Eco-Friendly Eats for the Super Bowl Gathering

Shopping Green / Green Living   

By Keri Houchin    
The first Sunday in February is a very important one indeed. Across America, families prepare a variety of eats and settle down in front of the television for an afternoon of excitement. Whether you are cheering for your football team or just curious about the latest commercials, making sure that your snacks are healthy, natural and local is easier than you think.

Have a hankerin’ for Tex-Mex? Chipotle Mexican Grill  is known for using fresh often-local produce, antibiotic-free meat and sustainable practices.

          

Chipotle has a new take-out option for groups called Burritos by the Box. Choose any quantity between six and 100 to meet your needs. (If you’ll be ordering more than 50, please give at least 24 hours’ notice.) Prices start at $8.50 per person and include chips, salsa and guacamole for the group. You can place your order at your local restaurant or by telephone. There are 51 restaurants in DFW so you are sure to find one nearby, wherever you live.
Plus, when you treat your friends this weekend, you’ll get something in return. Place an order for the Box to be picked up on Sunday February 3rd and save your receipt. Bring the receipt on your next visit before February 28th and receive a free bowl, burrito, salad or taco order. For more info, visit Chipotle.com 

Whole Foods will be having a three-day sale on everyone’s favorite pub snack: wings. February 1st through 3rd, pick up a 54 oz. bucket of ready-to-eat hot wings for $7.99 while supplies last. They’re available in classic BBQ and Buffalo, plus the chicken is raised without antibiotics or animal byproducts. Whole Foods has seven DFW locations.

If you’re looking for a vegetarian or vegan option, check out the recipes on the Whole Foods website for recipes like Hearty Rice and Bean Vegetarian Nachos.

Speaking of vegetarian and vegan options, Fort Worth’s favorite tamale shop Hot Damn Tamales (713 W. Magnolia) sells them by the dozen at $10 to $16, depending on the variety. Choose a classic like black bean and cheese or try something new, like the Mardi Gras tamale. It is made with crawfish and lots of spice. There are also dessert options, for those curious enough to try a chocolate or cranberry tamale. And, should you be serving meat-eaters too, they also offer beef, chicken and pork varieties.  Check out over a dozen choices at  Hot Damn Tamales  and place your order by phone by calling 1-877-826-2539.  

In Dallas,   The Tamale Company's   tamales are made in a USDA certified kitchen, they are Lard Free, Gluten Free and MSG Free. "We provide our customers with a healthy tamale without compromising the authenticity." Some of their tamales include pumpkin and black bean.

If you are looking to keep it simple and healthy, look no further than the produce section of your favorite supermarket. Serve up a variety of fresh raw veggies and a few choices to dip them in. We recommend selecting a variety of colors and cutting them into different sizes and shapes for interest. Shop Local and organic when possible:  Cherry tomatoes, Radishes, Carrots, Celery, Cucumbers, Bell peppers in multiple colors, Green beans,Broccoli, Cauliflower, Yellow or green summer squash  Serve them alongside your favorite store-bought dip or whip up some homemade hummus.


Keri Houchin is a freelance writer from Fort Worth. She previously wrote Fort Worth Frugal Family Examiner and currently contributes to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram and OneMamasDailyDrama.com. Contact her at keri.houchin@yahoo.com

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