Halloween Treats for Everyone!

With fall comes the change in temperature, the changing of the leaves, and Halloween.  With Halloween only a few days away, here are some fun ideas for some sweet treats!

My favorite Halloween treat is a yummy cake made to look like a pumpkin.  It’s really easy and really does look like a pumpkin.  All you need is a bundt cake pan, two yellow cake mixes, and white frosting mixed with orange food coloring.  Make both cake mixes in the bundt pan.  After they cool, put the flat sides of both cakes together using some frosting to hold them in place.  Then, frost with your orange frosting.  You can frost using a knife or spatula in an upward motion to make the lines on the pumpkin.  Use whatever candies you would like to decorate the face of the pumpkin.  Some ideas I’ve used are candy corn, gumdrops, or chocolate kisses. 

For an extra fun time, before putting the two cakes together, put in a few surprises- spider rings, toy skeletons, etc.  Your family and friends will love it- after they realize they aren’t real!

Looking for something a little more healthy?  This is a great time for making apple crisp.  There are some really good mixes that make it really easy.  Calhoun Bend Apple Cinnamon Mix is great. 

Just slice up the apples, put them in your baking dish, and follow the mix directions.  In a few minutes, you have a yummy apple crisp.  I’ve even had it made in the microwave and it still tasted really good!

Be sure to check all candy before your kids dive into thier treasures.  If you think anything looks suspicious or anything is unwrapped, get rid of it.  The other good thing about making sure you check the candy first is that then you get to grab all the good stuff!  Do you really want them to have all of that?  You’re really just helping them out.

Al’s Goes Green

Being environmentally aware of the damage plastic bags can do, Al’s is now offering reusable green totes!  I know alot of you have been anxiously awaiting their arrival.  They are now here and ready for you to buy and use and reuse!  Look for the bright green bags on displays or at the registers.  They hold as much as a paper bag and are really sturdy.  So, fill ‘em up!

Another exciting new line we’ve added is Method cleaning supplies, hand soaps, and air fresheners.  Check out their site- http://www.methodhome.com/ This non-toxic line has been featured in Vanity Fair, on the Oprah Show, and now, it’s being featured at Al’s!  Now I know some of you may have your doubts.  I know I did.  But then I tried them!  Now, I must admit, lavender makes me happy.  So, my question was not does it smell good.  I wanted to know if it cleaned as good as it smelled.  The answer is yes!  I put it to the real test by cleaning my bathroom- with a teenage son, it was a real test!  And it worked great.  When I’m done cleaning a room, I like to light a candle.  The sweetwater candles give off a light scent that doesn’t overpower you when you walk into a room.  And, the great thing about all of these products is that they are safe and environmentally friendly.  You can’t go wrong! 

Comfort Food Season with a Twist

As much as I hate to admit it, the inevitable is upon us.  The days of playing outside, going to the beach, and driving with the  convertible top down are coming to an end.  So where is the good side in all of this?  We can now enjoy the comfort food season!  When it’s hot out, the last thing we want to do is turn on the oven.  But, now, it’s a nice feeling to walk into the kitchen and smell the yummy aroma’s of dinner in the oven or crock pot- not to mention the chocolate chip cookies!  Mmmmm!

So, here are some new twist to some old favorites!  Enjoy!

Who doesn’t love chili?  The great thing about it is you can make it to your taste.  It’s amazing to see how many variations there are for chili.  But here’s one you probably haven’t tried.  It’s now my favorite way to make it.  Instead of adding tomato sauce or tomato soup, try Bloody Bold Bloody Mary Mix.  It adds a great flavor!  It’s made with horseradish so you get just a little kick.  Add as much or as little as you would the sauce or soup.

After a cold, wet day, there’s nothing like a bowl of homemade chicken soup.  I probably don’t have to tell you this because it’s flying off the shelf!  Chicken soup made with Kitchen Basics chicken broth is amazing!  Here’s a link to their site and a great recipe for you to try.  http://www.kitchenbasics.net/

Grandma’s Chicken Noodle Soup

Serving Size: 6

32 oz. Kitchen Basics Chicken Stock
1 cup cooked chicken, cut into 1/2″ pieces
1 cup mixed vegetables, fresh or frozen
1 cup noodles or alphabet macaroni
(*or gluten-free noodles)
Optional: 1/4 tsp. basil, dill, or thyme

In a large pot, bring stock, meat, vegetables, and herbs to a boil. Add noodles and simmer until tender. 

If you want some great noodles, try the Amish Kitchen kluski noodles. 

Do you have a great recipe idea you’d like to share?  Send me a comment and let me know about it!