Are you ready for the faceoff between The Rams and The Patriots this Sunday? There’s another reason they call it the “Big Game.” It’s the second biggest food day of the year, just second to Thanksgiving, according to the USDA.

Registered Dietitian Michelle Dudash joins us with proof that there are better-for-you options that won’t increase YOUR end zone!

1. Organic, Low-Carb, Lower-Calorie Beer–and Brats
You don’t have to think in terms of all or nothing. 
Michelle is all about balance– especially on the day of the Big Game. She believes you can enjoy delicious food and great tasting beer without the guilt by making those simple swaps and smart choices.

A football staple is Beer Brats made by simmering organic bratwurst with onions and peppers in Michelob ULTRA Pure Gold, until cooked through for a delicious, lower carb option. You can serve these with whole romaine lettuce leaves or low-carb tortillas. 

Michelle works with Michelob ULTRA Pure Gold and loves it because it’s delicious and has just 85 calories and 2.5 grams of carbs, which is less than a glass of wine. It’s organic, too!

As of this month, Michelob ULTRA Pure Gold has the USDA stamp of approval as certified organic—it’s the first major beer brand to have this distinction.

Pure Gold has a beautiful golden hue and a refreshing taste and pairs well with your game day spread.

2. Totally Homemade Buffalo Wings
Freshen up your wing sauce game with roasted organic red bell peppers and red Fresno chilis blended with spices to get just the right amount of heat to your game day wings. No need to fry them either— they’re baked to perfection in under 45 minutes.

3. Easy, No-Carb Parmesan Cheese Crisps
This snack hack couldn’t be easier. Just grate a wedge of Parmesan and place small piles of the cheese on parchment paper. Bake at 375 degrees F for 8-10 minutes. Sprinkle a little smoked paprika on top. In a few minutes, they harden into scrumptious crackers that are low carb perfection! Dip into your favorite game day apps, like hummus and guac. 

Learn more at www.dishwithdudash.com.

ROASTED ORGANIC RED PEPPER BUFFALO WINGS 
No football party is complete without Buffalo sauce, so don’t cut corners this year… Ditch the store-bought and add some organic flair to your sauce game. Roasted Organic red bell peppers blended with an array of spices for just the right amount of heat for your perfect game day wings! 

Yield: 4 Servings
Active Time: 30 minutes • Total Time: 10 minutes 
INGREDIENTS 
2 organic red bell peppers, rinsed                                      2 organic red Fresno chilies
4 organic garlic cloves
1⁄2 organic yellow onion                                                       1⁄2 cup water
1⁄2 cup organic apple cider vinegar
1⁄2 teaspoon organic paprika
Organic cayenne pepper, to taste
Salt and pepper, to taste                                                                                                                         2 pounds organic chicken wings, rinsed and dried
2 teaspoons baking powder
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1⁄4 cup organic unsalted butter
Organic blue cheese or ranch dressing, for serving
Organic veggie sticks, for serving
Organic cauliflower florets, for serving 

INSTRUCTIONS 
Place a grate over a stovetop burner and char red bell peppers, Fresno chilis, garlic, and yellow onion until skin is blackened and each is tender (about 10 minutes). 
Remove from heat and place in a bowl, cover with plastic wrap and let sit for 3-5 minutes. Gently peel skin from bell peppers, discarding stem and seeds as well as skins from onion and garlic. 
In a food processor or blender, puree charred veggies with water and apple cider vinegar. Season with salt, paprika, and cayenne according to desired level of spice. Sauce will keep sealed in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. 

To prepare wings – toss in a large bowl with baking powder and salt making sure each wing is evenly coated. Prepare a baking sheet with a rack and space wings out evenly. Refrigerate wings overnight for ultimate crispy skin or at least 2 hours. 

Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Bake wings for 30-45 minutes, flipping halfway through until golden brown and crispy.

Meanwhile, in a saucepot heat homemade roasted red pepper buffalo, finishing with butter. 
In a large bowl, toss wings and sauce until thoroughly coated and serve immediately hot and crispy with dressing and veggies for serving. 

Courtesy of Michelob ULTRA and Tastemade