We’re big fans of the Big Game!

ON OCCASION OF THE BIG GAME, CHEF MICHELE CASADEI MASSARI INVITED NEW YORK TIMES BEST-SELLER AUTHOR, LARRY OLMSTED TO CHAT ABOUT HIS NEW BOOK, ‘FANS’ AND HOW PARMIGIANO REGGIANO CHEESE MAKES GAME DAY SNACKS TASTIER AND HEALTHIER!

Sports fans are healthier, happier and more understanding

Larry Olmsted, the New York Times and Washington Post best-selling author of ‘Real Food, Fake Food’ turns his expertise to a new subject: sports. His new book ‘Fans’ is a highly entertaining game changer that uses brand-new research to show us why being a sports fan is good for us individually and is a force for positive change in society. ‘Fans’ is a passionate reminder of how games, teams, and the communities dedicated to them are vital to our lives.

[wp-video-popup id=”video1″ video=”https://youtu.be/Tf1YfvYiWUA”]

We captured the conversation with Larry and Michele in this short video. Enjoy!

With more than 100 million people in the US tuning in to watch the action on the football field, the Big Game is also the biggest snacking day of the year. In honor of the event, we invited Larry to join Chef Michele Casadei Massari in a lively conversation about his new book, and to chat about what happens at the intersection of sports and foods. Larry and Michele both agreed that Parmigiano Reggiano cheese will help make game day snacks tastier and healthier, and shared some great ideas for new recipes and also ways to improve traditional game day snacks by using our favorite cheese.

Parmigiano Reggiano makes game day snacks tastier and healthier.

In a few short minutes this interview covers a lot of ground, with Larry and Michele talking about the balance of a healthy body and a healthy mind, the important role that sports play in that equation, and the opportunity to improve the snacking experience with Parmigiano Reggiano cheese. Chef Michele showed us a few snacks he thinks will make game day more fun by giving it an Italian spin, including: popcorn sprinkled with grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese and rinds popped in the microwave, baked meatballs with Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, baked gnocchi topped with grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese and finally, air fryer chicken wings with grated Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese.

Chef Michele’s Italian-Style Air Fryer Chicken Wings

Chicken wings are by far the most popular snack consumed during the Big Game. Last year’s estimate was a mind-boggling 1.42 billion chicken wings, according to the National Chicken Council. However, with all the deep-frying, the buttery sauces and the blue cheese on the side, classic buffalo wings are a healthy-eating disaster. This is why, both Larry and Chef Michele suggest using an air fryer and Parmigiano Reggiano cheese.

To prove how delicious and nutritious chicken wings can be, Chef Michele went into his kitchen and made a batch with his favorite cheese. Try this recipe for the Big Game, and enjoy a healthier snack during game time.

GO TO GAME DAY RECIPES