Most parents agree that getting in a nutritious meal before eating candy well into the evening is always the goal, especially on Halloween. Chili is a crowd pleaser, even for picky eaters. Plus, it’s a quick meal you can prepare hours ahead of time (we think it’s even better if you make it the day before!).
We followed a very simple family recipe we like to call “Halloween Chili Brew” that can even be done in the crockpot if you want to prep ahead. Or you can make it in a large stock pot or Dutch oven. Both options are simple and require little time. (You will find the recipe towards the bottom.)
One of the best things about chili is that it’s an easy, casual meal that guests and kids can serve themselves with ease. Then you’re free to mingle with guests dropping by or tend to little ones. We set out the Jumbo Bowls in Shamrock for a nice easy-to-hold bowl for individual servings. We used the Large Bistro Bowl also in Shamrock for blue corn chips. The chili was cooked in a Dutch oven on the stove, then transferred to the Ivory Large Covered Casserole dish and kept in the oven to keep it warm. The Large Covered Casserole dish moves perfectly from the oven to the table and keeps food nice and warm.
Of course our meal wouldn’t be complete without a beverage and what better beverage to serve than hot apple cider? We kept it wine free so everyone could enjoy it, but we will give you the recipe with with wine or without.
The hot apple cider took about 60 seconds to prepare. It’s as easy as just pouring all the ingredients into the crockpot, slicing an apple and orange, turning the crockpot on low and waiting for it to get nice and warm.
We placed the crockpot on the buffet table so everything was in one accessible spot. The new Tapered Mugs are perfect for enjoying a warm beverage, especially on a crisp evening.
To dress up the buffet table, we used black burlap strips to create a fun texture in place of a tablecloth. That kept things simple and prevented some of the messes from little ones who would be serving themselves. White pumpkins in three different sizes made for a great addition to the color scheme on the buffet table. Behind the buffet table, market lights and a chalkboard banner hung in the background to add to the ambiance. Simple decor like this is perfect to leave up for the entire fall season, making it even easier to entertain guests at a later date or on a spur of the moment.
Fiesta mixing bowls have so many uses outside of the kitchen. We filled the medium mixing bowl with candy for trick or treaters. Just imagine what a lovely fall evening you’ll have sitting on the porch with a delicious cup of hot apple cider warming your hands and passing out candy to the neighborhood kids.
We hope you have a fun, safe, family filled day with lots of laughter this Halloween.
- 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil
- 2 cups quartered Brussels sprouts
- 1 large egg
- 2 to 3 tablespoons bread crumbs
- Salt and Pepper, to taste
- Preheat oven to 425. Melt the butter in skillet and stir in the quartered Brussels sprouts, salt and pepper.
- Cook in oven for 10-15 minutes.
- Remove from oven, make a spot for the egg and crack into the skillet. Continue cooking for another 10-15 minutes.
- Sprinkle with bread crumbs and serve
