Lighting the Jack O Lanterns

Oh, the memories we have of our childhood Halloween! What an innocent and safe time it was. When our own children were of Trick- or- Treating age, we decorated the house inside and out, helped the children prepare their costumes, but we ate dinner as a family, before we set out on the night's adventures.

The Maine House prepared for Halloween night with a blanket of snow on the ground last year. Now that was a first for us...snow....in October? That was not to stop Maine kids from running hither and yon, from home to home, to fill their jack- o- lanterns!

It was all so  fun and magical. There was a quarter moon shining over The Maine House, casting deep shadows from tall hedges and rustling leaves flying against the black starlit sky. Pumpkins glowed from the houses and there was cheer on every porch. Muffled voices called to one another and Mother's and Daddy's kept a close watch on their little ones....tiny witches, adorable princesses, storybook heroes and knights in shining armor......a night to remember!

This is a great, hearty casserole that is easy to prepare and serve, before going out trick-or-treating, to keep your little goblin's tummy warm!

Sloppy Joe Casserole

1 pound ground beef

1 envelope sloppy joe seasoning mix

1 can (1 lb size) tomatoes

1 cup uncooked macaroni pasta

2 cups water

1 can (1 lb size) pork and beans

1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

Cook ground beef until brown. Pour off fat. Add seasoning mix, tomatoes, macaroni, beans and water. Cover and simmer at least 20 minutes. Before serving, top with the shredded cheese! My children always loved this!

Sweet dreams little goblins. 

Enjoy your candy and stories, and we'll see you next year my pretties.