In four days Americans will gather to watch the Seahawks and Broncos battle for the coveted Lombardi Trophy and declare themselves World Champions.

For us non-NFL lovers, thankfully Superbowl parties are not just about watching the game.  It’s an excuse to hang out with friends and of course eat.  Next to Thanksgiving, Super Bowl Sunday is the second highest eating day.  On average, 1,200 calories and 50 grams of fat are consumed by fans of pig skin chasing.

Domino’s Pizza has reported they deliver 11 million pizzas on game day.

11 million pounds of chips are consumed, 4 million pounds of pretzels, and 51.7 million cases of beer will be purchased for the day.

Among the more popular, traditional foods are hot wings.  More than 1.23 billion wings and drumettes will devoured by cheering fans this Sunday.  A successful Superbowl party must have these among the smorgasbord.

As much as I love a spicy, sauced covered wing, I cringe at the nutritional facts.  In only five Hooter’s wings, there is 866 calories, 63g of fat, and 25g of carbs.  Lord help us.  You would have to run 95 minutes, maintaining a 10 minute mile pace the entire time to burn those calories.  Not even in moderation would these be beneficial to your waist line.

In my super skinny version of the North American favorite, there is only 172 calories, 7.8g of fat, and 6.1g of carbs for the same serving.  A huge savings in your calorie bank.

How did I reduce the calories that dramatically?  I removed the fatty skin and I baked them.  There is zero butter in the sauce.  Instead I replaced it with Melt rich and creamy spread.  Melt contains only good fats, like virgin coconut oil, and ghee.

This spicy, sweet, hip friendly version of wings would be a great addition to any Superbowl party.  Even if your team loses at least you will have won bragging rights to the best tasting, healthiest dish of the day.  You also won’t have remorse for what you ate.

What ever team you are rooting for I hope you have a fun, safe, calorie friendly day!  Go Trojans!

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Strawberry Hot Wings

Serves 6 – 3 wings each

30 chicken wings/drumettes, skin removed (half of each)

salt, pepper & chili powder to season

2 garlic cloves, minced

2 flats of strawberries, you need 1 1/2 cups of pureed strawberries

1/2 teaspoon white pepper

1/2 teaspoon worcestershire sauce

4 tablespoons Melt buttery spread

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/4 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon mustard

1/2 teaspoon apple cider vinegar

1 tablespoon honey

1/2 tablespoon tabasco (more or less to your desired heat level)

Organic Canola oil in a Misto sprayer (preferred) or store bought non-stick version

green onions, diced (optional for garnish)

Preheat oven to 425 degrees.

Rinse and dry the chicken completely.  Sprinkle each side of the wing with a small amount of salt, pepper and chili powder.  Set chicken on a wire rack that is resting on a cookie sheet, lined with parchment paper.  Spray each piece of chicken lightly on both sides with canola.  Bake for 35 – 45 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and crispy.

When chicken is done remove from oven and baste both sides with sauce.  Return back to oven for 1 minute.  Remove from oven and baste one more time.  Serve hot.  Garnish with green onions.

Sauce

Melt the buttery spread in a medium sauce pan over medium low heat.  Add in the strawberry puree, garlic powder, garlic, pepper, worcestershire, onion powder, honey, tabasco, mustard, and vinegar.  Bring to a simmer.  Reduce by half.  Remove from heat.

Servings: 6• Size: 5 pieces • Calories: 172• Fat: 7.8g • Carb: 6.1g • Fiber: 1g • Protein: 21.3g • Sugar:  4.9g • Sodium: 239mg • Cholesterol: 0mg