Thai Me Up Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Hosting the Super Bowl this Sunday? Be sure to check out our last post for tips to avoid a food hangover on Monday. Also be sure to try our our light and delicious white bean dip recipe! We have one more simple, crowd pleasing recipe for you. These chicken lettuce wraps are easy to make, full of flavor, and are a healthier option for those of you trying to steer clear of the chicken wings. Enjoy!

Ingredients: ( 8 servings)

• 8 carrots, diced
• 4 stalks celery, diced
• 2 red bell peppers, diced
• 2 cans of water chest nuts, drained and diced
• 5 scallions, sliced
• 4 tablespoons grated fresh ginger
• 8 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cooked rotisserie chickens, shredded
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1/2 cup roasted, unsalted cashews, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, minced 
• 1-2 heads Iceburg lettuce or romaine for wrapping

Sauce Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup natural peanut butter
• 2 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/8 teaspoon grated ginger 
• 1/3 cup warm water

Directions:

1. Saute carrots, celery, peppers, water chest nuts, scallions, ginger, and garlic in skillet coated with oil spray or 1 tbsp oil (sesame, peanut, or olive oil works)
2. Mix together sauce ingredients in separate bowl and stir until creamy. Add to skillet and stir to coat vegetables evenly. Add the chicken to mix all the flavors together, about 1-2 more minutes.
3. Remove skillet from heat and add the cashews and cilantro. Allow to cool for about 5 minutes
4. Break off lettuce wraps and fill each lettuce cup with about 1/2 cup of the chicken mixture. Option to garnish with more cilantro or scallions.  

How to Avoid the Super Bowl Super Size

If you're anything like us, the Super Bowl is all about the commercials, an excuse to party on a Sunday, and the half time show. But Super Bowl Sunday all too often leads to a miserable Monday. Remember last year? That headache from one too many beers, that stomach ache from a chicken wing overdose... oh, and that spread of questionable chips and dips. 

Believe it or not, there are ways to avoid the Monday food hangover. We are all about partaking in the festivities, but let's focus on making bets, catching up with friends, and most importantly, Beyonce.  

The first step, like with any holiday or festivity that revolves around food, is to set yourself up for success. Number one rule? Do not go in starving! Have a healthy and filling breakfast and lunch so you have a clear head to browse the options and make a plate in a sensible, conscious manner. If you are ravenous walking into the Super Bowl party, you will start piling your plate with the first thing you see - healthy or not. Fill half of your plate with vegetable based options, leaving room for small portions of those foods you just have to try. 

Vegetable based options at the super bowl?? That's where the responsible you comes in. If you are going to a friend's to watch the game, don't assume he or she shares your health goals. Offer to bring a salad, guacamole or hummus with crudités, or our light and filling white bean dip (see recipe below). Beans are high in fiber and protein, the two main components to keeping you satiated and satisfied. 

After you make your plate and mix a drink, sit down and socialize! That's what you're there for, right? 

White Bean Dip with Crudités (yields about 1 3/4 cups)

Ingredients:

• 2/3 cup low fat cottage cheese
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 12 teaspoon dried thyme
• 15.5 oz cannellini or white beans, rinsed and drained
• Salt and pepper
• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• Pinch of paprika (smoked or sweet)
• Chopped chives to garnish
• Whole grain pita bread, sliced bell peppers, carrots, cucumbers, and celery to dip

Directions:

1. Combine the first five ingredients in a blender and puree until smooth. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to an hour
2. Transfer to serving bowl and drizzle olive oil, sprinkle paprika , and garnish with chives

Have any go-to healthy party recipes? Be sure to share with us!