Let the (healthy) games begin!

Article by: MEREDITH DEEDS , Special to the Star Tribune
Updated: December 28, 2011 - 2:24 PM

Don't fill your Bowls with calorie-laden food; try a fresh approach with Greek Nachos.

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Greek Nachos are big on flavor, not fat and calories.

Photo: Meredith Deeds, Special to the Star Tribune

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I was raised in a football family, so I'm no stranger to the dietary freefall that comes along with "bowl season." Just as I'm beginning to envision the positive effect my New Year's resolution will have on my waistline, along come these big sporting events. And along with them come the inevitable fattening football fare.

Potato chips, creamy dips and the most tempting dish of all, cheesy nachos, seem to be the only offerings at many parties. That's why I developed this recipe for Greek Nachos that give all the same satisfaction of traditional nachos, but with a fraction of the calories, fat and sodium.

Homemade pita chips form the basis of this dish, topped with dollops of creamy hummus and a generous amount of refreshing Greek-inspired salsa, made with crunchy cucumber, tomatoes and spiked with fresh mint and just a touch of jalapeño.

I will assemble the whole dish if I'm planning on setting it directly in front of a hungry crowd who will be eating it right away. If, on the other hand, it will be hanging out on a buffet table, I usually keep all the elements separate and let my guests do the assembly themselves. This keeps the chips from getting soggy and allows younger football fans to eat the pita chips and hummus alone, if that's what they prefer.

Meredith Deeds of Edina is the author of "Everyday to Entertaining" and "The Big Book of Appetizers." Reach her at meredith@meredithdeeds.com. Follow her on Twitter @meredithdeeds.

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Recipes: Greek Nachos With Pita Chips and Hummus

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