Anyone planning a Halloween dinner menu?

We always do a similar thing - pot 'o something like chili or stew. We get plastic go cups and hand out wine to the grownups that we know (or ones who eye mine enviously - which I drink out of a skull goblet on Halloween. Red, of course) and lets be honest, we eat a lot of candy.

In CA, I used to make a acorn or butternut squash soup with roasted pumpkin seeds and a green chimichurri sauce with a crusty bread. In the Midwest, my gang seems to prefer 'graveyard stew over brains' (aka Beef Stroganoff w/egg noodles) and hair salad with an eye (salade Lyonnaise). :) BOO!!

Growing up, my Mom made something simple for Halloween to get us out the door. I think she made tuna melts on English muffins twice in a row, because I latched onto that and get excited for Autumn nights whenever I smell them. Sadly, I developed a fish allergy later and can no longer enjoy them, or they would be on my menu every year.

In college, all I had was a microwave, but I was determined to celebrate Halloween with food. I made a black rice pilaf (microwaving rice is a sign of dedication) with pistachios, apples, and a haphazard array of Fall spices stuffed inside a small microwaved pie pumpkin. It was festive and comforting while I sat studying for engineering exams instead of celebrating with my peers. I think I might make it again with an oven and a bit more thought into the flavors.

Here's a pumpkin with my first attempt at sculpting LOL! He turned out fairly well. I used the silk from corn for his eyebrows and mustache and glass marbles for his eyes.

If the weather is good, we easily have 800-1000 kids so we have a soup pot luck with neighbors when its all over. We live in a historic neighborhood & everyone is really in to it. We sit on the front porch & pass out candy in costumes of course. Last year we were a fox & hen.

I love, love, love, Halloween! I make a pot of chili so we can eat when we get the chance. Tortilla chips, shredded cheese, onions set out for toppers and mini corn jalapeno muffins. Works out well for the busy night of Trick or Treaters. We average about 125 so we are up and down answering the door. I decorate a bit (see photo from last year) and sometimes I dress up. One year I was an Iron Chef. Had on the chef outfit, chapeau, apron, had the utensils hanging out of my pocket and carried an iron. The adults got it and had a little laugh.