2 Allergen-free appetizer recipes even gluten lovers will devour

Do you hear that?

That is my husband — singing and dancing, celebrating the start of the NFL season. I’m right there, too. Right behind him doing the same, but our celebrations differ just a bit. He’s excited about the game. I’m excited about the food. Nothing. Nothing beats game-day grub!

If you, like me, just realized you have a football party to go to this Sunday (I have no idea who’s playing — I’m going for the food) then you’re most likely scrambling to put something, anything together.

My very good friends are hosting the party, and because their daughter suffers from severe food allergies, whatever I decide to bring has to be nut-free, dairy-free and egg-free. No problem, I said. I can do this, I said… and gosh golly gee, I did it!

So, what dish could you possible bring/make that is allergen-free but so darn delicious? Bacon wrapped around green beans! And a spring roll wrapped around a banana, dipped in a chocolate hazelnut spread. So good! I may not know much about football, but I know where there is a game to watch, there is food, and I am definitely a fan of food.

Don’t get me wrong, I adore kale, smoothies and salads, and I will happily devour a bowl of granola cereal, but when it comes to a party, I bring out the best of the best. Obviously, special occasions call for something a little more loud, delicious and bright. Bacon is all of that — as are fried desserts.

Enjoy!

Bacon-wrapped green beans

A delicious bundle of green beans wrapped in bacon and topped with brown sugar and balsamic vinegar.

Yields 10 to 12 bundles

Ingredients:

• 1 pound green beans, ends trimmed
• 6 slices of bacon, halved
• Salt and fresh ground pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
2. Lightly spray a baking sheet with baking spray and set aside.
3. Place about 6 green beans on each halved bacon strip.
4. Wrap bacon around green beans and secure with a toothpick.
5. Season each bundle with salt and pepper.
6. Sprinkle each bundle with brown sugar.
7. Drizzle each bundle with balsamic vinegar.
8. Transfer to previously prepared baking sheet.
9. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until green beans are tender and bacon is crisp.

Banana spring rolls (turon)

An amazing two-ingredient dessert with bananas wrapped in spring roll wrappers and fried.

Yields 24 

Ingredients:

• 6 ripe bananas, halved and cut lengthwise
• Square vegan spring roll wrappers
• Water
• Vegetable oil, for frying
• Allergen-free chocolate dip, optional

Directions:

1. Cover all spring roll wrappers with a damp cloth.
2. Take one spring roll wrapper and lay it flat, with one corner pointing toward you.
3. Place one banana slice on wrapper; roll the bottom corner over the banana, and continue rolling until completely wrapped.
4. Dip fingers in water and wet the corners to seal.
5. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
6. In a large pan, heat a 1-inch layer of oil over medium-high heat; oil is ready when it reaches 375 degrees.
7. Carefully place a few wrapped bananas (turon) in hot oil to fry.
8. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side, turning once, until crispy and golden brown.
9. Remove with slotted spoon.
10. Serve hot. Optionally, serve with allergen-free chocolate dip.