Fourth of July: spicing up the classics

Since July 4th falls on my usual posting day, I had to get this week's holiday-related post up early! Tomorrow marks the USA's 238th birthday, and where there's an all-American shindig, hot dogs, cheese burgers, and beer are sure to follow. There's no tiring of the foods that have come to characterize the nation's cuisine, but wouldn't it be fun to spice up the usual fare with a unique and healthy twist?

I'm not talking about anything too crazy, but something along the lines of adding grilled pineapple to your burgers or serving up your veggie side in pie form. These adjustments can add some fresh and exciting flavor to the spread without forgoing any star spangled staples. For some delicious inspiration, check out the recipes below and make this year's Fourth of July one that your tastebuds won't forget!

Avocado-Stuffed Veggie Explosion Turkey Burgers

Spicy Sweet Potato Salad

Fajita Turkey Burgers

Zucchini Pie

Peach Salsa Dog

Spicy Hawaiian Burgers

Creamy Kale Salad with Cracked Pepper Polenta Croutons 

Jalapeño Chickpea Lentil Burgers with Sweet Mango Avocado Pico

Guacamole Dog

Spicy-Sweet Slaw

Vegan Macaroni and Cheese

Greek Feta Beef Burger

Grilled Romaine with Lemon-Pepper Yogurt Dressing

Portobello Mushroom Cashew Cheese Burgers

California Hot Dog

Caprese Skewers

Tilapia Burgers with Watermelon Salsa and Avocado

Grilled Corn on the Cob with Basil, Olive Oil, and Sea Salt

Pineapple Flurry and Coconut Chia Seed Pudding

Cara's Healthy Ice Cream Sandwiches (as an alternative to making the cookie, you could opt for whole grain graham crackers, such as Back to Nature Golden Honey Oat Grahams)

Mango Chocolate Sparklers

Frozen Watermelon Popsicles

Barbecued Bloody Mary

If you're interested in some whole grain buns to up the health ante of your hot dogs and burgers, consider picking up some of Rudi's 100% Whole Wheat Buns or Trader Joe's 100% Stone Ground Whole Wheat Hot Dog Buns!

Superbowl Sunday: clean game day recipes

This Sunday, family rooms and sports bars throughout the nation will transform into seas of orange, blue, and green. As Broncos and Seahawks fans gather around the TV to watch the big game, rivalries between devotees of opposing teams are sure to transpire. History, though, has shown that we can all rejoice over food.

Acting as a mediator of sorts, appetizing game day food isn't just a fun addition, it's a must. To keep our taste buds and stomachs in good spirits from kickoff to the winning point, a spread of healthy, finger-friendly snacks should be well within reach. Perhaps by avoiding indigestion and bloat from the usual selection of less-than-healthy, store-bought Super Bowl snacks, some of the competitive talk can be kept at bay (just a thought). So, ditch the cheese puffs and deep-dish pizza and see if any of the clean and ever-appropriate recipes below strike your fancy!

Skinny Buffalo Chicken Strips

Ranch Turkey Sliders

Loaded Sweet Potato Nachos

Lighter Spinach and Artichoke Dip

Baked Portabella Mushroom Taquitos

Black Bean and Edamame Sliders

Lightened Up Mac & Cheese Bites

Grilled Lemon Chicken Skewers

Quinoa Stuffed Peppers

Crispy Tofu Nachos

Cornmeal Parmesan Chili Crusted Salmon Fingers

Baked Root Vegetable Chips

Hot Pepper Pizza Squares

Nutella Rice Crispy Treats

Flourless Peanut Butter and Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies

Skinny Beer-garitas

Forget the game. I'll be busy digging into the food.