Getting Ready for WrestleMania

As some of you may know, my kids (as well as hubby and myself) are BIG wrestling fans. I've been a fan, since the days of the Ultimate Warrior and Andre the Giant. My cousins were big fans and we lived right next door to them, so of course we were drawn in. A few years ago, hubby started watching again and I was blown away to see how much my GIRLS, of all people, really got into it. So it's been part of our weekly routine, to watch Monday Night Raw and Smack Down on Fridays, ever since. It's not "appropriate" to watch TV while you are having dinner but on Monday's, those rules are thrown out the window! We sit together, as a family, eat dinner and watch wrestling. We've actually had the pleasure of going to quite a few shows and even got to attend last summer's, Summer Slam. It was so much fun and my girls went NUTS! Usually if we don't make it out to a show, we always order the PPV event and enjoy it at home. Unfortunately, we were not able to make it out to Arizona for Wrestle Mania, this year but we are definitely going to enjoy it at home. So in preparation for the big event, I decided to get a menu together. I'd like to share a couple of our Wrestle Mania munchies with everyone.

"The Show Stopper" Pepper Poppers

Ingredients

• 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
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• 1 cup (4 ounces) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup (4 ounces) shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 6 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 pound fresh jalapenos, halved lengthwise and seeded
• 1/2 cup dry bread crumbs
• Sour cream, onion dip or ranch salad dressing

Directions

• In a large bowl, combine the cheeses, bacon and seasonings; mix well. Spoon about 2 tablespoonfuls into each pepper half. Roll in bread crumbs.
• Place in a greased 15-in. x 10-in. x 1-in. baking pan. Bake, uncovered, at 325° for 15 minutes for spicy flavor, 25 minutes for medium and 35 minutes for mild. Serve with sour cream, dip or dressing. Yield: about 2 dozen.

"You Can't See Me!" Chicken Wings

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup corn syrup
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 16 chicken wings (about 3 pounds)

Directions

• In a large saucepan, combine the first eight ingredients. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 15-20 minutes or until thickened.
• Meanwhile, cut chicken wings into three sections; discard wing tips. Place wings in a well-greased 15-in. x 10-in. x 1-in. baking pan.
• Bake at 375° for 30 minutes, turning once. Brush with sauce. Bake 20-25 minutes longer, turning and basting once, or until chicken juices run clear. Serve with additional sauce if desired. Yield: 10-12 servings.