The Ninja Baker - Super Bowl

Super Bowl Bento, #SundaySupper

NinjaBaker — Sat, 01 Feb 2014 22:52:23 +0000

With the arrival of Super Bowl season, a spell seems to take hold of my husband. Like many American football fans, the TV mesmerizes him. He shouts, waves his hands and dances in front of the television. With all this expended energy, my husband needs nourishment. But man - especially a gluten sensitive one - cannot live by bread and football alone. So, I prepared a Super Bowl bento (Japanese lunch box.)

Super Bowl Bento:
Asian Sesame Chicken &
Football Rice Balls & Gluten-Free Touchdown Chocolate Brownies

Chicken and chips, I understand, are Super Bowl staples. To address my husband’s health concerns, I concocted an Asian Sesame Chicken recipe. Chicken is baked with a drizzle of soy sauce, honey and sesame oil. (Happy to report the result is succulent and super-delicious!) Sesame seeds provide a fantabulous crunch covering.

Asian Sesame Chicken

Sticky Japanese white rice shaped into mini footballs play well with the chicken. The yummy stripes on the football, by the way, are SeaSnax. (Non-GMO, gluten-free dried seaweed seasoned with spices and olive oil.)

Sticky Rice & SeaSnax

Bento making rules demand that every single nook and cranny of the lunch box is covered. (No blank spaces allowed.) So, of course, this Ninja Baker had to add a gluten-free chocolate brownie for the husband. Almond meal flour and fine chocolate melt into one touchdown brownie. The recipe is inspired by one of the England's baking royals, Nigella Lawson, (Only a bit of brownie is needed to shape into mini footballs for the bento. So there is plenty leftover for the baker to enjoy.)

Almonds and chocolate melt into one luscious gluten-free brownie!
(Photo Courtesy of Jerry Witt)

For more Super Bowl scrumptiousness, scroll down to see an inspirational buffet provided by #SundaySupper participants. (If you like to bake, cook and see families back together around the dinner table, please see the #SundaySupper info below.) The topic of discussion around the virtual table at tonight’s #SundaySupper on Twitter is…drum roll please…Super Bowl recipes.

The Ninja Baker's Sesame Chicken

Japanese fried karaage chicken is a bento lunch box staple. For my health conscious husband, I created this baked sesame chicken. Same crunch factor. Plus, the bonus of an assertive sesame flavor paired with a tangy soy and honey sauce.

Ingredients:

1/3 pound chicken tenders
¾ cup rice flour blend
1 ½ teaspoons onion powder
¼ teaspoon powdered lemon peel
3 pinches of salt
2 dashes of pepper
2 eggs
1 cup white sesame seeds
3 tablespoons of sesame oil
2 ½ tablespoons of soy sauce
2 ½ tablespoons of honey

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Line a 13 x 9 pan with parchment paper.
Cut the chicken tenders into finger food size pieces. (Or ask your butcher to do so.)
In a bowl, whisk the salt, pepper, onion and lemon peel powders into the flour.
Crack open your eggs into a separate bowl. Beat lightly.
Pour the sesame seeds into a third bowl.
Dip the chicken tenders into the flour bowl. (Cover well.)
Next drench the chicken in eggs, followed by a roll in the sesame seeds.
Place into the lined pan.
Drizzle the chicken with sesame oil, soy sauce and honey.
Bake for 23 minutes. (The bottoms will be darker than the lighter tops.)

Tip: If you prefer a uniform color, flip the chicken bits halfway through the bake.

Gluten-Free Chocolate Touchdown Brownies

Touchdown! My gluten-free chocolate brownies were a huge hit with my husband and his colleagues. No one missed the flour.

This recipe is adapted from Nigella.com.

Ingredients:

8 ounces semi-sweet chocolate
1 cup of softened butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon coffee extract
¾ cup superfine sugar
3 eggs, lightly beaten
1 ½ cups almond meal flour

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees.

Line a 9 inch cake pan with tin foil and copiously spray butter flavored cooking spray.

Bring a pan of water to a boil. Turn down the flame so that it simmers.

Place the chocolate and butter in a heatproof bowl over the simmering water. Stir with a heatproof spatula until melted. Take off the heat. Briskly stir in the extracts and sugar. Let the chocolate mixture cool for a few minutes.

Whisk in the eggs to the slightly cooled chocolate and sugar mixture. Incorporate the almond meal.

Pour into the prepared pan.

Bake for 325 degrees for 15 minutes. Increase the heat to 350 degrees and bake for another 20 minutes.

