Dinner in a Pumpkin

This is for a smaller pumpkin. For a larger pumpkin you can double the recipe.

1 clean pumpkin
1 lb. hamburger, browned
1 can cream of chicken soup, undiluted
2 c. cooked rice
1 c. grated cheese
1 can sliced mushrooms
2 Tbsp. brown sugar
1 small-medium onion, chopped
1-2 Tbsp. soy sauce
salt & pepper to taste

Brown hamburger and onion together. Combine remaining ingredients and pour into pumpkin. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 1/2 hours. It is recommended that you not put the top on the pumpkin to bake because sometimes it falls in. Cover with tin foil and replace top of pumpkin after baked. It is also best to cook the pumpkin on a cookie sheet so the juice won't spill in your oven.

Halloween Chocolate Slime

Eight 2 oz. bars of white baking chocolate
2 tbsp. heavy cream
6 to 12 drops green food coloring
Angel food cake, cut in large cubes
Red and green grapes, rinsed and removed from stem
2 to 3 bananas, sliced into 1 inch rounds
2 to 3 red or green apples, rinsed, cored, and sliced
2 oranges, peeled and divided into sections
1 to 2 pineapples, cut into large chunks

1. In a medium-size, microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate uncovered in a microwave set on Medium-High for 1 minute. Stir and microwave for additional 10 to 20 second intervals until smooth. Don't overcook. (For an alternative method, use a glass or nonreactive double boiler set on medium-low heat. Stir regularly until the chocolate is smooth.) Add the cream and food coloring and stir thoroughly. Keep warm in a double boiler or fondue pot and present with cut cake and fresh fruits. Makes 8 servings.

Monster Toes

Kids will love the gross-out factor of this tasty finger food. Parents will love the fact that it is candy-free. Try some for a party or pre-trick-or-treating dinner.



Cocktail wieners
6-inch tortillas
Ketchup or mustard
Toothpicks

1. Heat the oven to 350 degrees. Cut a wedge into the end of each cocktail wiener to make a toenail.
2. Cut the tortillas into strips about 4 inches long and 3/4 inch wide. Discard the ends.
3. Soften the strips in the microwave between damp paper towels for 10 to 30 seconds.
4. Roll each wiener in a tortilla strip and secure with a toothpick.
5. Bake for 7 to 8 minutes. Remove them from the oven, then fill the toenail with ketchup or mustard. Remove the toothpicks before serving.

Chicken Chow Mein

Half onion sliced lengthwise
1 c. fresh mushrooms (or canned)
2 Tbsp. butter
2 c. diagonally sliced celery
1 lb. fresh bean sprouts (or canned)
3 Tbsp. soy sauce
1 Tbsp. sugar
1/2 tsp. salt
2 Tbsp corn starch
3 Tbsp. water
1 1/2 c. cut up cooked chicken or turkey (or canned)
Chow Mein noodles

In a large skillet, cook and stir onion and mushrooms in butter, until onion is tender. Add 1 1/2 c. of water and a little chicken boullion. Stir into onion mushroom mixture with celery, bean sprouts, soy sauce, sugar and salt. Heat to boiling. Reduce heat and simmer uncovered 15 minutes.

Blend corn starch and water; stir into vegetable mixutre. Cook, stirring constantly, until mixture thekcens and boils. Boil and stir 1 minute. Stir in chicken,; heat through. Serve over chow mein noodles.

Chicken Egg Rolls

8 oz. mushrooms, washed and coarsely chopped
1 Chinese cabbage
2 carrots, shredded
5 boned chicken breasts, cut in 1-inch cubes
1 medium onion, chopped
2 tbsp. vegetable oil
2 tsp. garlic powder
1/2 tsp. pepper
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup white wine or chicken broth
2 tbsp. cornstarch
3 tbsp. water
8 oz. water chestnuts, sliced
1 pkg. egg roll wraps

1. Microwave all veggies, except water chestnuts and onion, in a large bowl for 4 minutes on High. Stir and cook 2 minutes longer on High.

2. In a wok, stir-fry chicken and onion in 2 tablespoons oil. Add all the seasonings.

3. When bubbly, add 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed in 3 tablespoons water. Cook until thick. Add vegetables and water chestnuts. Cool completely.

4. Divide mixture between wraps. Wrap and deep-fry. Serve hot with your favorite dishes and sweet-and-sour sauce or hot mustard. Superb.