Slam Dunk Basketball Snacks

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If you ask my husband, we have very different opinions on watching basketball.  I grew up playing basketball, so I love to watch it.  Whether it is at a live game or on tv, it doesn't matter to me.  My husband, however, prefers to watch it live.  He thinks watching basketball on tv is boring.  While, I can't disagree that being at a live game is much more thrilling, I still enjoy watching a good game on tv, especially now that it is time for The Big Tournament!!  That time of year where college spirit & insane, unruly competitiveness is brought out in everyone.  It doesn't matter if they went to one of the top ranked schools or not,  suddenly everyone has the biggest opinions on who will win. It is always amusing for me to see how upset people can get.  But, no matter what, it is still fun to throw a party and experience the thrill of victory or defeat.

This year I am creating a delicious spread of food and drinks with the help of  Coca-Cola Zero™ and OREO. Having many food options at parties is my number one goal. Not only fresh & healthy snacks, but sweet & fun ones too! It is the perfect way to get in the spirit and celebrate with friends and family.

Typically, if I am in charge of food for a party, I try to include some kind of fruit, vegetable, dip and something sweet.  This year I have morphed 4 snacks into the shape of basketballs that will keep everyone coming back for more.  They don't just look good, they taste good, too!  Mandarin oranges, loaded sweet potato chips, hummus dip and OREO Thins will create the perfect spread.  I prefer to use OREO Thins, because they are light, crispy, and just sweet enough to keep everyone happy.  No need for heavy cake or cupcakes at this party!

As for the drinks, I will be setting out Coke Zero, water and tea, so there is a light refreshing option for everyone.  It is a great way to cater to your guests by giving them some extra choices.  Plus the basketball decals on the cans are too perfect not to have at a basketball party!

© Mondelēz International group © Coca-Cola Zero is a registered trademark of the Coca-Cola Company.

In case you are not sure where to find all the ingredients and products for your party.  I purchased everything, including OREO Thins and Coke Zero at Vons.  But, you can also find them at Albertsons, Safeway, or one of their banner stores: Carrs, Acme, Jewel, Shaws, Star Market, Randalls, Tom Thumb, Pavilions, United, Market Street.

The best part of these Slam Dunk Basketball Snacks, is that they are incredibly easy to make.  No need to stress before The Big Tournament, you will be prepared with the best snacks in town! But be sure to take the following instructions into consideration when making your awesome basketball spread.

SLAM DUNK BASKETBALL SNACKS:

• Mandarin Orange Basketballs: Make sure to use a non-toxic marker to draw on the basketball lines :).
• Basketball Hummus Dip:  I use my Easy Hummus recipe and place it into a circular dish.  Top with shredded carrots to make it orange then slice an avocado to create the basketball lines.  This dip is perfect for chips or vegetables.
• Loaded Sweet Potato Chips:  I start by microwaving 1-2 sweet potatoes for approximately 3-4 minutes.  This will make them a little soft and easier to slice.  Next cut the sweet potatoes into thin slices and bake at 375 degrees for approximately 10 minutes.  Flip the slices and bake for another 5 minutes.  Remove the slices and top each with your preferred style of cheese (I used a vegan style of cheddar cheese).  Place the potatoes back into the oven and bake for another 2 minutes, or until cheese is melted.  To create the lines of the basketball, I pipe on a black bean, cilantro spread.  To create this spread, I blend together 1 16 oz. can of black beans with 1 cup of fresh cilantro.  Depending on how thick you want your spread to be, you can drain the liquid out of the can first or pour the liquid in the blender as well. Once you have a smooth consistency, add 1 teaspoon of cumin and a dash of salt & pepper.  To draw the lines, pour the black bean spread into a plastic bag, and cut the edge off.  Once the potatoes have cooled, you can pipe on the spread.  Don't draw the lines too soon after removing the slices from the oven.  If so the heat will make the black bean lines start to thin out and melt off the slices.
• OREO Thins Basketballs:  Now for the best part, dessert!  I purchased the original flavor and golden flavor OREO Thins.  Like I said before, I like to make sure there is something for everyone at my parties.  To create the basketballs, I used the golden flavor and piped on black icing.  Simple as that!

You can't deny that a huge part of watching The Big Tournament is enjoying food and drinks with friends and family. Thanks to OREO and Coke Zero, now you will not only enjoy the madness but taste the madness with these great options.

Mondelēz International and Coca-Cola are Corporate Champion and Partners of the NCAA.

Loaded Sweet Potato Chips

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Ingredients

• 1-2 sweet potatoes
• 1 16 oz can black beans
• 1 cup fresh cilantro
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• dash of salt/pepper
• Preferred style of cheese

Instructions

1. Start by microwaving 1-2 sweet potatoes for approximately 3-4 minutes. This will make them a little soft and easier to slice.
2. Cut the sweet potatoes into thin slices and bake at 375 degrees for approximately 10 minutes. Flip the slices and bake for another 5 minutes.
3. Remove the slices and top each with your preferred style of cheese. Place the potatoes back into the oven and bake for another 2 minutes, or until cheese is melted.
4. To create black bean, cilantro spread, blend together 1 16 oz. can of black beans with 1 cup of fresh cilantro. Depending on how thick you want your spread to be, you can drain the liquid out of the can first or pour the liquid in the blender as well.
5. Once you have a smooth consistency, add 1 teaspoon of cumin and a dash of salt & pepper.
6. To draw the lines, pour the black bean spread into a plastic bag, and cut the edge off. Once the potatoes have cooled, you can pipe on the spread. **Don't draw the lines too soon after removing the slices from the oven. If so the heat will make the black bean lines start to thin out and melt off the slices.