Superbowl Snacks

So the big game is coming up and snacks are always needed. Here are a couple of good game day snack ideas. None of them are healthy...they are all bad for you. Such is the nature of a good game-day snack. If you are worried about it, have a salad on the side.

Bacon-Wrapped Smokies

1 package of Lil' Smokies
1/2 lb of bacon, each piece cut into thirds
1/4 c maple syrup
1/4 c brown sugar

Wrap the smokies in the bacon and secure each with a toothpick. Lay them out on a sheet pan with parchment or foil. Drizzle with syrup. Sprinkle with brown sugar. Bake at 350 for 15-20 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy. So good.

Easy Fried Ravioli

1 package of won-ton wrappers
1 c ricotta cheese
1 egg, beaten
1 c shredded mozzarella
1/4 c Parmesan cheese
3T chopped fresh parsley or 1T dried
1t salt
1/2t pepper

Mix together the cheeses, the parsley, the salt and pepper, and the egg. Lay out the won-ton wrappers. Place a tablespoon of the cheese mixture onto a won-ton wrapper. Moisten the edges with water, top with another wrapper and use a fork to press the edges to seal. Lay the finished ravioli out in a single layer on a sheet pan. At this point they can be frozen for later use. If using immediately, pour a cup of good vegetable or peanut oil into a frying pan. Heat until the oil begins to shimmer. Place ravioli in the pan in a single layer. Fry for 2 minutes, turn and fry for 2 more. Ravioli should be crisp and golden brown. Serve with your favorite marinara for dipping.

The Best Mozzarella Stix

1lb of fresh Mozzarella Cheese
2 eggs, beaten with 1T water
1c flour
1/4c corn starch
1c Italian seasoned breadcrumbs

Cut the mozzarella into thick slices, and then into sticks. Combine the cornstarch and flour in one bowl. Lay out an assembly line of the flour mix, then the beaten egg, then the breadcrumbs. Dredge the cheese sticks through the flour mix. Next, dip it in the egg mixture and then back into the flour. Set aside. When all have been dipped, begin again by dipping them first into egg, then into the breadcrumbs. When all are done, place in the fridge to chill for at least an hour. Pour 1c of vegetable oil into a frying pan. Add the mozzarella sticks in a single layer and fry for 1 minute on each side, until they are golden brown. Drain on paper towels or a paper bag. Serve with warm marinara for dipping.

Chili-Cheese Dip (There is no excuse for this, but it IS addictive)

2 cans Hormel Chili NO BEANS
1 small can chopped green chilis
1 lb Velveeta Cheese, cut into chunks

Mix it all together. Microwave or bake until hot and bubbly. Serve with tortilla chips or corn chips.