. For those who just can't tolerate milk products, this is a very good option. Next time you really MUST have cheese dip (or sauce) try this instead. Your digestive system will thank you.

No-Cheese Dip

2 cups water
1 cup raw cashews
2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
1/2 large red bell pepper
1 teaspoon onion powder
1-1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
2 tablespoons arrowroot powder (1 tablespoon corn starch will work as well)

Blend first seven ingredients in blender on high for at least two minutes until completely smooth. Pour into pan and heat at a medium heat stirring frequently. When close to a boil, mix arrowroot powder with a little of the mixture. Add back to the mixture and stir well. Allow the mixture to come to a light boil and thicken. Remove from heat and allow to cool.

Mock Sour Cream Onion Dip

1 container of Tofutti sour cream
1 teaspoon dried onion flakes
Spike seasoning, to taste
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Optional: 1/4 teaspoon parsley flakes

Mix all ingredients together and allow to stand for a half hour so that the dried onions become reconstituted. Enjoy with a carrot sticks, cauliflower flowerettes, broccoli, celery sticks or any bite size vegetable you like.