Game 5: Cowboys @ Packers Tex-Mex Pizza Bites

Game 5

Cowboys @ Packers

Tex-Mex Pizza Bites

Pregame

Living in the heart of Cowboy's country, there is no opponent I love to the Packers to beat more.  After suffering through the terrible losses in the 90's, the Pack has reversed their fortune against them.  They've beat the Cowboys 5 straight games, with the last 2 losses especially humiliating!  These were the playoff loss in Green Bay with the Dez Bryant non-catch and the Pack defeating them in Dallas, with Matt Flynn at the helm, in the biggest comeback loss in Cowboys history.  

We were at the game in Dallas and it definitely made up for all those losses in the 90's!

This game will mostly be about the Packer's #1 run stopping defense vs the Cowboy's # 1 run offense.  The Packer's will have Eddie Lacy as the only running back an will be thin again at cornerback with Quinten Rollins out.  Dez Bryant is still out for the Cowboys.  The Packers will need to find a way to make Dak Prescott to make some mistakes.

Recipe

Tex-Mex Pizza Bites

Living in Texas Tex-Mex food is king.  This week I've come up with a great healthy snack that will tempt the taste buds of all Tex-Mex lovers!

Ingredients:
2 Pizza Crusts
1 can Refried Beans
1 can Red Enchilada Sauce
1 package Beyond Beef Crumbles
1 package Taco Seasoning
Pizza Toppings such as:
Shredded lettuce, tomatoes, red onions, black olives, avocados, jalapenos,taco sauce

Directions:
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees.  In a skillet warm up the package of Beyond Beef Crumbles.  When warmed up add in the taco seasoning and water and cook until the sauce thickens.  Next, spread a layer of the refried beans onto the pizza crusts.  Then spread a thin layer of the enchilada sauce over the beans and then sprinkle on the Beyond Beef crumbles. Place the pizzas in the oven and bake for about 15 minutes.  When the pizzas come out of the oven garnish them with whatever toppings your family enjoys or let everyone make their own.  Then cut up the pizza into small squares, drizzle with taco sauce and voila, you're a Tex-Mex super hero!

Game Recap

Packers lose 30-16!!

Well the Cowboys running attack definately beat the Packer's D.  The passing defense didn't hold up much better after cornerback Damarius Randall went down and left our #4 & 5 guys to start.  They did keep the Cowboys to only 3 of 11 on 3rd down and Burnett had a pick to prevent a score.

Offense for the Packers was a mixed bag.  Big kudos to Ty Montgomery for10 receptions and Eddie Lacey for gutting it out with a bad ankle.  That wasn't enough though.   Aaron Rodgers missed some easy throws, had a pick and a fumble.  He has to play better.   He is not hitting receivers so they have an opportunity to make plays or defend themselves.  As a result Davante Adams looks to have a possible concussion. 

I'll have to take grief from Cowboys fans until the next time they meet(maybe the playoffs).

Be well, 

David

Game 2: Packers @ Vikings Ultimate Nachos

Game 2:  Packers @ Vikings 

Ultimate Nachos

Pregame News

This is Minnesota's home opener at the new $1.13 Billion US Bank Stadium.  It's notable feature is the partially clear roof(instead of a retractable roof) and it's opening doors on either end.  To the Packer's disadvantage, the angle of the angle of the roof slants towards their sideline making the crowd noise louder on that side of the field.

Sam Shields will not play due to the concussion(his 5th of his career) suffered in the Jacksonville game last week. I am very concerned for his future health and would not be surprised if he retired after this season.  Quinten Rollins and LeDarius Gunter will need to step up to take place.  Neither had a great game last week.  Also, rookie receiver Trevor Davis should be active for his 1st NFL game.

Game Recap

1st Qtr

I have to hand it to Minnesota, the stadium appears to be pretty awesome.  Some scares include Clay Matthews limping off the field(appears to be okay) and two fumbles by Rodgers and Adams that were thankfully recovered.  On the plus side Daniels sacked Bradford, Montgomery blocked a punt, and Peterson was held to 1 yard.  Adams draws an interferance call resulting in short TD pass from Rodger to Nelson.  7-0 Packers

2nd Qtr

Burnett gives up an 8yd TD pass.  Bradford's left hand appears really swollen and gets it checked out in the locker room.  Diggs gets a 42yd pass to set up a Walsh 46yd field goal. 10-7 Vikings