Tip: With aluminum foil, tent the edges of the brownie pan if you see the edges turning black at the 15 minutes mark. Also, please note a darker and/or coated pan may need less baking time.

Our host of today's Sunday Supper is the phenomenal Heather of Hezzi-D's Books and Cooks. By day, Heather is a special education teacher. By night, she creates recipes which have won awards and appeared in numerous publications.

Allow me to introduce you to a few more inspirational bloggers aka creators of sensational Super Bowl recipes.

Game Day Appetizers:

Honey Mustard Pretzel Crunch from Shockingly Delicious
Salt and Vinegar Wings from Casa de Crews
Saucy Wings and Thighs from Hot Momma's Kitchen Chaos
Macaroni and Cheese Spring Rolls from Jane's Adventures in Dinner
Steak Rolls from Cravings of a Lunatic
Alpine Sliders from Manu's Menu
Hellfire Wings from Yours and Mine Are Ours
Easy Nacho Bar from Momma's Meals
Jalapeno Popper Taquitos from Curious Cuisiniere
Skinny Game Day Guacamole Potato Skins from Daily Dish Recipes
Buffalo Chicken Lasagna Cups from Alida's Kitchen
Spinach-Stuffed Jalapeno Poppers from La Cocina de Leslie
BBQ Veggie Mini Burgers from Happy Baking Days
Spicy Roasted Corn Shrimp Dip from Food Lust People Love
Honey-Sriracha Pigs in a Blanket from Hip Foodie Mom
Beer Cheese Fondue from Melanie Makes
Cheesy Artichoke and Garlic Bread from La Bella Vita Cucina
Whole Wheat Pepperoni Pizza Bites from Meal Planning Magic
Personal Chili Pots from MealDiva
Italian Spring Rolls from Noshing with The Nolands
Mexican Meatballs with Queso Blanco from Cooking on the Ranch
Parmigiano Crisps from The Not So Cheesy Kitchen
Buffalo Chicken Potstickers from Peanut Butter and Peppers
Mediterranean Nachos from The Little Ferraro Kitchen
Chinese Barbecue Wings from girlichef
Mini Veggie Quesadillas from Cindy's Recipes and Writings
Roasted Tomato Hummus from The Wimpy Vegetarian
Cashew Baba Ghanoush : Roasted Eggplant Dip from Sue's Nutrition Buzz
Buffalo Chicken Wing Dip Potato Skins from Family Foodie
Lemon Bay Pan Roasted Shrimp from A Kitchen Hoor's Adventure
Honey Sesame Seed Crackers from Kudos Kitchen By Renee

Game Day Entrees:

Super Sloppy Joes from The Foodie Army Wife
Buffalo Chicken Chili from Hezzi-D's Books and Cooks
Mini Meatball and Mozzarella Sandwiches from Cookin' Mimi
Super Bowl Bento from Ninja Baking
Vegetarian "Chorizo" and Black Bean Chili from Foxes Love Lemons
Twice Baked Chili Cheese Potatoes from Neighborfood
Barbecue Chicken Sloppy Sandwiches from Cupcakes & Kale Chips
Easy Vegetarian Chili from Delaware Girl Eats
Game Day Chili from Bobbi's Kozy Kitchen
Dr. Pepper Turkey Chili from The Texan New Yorker

Game Day Desserts:

Heavenly Hash Cookies from The Foodie Patootie
Cookie Dough Billionaire Bars from That Skinny Chick Can Bake
Chocolate Streusel Bars from Magnolia Days
Coffee Chocolate Swirl Cheesecake Squares from Desserts Required
Microwave Caramel Popcorn from Pies and Plots
Mini Coconut Cups from Basic N Delicious
Triple Chocolate S'mores Brownies from Take A Bite Out of Boca
Cracker Jack Candy from What Smells So Good?

Join the #SundaySupper conversation on twitter every Sunday! We tweet throughout the day and share recipes from all over the world. Our weekly chat starts at 7:00 pm ET. Follow the #SundaySupper hashtag and remember to include it in your tweets to join in the chat.

Check out our #SundaySupper Pinterest board for more fabulous recipes and food photos.

Would you like to join the Sunday Supper Movement? It’s easy! You can sign up by clicking here: Sunday Supper Movement.

Wishing you delicious fun on Super Bowl Sunday and always!

The Ninja Baker

© ™ Watkinson 2012

The Ninja Baker has guest blogged and contributed recipes to numerous food sites. These additional recipes can be found here.

