We're throwing a Wrestle Mania party this weekend and am tired of making the same spinach dip, Mexican pizza, meatball sammich, and tortellini salad for every party we have. I was wondering if anyone has any good recipes for parties as I am looking for a change to our typical party platters.

Thanks in advance! I wont be able to log on tomorrow and probably Wednesday cuz I'll be in D.C. :grin: So I thought I'd throw this out there before I left!

this year we get WM on the AFN network here in the desert FOR FREE!!!!. I am totally stoked we get to see it. I was kinda bummed that when I took this job i would miss out on WM and RAW for that matter. It used to be that RAW was about 3 weeks behind, and I would end up just reading the spoilers and not watching. Now its just 1 day behind!!!!

I'll be having whatever they serve up at the chow hall that day that doesnt make me want to throw up from the smell... hehe... No spinache dip or meatball sammiches

Chicken wings are a good alternative, readily available either to cook at home or to buy as takeout.

Barbecue is another item that can be purchased in advance and warmed for the party, if you're in a barbecue state, that is. :grin:

Large Weber charcoal grill + cheeseburger makings = happy partygoers.

Quick finger foods. Those little bagles? Make little pizza's out of them.

Meats & Cheese's are good with different types of crackers.

Make fixings for "loaded fries", easy french fries, then anything you wanna put on top.

As for dips and things, make up some queso...

Let your imagination run wild.

I have a few suggestions for you, 1st one is Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts

INGREDIENTS
1 pound bacon
2 (8 ounce) cans water chestnuts
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
1/3 cup mayonnaise
1/3 cup chili sauce

DIRECTIONS
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Cut each strip of bacon in half. Wrap one strip around one water chestnut. Secure with a wooden toothpick. Place in shallow baking dish.
Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 20 minutes.
While the wraps are baking, in a small mixing bowl combine brown sugar, mayonnaise, and chili sauce to make barbecue sauce. After the wraps have finished baking, transfer them (removing them from the grease) to a second shallow baking dish. Pour the sauce over the wraps.
Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 10 to 15 additional minutes, or until bacon is crispy. Serve hot out of dish with toothpicks.

This one is very easy, I normally make two batches. It is nice to sever it with a fresh cut warm french baguette.

Grilled Potato Skins

INGREDIENTS
2 large baking potatoes
2 tablespoons butter, melted
2 teaspoons minced fresh rosemary
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
3 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled
2 green onions, chopped
Sour cream
DIRECTIONS
Cut each potato lengthwise into four wedges. Cut away the white portion, leaving 1/4 in. on the potato skins. Place skins on a microwave-safe plate. Microwave, uncovered, on high for 8-10 minutes or until tender. Combine the butter, rosemary, salt and pepper; brush over both sides of potato skins.
Grill potatoes, skin side up, uncovered, over direct medium heat for 2-3 minutes or until lightly browned. Turn potatoes and position over indirect heat; grill 2 minutes longer. Top with cheese. Cover and grill 2-3 minutes longer or until cheese is melted. Sprinkle with bacon and onions. Serve with sour cream

Other great ideas are like above what others mentioned. Chicken wings, peel and eat shrimp, hamburgers, sausge on a bun. All of these you can either make yourself or buy. Cut up veggies and dip, cheese ball and crackers. Depending on how much you enjoy cooking and preparing I could send you a million recipes. Hope you have a wonderful time with the party and good luck preparing your feast

Three-in-One Cheese Ball

1 package (8-ounces) cream cheese, softened
4 cups (16-ounces) shredded cheddar cheese, room temperature
2 tablespoons milk
2 tablespoons finely chopped onion
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
Coarsely cracked black pepper
1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
Minced fresh parsley
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Finely chopped pecans
Assorted crackers

In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese, cheddar cheese, milk, onion and Worcestershire sauce until fluffy. If a smoother spread is desired, process in a food processor until creamy.

Divide into thirds (about 1 cup each).

Shape first portion into a ball; roll in cracked pepper.

Add the blue cheese to the second portion; mix well. Shape into a ball; roll in parsley.

Add garlic to the remaining portion; mix well. Shape into a ball; roll in nuts.

Cover and refrigerate. Remove from refrigerator and let stand 15 minutes before serving.

Hint: To keep hands and countertop clean, spoon cheese mixture onto a piece of plastic wrap. Working from the underside of the wrap, pat the mixture into a ball. Complete recipe as directed.

Party Cheese Ball

2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 tablespoon chopped pimento
1 tablespoon chopped onion
1 tablespoon chopped green pepper
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 to 2 cups finely chopped pecans or walnuts*

Combine all ingredients together and mix well. Shape into 1 large ball or 2 small balls. Roll in the finely chopped nuts.

Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and chill for 2 to 3 hours, removing from refrigerator 1/2 hour before serving.

Serve with a variety of crackers.

*As a variation try using toasted sesame seeds instead.

Spicy Cheese Ball

1 6-oz roll jalapeno cheese
1 8-oz pkg. cream cheese
Cayenne to taste
1/2 seasoned salt
3/4 c chopped pecans
1/2 Cup chopped parsley

Blend jalapeno cheese and cream cheese thoroughly. Add cayenne and seasoned salt.

Roll into a ball and roll ball in pecans and parsley.

Chill until ready to use. Serve with crackers.