Easy-Pleasing Appetizer… or Snack… or Dinner

How’s everyone doing with those resolutions?! 

Personally, I don’t make resolutions.  I believe if we want something, we should change it for good, and not save it for January 1.  I think Janetha read my mind whens he wrote:

“i wonder why people don’t scramble to make a whole crapload of goals on july 31st? what is it about turning the calendar to a new year that makes everyone recommit to their intentions, make big plans for huge changes and declare january 1 to be the start to the best year ever? “

Well-put, my friend! 

While I admit that I was lax about what I was putting in my body over the holidays, I totally OD’d on the sweets, and I couldn’t seem to find the time to make it to the gym (although fresh baked goods appeared in my kitchen on a daily basis), I have stated that I am ecstatic to return to my “normal” routine of more workouts, more healthy dinners, and less sugar.  I think we’re all willing to trade up our fried foods and cupcakes for healthier options… as long as they taste good. 

Look no further!

I always usually make an effort to cook as healthily as I can without sacrificing flavor.  Sometimes there’s a recipe I want to make, and there is just no way of substituting anything to get what I’m going for.  But most times, there are simple ways to “healthify,” if you will, a meal.  Some of my small, but significant changes to recipes include rarely using “extra” salt, swapping butter and oils for cooking spray, bulking up on the veggies and using less pasta, passing on the dressing for salads, making a sandwich without the yucky, fattening condiments, subbing whole grains whenever possible, or reducing the amount of a specific ingredient, etc. 

A little common sense goes a long way.  You get the idea.  Some of those things are personal preferences (I don’t notice the missing salt, I don’t do mayo or most dressing anyway, and I prefer wheat bread to white… the list goes on).  All I’m getting at is that these health and diet-related resolutions do not have to equal sacrifice.

Say it with me.

These health and diet-related resolutions do not have to equal sacrifice.

Louder!

These health and diet-related resolutions do not have to equal sacrifice.

I can’t hear you!

THESE HEALTH AND DIET-RELATED RESOLUTIONS DO NOT HAVE TO EQUAL SACRIFICE!!!

Loud and clear. 

So, take for example these delicious bites of buffalo heaven. 

Would you believe me if I told you that these really aren’t bad for you?!  Even if they taste like they should be? 

Buffalo Chicken Wontons

Adapted from this recipe

Print this recipe!

• .5 pound boneless skinless chicken breast
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/3 cup wing sauce
• 3/4 Italian blend cheese
• 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 30(ish) wonton wrappers
• salt and pepper to taste

1. Preheat oven to 350 F.
2. Dice chicken into small pieces.  (You could always shred it after it’s cooked, if you prefer).  Coat chicken with wing sauce and toss with minced garlic.  Place chicken and sauce in a baking dish and cook, about 20 minutes or until done. 
3. Once cool, stir in the cheddar and Italian cheeses. Spoon about a teaspoon of mixture into each wonton wrapper. Moisten edges of wrapper and bring together in the middle, forming a little purse, or just stop at the triangle, like I did. 
4. Meanwhile, turn oven up to 400 F.  Spray a baking pan with cooking spray, and set your wonton on top.  Give the tops of the wontons a nice spritz of cooking spray.  (This will help get them browned on top). 
5. After baking, let cool.  Serve with a side of extra sauce for dipping.

And in pictures…

           

The original recipe called for lots of butter, some deep-frying, and a lot more cheese than what you see here.

Did I mention it was from the picture of health herself, Paula Deen?

Now I’m sure the original recipe was fabulous- and there’s nothing wrong with butter, cheese, and oil. 

Unless you don’t want to do that to your body.

And if you do once in awhile, that’s ok!

But most of us don’t. 

So why not enjoy them, but save our thighs the trouble?

LIGHT BULB!

I’m sure in a side-by-side taste test, the deep-fried, butter filled, uber-cheesy wontons would win.  But, since these were so outstanding and I didn’t know the difference, it didn’t matter! 

I’m talking crispy, crunchy, packed with flavor, and addicting.  Once you pop, you can’t stop.

Trust me. 

But the thing is, since these are reallly not that bad for you- you don’t have to feel guilty. 

Have them for a snack.  I did.

Have the rest for dinner.  I did that too. 

These only taste indulgent, but you saw the ingredient list.  Lloyd agrees that these are one of the best things I’ve made recently.  These totally redeemed me for the funky chicken. 

They’re quick to make and cook, and will definitely please a crowd.  I don’t know many people who don’t perk up when you utter those magic words: “buffalo chicken.”  I totally see myself making these as an appetizer time and time again.  Make them your secret weapon, too!

Psssst… call for guest bloggers!  If you’re interested in writing a guest post for Blog is the New Black, email me at liz.blogisthenewblack [at] gmail.com. 

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