3rd Qtr

A Matthew's sack ends the Vikings's 1st drive near midfield.  Packers stall on a missed 4th & 1 on the Vikings 8.  Peterson and Hyde both go out within a minute of each other with ankle injuries.  Diggs 25 yd TD pass.  17-7 Vikings

4th Qtr

Rodgers sacked to open the qtr but completes 39yd pass to Jordy to the Minnesota 4 and the runs in 10yds for a TD.  Tretter gets a 15yd penalty after the play for defending a late hit on Rodgers which the refs don't call.  Rodger fumbles on their next drive on the Minnesota 39.  Packers hold the Vikings with a sack on 3rd & 11.  Packers start on their 9, Rodgers picked by Waynes with 1:50 to go.  Vikes get an interference call on 3rd & 6 to seal the game.  

Conclusion

Vikings win 17-14.  Sam Bradford looked like a Pro Bowl QB in his first start after looking horrible in the 1st qtr, totally outplayed Aaron Rodgers.  Packers failed to make the big plays they needed on offense.  Demarious Randall was burned repeatedly by Stefon Diggs.

Game 2 Recipe

Ultimate Nachos by Debra Byczek

Whether you are a Nacho Purist (straight up queso and peppers) or a Nacho Extremist (throw whatever you can find on top) this week's recipe is for you!

1. Grab a bag a minimally processed corn tortillas.  We like to use the brand El Milagro.  Cut the tortillas into fourths and lightly spray them with water.  Next, shake on whatever spices you desire.  I used chili powder.  Throw them in a preheated 350 degree oven and bake them about 20-25 minutes.  They should come out crispy and crunchy.  Now you've got your first layer.  
   
   
   
   
   
   
2. It's Queso time!  There are a lot of great non -dairy recipes out there, but our favorite comes from our good friend Mrs. Plant.  This queso is not only easy, but also full of great healthy ingredients.  The base is cashews, nutritional yeast, and almond milk.  We've attached the link so you can check out this as well as other great recipes from Mrs. Plant.
    
3. Get out your cutting board because it's time to chop up your garnishes.  We chose to cut up:  jalapenos, red onion, green onions, cilantro, lettuce, tomatoes, and avocados.  Feel free to add as much or as little as you like.
   
4. "Meat" layer.  I used a bag of Beyond Beef pea protein crumbles, a can of organic pinto beans, and a package of Trader Joe's taco seasoning.  Dump all of these in a skillet with a little water and heat until warmed through.
5. Now the fun begins!  It's time for everyone to jump in and build their own plate of nachos.  I'm a Nacho Extremist so here's a picture of mine.  This makes a great, healthy football watching snack.  Enjoy!
   
   

Health/Food Tips of the Week

Healthier Food Substitutions

Eating healthier can be as easy as substituting ingredients in the dishes that you love.  These Nachos use the following healthier choices:

Beyond Meat Beefy Crumble



This is a great transition or replacement for ground beef!  No cholesterol, saturated fat, or GMO's.   This or any of their other products are pretty easier to find now. Use their store locator to find a location near you. If you sign up for their newsletter you can get $1 off coupons occasionally.  The average price is usually around $4.50.


El Milagro Corn Tortillas

These Corn Tortillas are found in the frozen section at Central Market grocery stores grocery stores(owned by HEB).  The ingredients are just non-gmo stone ground corn, water, and lime. You can't get any more minimally processed than this.  No oil, no salt, and nothing artificial. If you aren't lucky enough to find this brand, try to find some with similar ingredients.







Quick Cashew Queso

This is great substitution for Velveeta or other cheese sauces. It uses raw cashews as the main ingredient instead of cow's milk or milk by-products.  Raw cashew are best.  Unprocessed, plain raw cashews.  By avoiding the roasting process, added oils, salts, etc will be avoided and the maximum amount of nutrients preserved. Health Benefits of Cashews

If you use Velveeta have you ever looked at the ingredients or nutritional profile?
Here's a good synopsis about it:  http://www.organicauthority.com/what%27s-in-velveeta  

Spread the Word

We appreciate your feedback to help improve this blog as we are very new to this.  Inform us if there are any recipes you want us make as well. 

Please share these recipes and books with your family and friends.  Our main goal is to get every person healthier and then have them share as well.

Next week is the home opener at Lambeau Field against Detroit!


Be well,

David Byczek