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Sweet Potato Cake Pops, #SundaySupper

NinjaBaker — Sat, 02 Feb 2013 02:20:46 +0000

On February 3rd football’s biggest battle occurs between the Baltimore Ravens and San Francisco 49ers. The Ravens’ Offensive Tackle, Michael Oher and his adopted family are not new to the spotlight. He was the subject of the film, Blindside. The movie also brought an Oscar to Sandra Bullock for her portrayal of Michael Oher’s adopted mother, Leigh Anne Tuohy.

I was so touched by Michael Oher’s great big heart and the Tuohys’ generosity of spirit that I’m cheering for the Baltimore Ravens. (Even though I might be expected to root for the San Francisco 49ers since I live in California.)

Super Bowl is here! (Photo Credit)

No matter who you're rooting for, if you have football fans in your house, I'm sure you want your Super Bowl party to be a winner. If you need some last minute inspiration, check out the #SundaySupper food bloggers' cheer-evoking dishes and desserts for Super Bowl parties.

On February 3rd we will meet on Twitter at 7 p.m. ET to share the recipes. (30 minutes after the 6:30 p.m. ET kick-off.) Use hashtag (#) in front of SundaySupper to join the conversation.

The Ninja Baker’s contribution to the gathering was inspired by the southern origins of Michael Oher's family. They're from Memphis, Tennessee where Michael's sister, Collins Tuohy is the co-owner of the Whimsy Cookie Company which specializes in custom-made sugar cookies and designs.

Gluten-Free, Vegan Sweet Potato Cake Pops

Since sweet potatoes play a starring role in Southern cuisine. (Sweet potato pie, sweet potato casserole.) The Ninja Baker's contribution to the Sunday Supper gathering is Gluten-Free, Vegan Sweet Potato Cake Pops.

In Japan, the sweet potato is also cherished produce. Satsuma-imo from Kyushu, the Southern part of Japan is a favorite of most Japanese. Hot satsuma-imo wrapped in newspapers as well as caramelized slices of the sweet potato are but a few of the winter wonders in Japan.

Sweet Potato Cake Pops which have yet to be dipped
in white chocolate are scrumptious, too.

The Ninja Baker’s Gluten-Free, Vegan Sweet Potato Cake Pops are adapted from a recipe given to me by Joyce Kramer, a friend and award-winning co-author of Invisible No More: The Secret Lives of Women Over 50. The original recipe is apparently in Ellen Jaffee Jones’ Eat Vegan on $4 a Day.

If you like moist spice cake with a hit of sweet white chocolate, you’ll love my cake pops!

The Ninja Baker’s Gluten-Free, Vegan Sweet Potato Cake Pops
Yields approximately 45 cake pops

Ingredients:
1 ½ cups rice flour blend
½ cup Amaranth flour
1 T baking powder
½ t baking soda
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla powder
1 teaspoon Penzeys cake spice
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon nutmeg
½ cup dried cranberries
¼ cup unsweetened coconut
1 ¾ c cooked, mashed sweet potatoes
¼ c vanilla agave + 2 T (generous serving)
½ c water
¼ teaspoon coconut extract

Preheat oven 350 degrees.
Coat cake pop tins with butter flavored cooking spray.
Whisk dry ingredients together.
Combine the mashed sweet potatoes, agave, water and coconut extract mixture in a separate bowl.
Add the dry ingredients to the potato mixture.
Fill the cake pop tins with a mini ice cream scooper.
Bake for about 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.
Cool on a rack for 5 to 10 minutes.
Remove the cake pops from the tin.
Cool completely and place in the freezer.
After about 30 minutes, stick 6-inch cookie sticks into the centers of the cakes.
Melt white chocolate candy bits over a double boiler.
Swirl the cake pops into the melted candy.

It’s helpful to have a cake pop stand ready. Or have one of those green rounds used by florists for their flower creations.

Plain or frosted, the Ninja Baker's Sweet Potato Cake Pops are perfect party fare

Serve and enjoy your Super Bowl Sunday!

To complete your football soirée festivities, check out the other Super Bowl #SundaySupper recipes.

