Halloween Quickie

If you have little spooks and goblins in the family Halloween night can be a little hectic with trying to feed and costuming family members. Try throwing a meal in the crock pot early in day to alleviate the evening hassles is a good idea whether staying in or going out for the evening. A plethora of table decorating ideas abound to entertain the little ones.

	For a stay at home evening you can get the children involved by making paper bag placemats. One such placemat is the spider placemat pictured. You could paint a spider web on placemat by putting brown paper bag in appropriate sized box top and marble-paint a spider web
on it. Then apply spider. If adults are making the mats, suggest using spray adhesive, for little ones use Elmer's glue. Always use spray adhesive in well ventilated area and take precautions against getting it on surfaces by spraying inside a box.
Goblin Stew 2 lbs ground beef, browned 3/4 cup onion 3/4 cup celery 3/4 cup bell pepper 1/3 cup Worcestershire sauce 1 can corn 1 can diced tomatoes 2 cans tomato soup 1 tbsp. brown sugar red pepper to taste no salt needed Cook on stove top on low heat for 45 min. to an hour, stirring to prevent sticking or cook in crock pot. This works well served from a ceramic pumpkin. Be sure to check for lead content in glaze before using.

Witches Brew

Chilled apple cider.
Dry ice

Add a small piece of food grade dry ice to the pitcher of cider just before bringing to table. Do not use any ice when you use dry ice. Be extremely careful with dry ide around children