Halloween Recipes

Because Heather's mom asked for it, and because I don't want to do my math homework:

Sloppy Boos

1 pound ground turkey
1 medium chopped onions
2 minced garlic cloves
1 cup pumpkin puree
1 cup crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce
3 tablespoons dark brown sugar
2 tablespoons yellow mustard
1 teaspoon chili powder
Salt to taste

In a large heavy saucepan brown the ground turkey over medium high heat. Reduce the heat to medium and add the onions. Cook until the onions are almost soft and translucent. Add the garlic and cook for additional minute or two. Add the remaining ingredients and mix well. Bring the mixture to a boil, then cover, reduce the heat, and simmer for 15 minutes. Serve hot.

I really enjoyed these, and they're pretty healthy. I didn't run the nutrition info, but just looking at it, the only ingredients that really have any calories are the turkey, brown sugar and the bun. This is also really good served over rice.

And in case you've never made your own pumpkin puree before (I hadn't)...

Pumpkin Puree

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Cut the pumpkin in half and scrape out the seeds and threads. Reserve the seeds for toasting and snacking. Place the halved cut side down on a greased jelly roll pan. Bake the pumpkin until it is very tender and can easily be pierced with a fork. A 3 pound pumpkin takes 1 hour, so vary your time estimates based on that. Set the pumpkin aside to cool. When it is cool enough to handle, cut the skin off with a sharp knife. Chop the flesh into pieces small enough to fit in a food processor and process until pureed. Leftover puree can be refrigerated for up to five days or frozen.

And the Witch's Brew...

2 quarts apple juice
2 quarts pineapple juice
1/4 teaspoon allspice
1 box (6 oz) of jello powder
Orange sherbert (to add before serving)

Stir everything together in the crockpot and cook on low 5 hours or on high 3 hours. Serve with a scoop of orange sherbert. It will cool the brew enough for children to drink right away and it creates a foamy, slimy film. Perfect for Halloween!

Look how happy he is. That could be you!