Trick or Treat for the Food Bank

My sister shared an idea that the teenagers do in her area on Halloween. Instead of trick or treating for candy, they ask for food items. Things that each of us have in our pantry's; canned goods, cereal, pasta etc. and then they donate it to their local food bank. I thought it was a great idea. Older kids can get together to trick or treat...and fulfill a service in the process.

It's that time of the year!

Here's a quick and easy family activity and treat rolled into one. Home made gourmet caramel apples. You know, like the one's you can buy, but better! Granny Smith apples work best. Just melt a bag or two of caramels in the microwave, stirring every minute or two until melted. We used waxed paper with pan spray on top to cool them on. Once the caramel has hardened, get the family involved! Dip again into chocolate (milk or white) which has been melted in a double boiler. Then just go to town with whatever toppings your family wants. The kids love this! We used crushed Oreo cookies, toffee bits, chopped pecans, mini Reece's pieces, and white chocolate to drizzle on top. There are so many other combinations that would be fabulous. Depending on how big the apples are and how many layers of decadence you coat them with, it may be a good idea to cut them up and share slices. Bon Appetit!

Gardner Village

October is primo time to go and visit Gardner Village. The weather is great, the shops are so fun, and the witches are out! It's free, too. Everything is decorated for fall and Halloween. So many photo ops. The only down side is you will probably have to dole out a bit of cash at Sweet Afton's candy shop (not such a bad thing!).