#SundaySupper Super Bowl Appetizers & Snacks:

All American Ranch Cheese Ball from The Weekend Gourmet
Arancinis from My Cute Bride
Bacon Double Cheese Burger Dip from In the Kitchen with KP
Bacon Jalapeño Fritters w/ Chipotle Ketchup from La Cocina de Leslie
Bacon Kettle Corn from The Girl in the Little Red Kitchen
Baked Crab Cakes from The Meltaways
Buffalo Chicken filled Pull-Apart Loaf from Small Wallet Big Appetite
Buffalo Chicken Pizza On A Stick from Neighborfood
Buffalo Tofu Bites from Soni's Food
Buttermilk Fried Pickles from Mooshu Jenne
Cheddar Cheese and Onion Ciabatta from Family Foodie
Cheeseburger Bites from Momma's Meals
Cheesy, Beefy Nachos from Gotta Get Baked
Cheesy Jalapeno Popper Dip from Daily Dish Recipes
Chorizo and Goat Cheese Stuffed Dates in a Smokey Tomato Sauce from The Roxx Box
Cranberry Glazed Meatballs from Curious Cuisiniere
Easy White Queso with Chorizo from Supper for a Steal
Eggplant Lentil Fritters With Orange Salsa from Sue's Nutrition Buzz
#GlutenFree 7 Layer Bean Dip from Cooking Underwriter
Gulf Coast Smoked Tuna Dip from 30A Eats
Ham & Cheese Crescents from Masala Herb
Ham Crescents {Schinkenhoernle} #DairyFree from Galactopdx
Little Filo Cheese Rolls from Food Lust People Love
Mini Crab Bites from Webicurean
Muffuletta Skewers from Magnolia Days
Peach Jalapeno Fritters from I Run for Wine
Philly Cheesesteak Bites from Cindy's Recipes and Writings
Pizza Pretzel Rolls from Cravings of a Lunatic
Pizza Wontons from Peanut Butter and Peppers
Refried Black Beans with Pita Chips from Basic N Delicious
Roasted Garlic-Bacon Dip from girlichef
Roasted Red Pepper Hummus from Hezzi-D's Books and Cooks
Stamp & Go! from The Lovely Pantry
Sweet and Spicy Bacon Wrapped Dates from Noshing with the Nolands
Tandoori Spiced Popcorn from MarocMama
Wonton Cones Filled with Oriental Salad from Simply Gourmet

#SundaySupper Super Bowl Main Dishes:

Bacon-Wrapped Chili Cheese Dogs from Damn Delicious
Buffalo Chicken Sloppy Sandwiches from Cupcakes & Kale Chips
Carolina BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders from The Foodie Army Wife
Chicken in Passion Fruit Crunch from The Urban Mrs.
Four Quarters "Grilled" Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches with Bleu Cheese Veggie Slaw from Mama.Mommy.Mom
Green Chile Cheeseburgers from Juanita's Cocina
Grilled Pizza with Sausage and Spinach from Ruffles & Truffles
Ham and Cheese Sliders from Hip Foodie Mom
Marinated Rump Steak with Chimichurri Sliders from Vintage Kitchen Notes
Meatball Sub Sliders from Country Girl in the Village
Oven-Fried Catfish Fingers with Mango-Chili Dip from Pescetarian Journal
Pigs in Sleeping Bags from Comfy Cuisine
Turkey Sliders with Roasted Tomatoes from That Skinny Chick Can Bake
Vegan "Hamburger Helper" Soup from What Smells So Good?

#SundaySupper Super Bowl Desserts:

Marshmallow Caramel Corn from Mom's Test Kitchen
Shortbread Brownies from Baker Street
Smores Blossom Cookies from Chocolate Moosey
Sweet Little Pastries from Happy Baking Days
Sweet Potato Cake Pops from Ninja Baking
Toddler Truffles from In the Kitchen with Audrey

#SundaySupper Super Bowl Tablescape: 10 Tips For A Winning Superbowl Buffet Table from An Appealing Plan

Wishing you friends and family with hearts as big as Michael Oher and the Tuohys to enjoy the game.

The Ninja Baker

The Ninja Baker's recipes are also available at:

BlogHer Food Editor's Pick of the Day
(27 December 2012)

?Allrecipes.com:
The Ninja Baker's Japanese Plum Sweet Memories and Recipes

Bob's Red Mill:
Almond Oatmeal Apple Cookies

Bob's Red Mill:
The Ninja Baker's Gluten-Free Breakfast Cupcake

Wholesome Sweeteners:
The Ninja Baker's Gluten-Free Coconut Chocolate Cheesecake Minis with Espresso Cream

Wholesome Sweeteners:
The Ninja Baker's Gluten-Free Double Chocolate Cupcakes with Champagne Glaze & Optional Lemon Peach Marmalade Filling

?LifeKraze

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