Nutmeg

Note: Consult a doctor if you are being treated for any illnesses before using any type of food for its’ health benefits.

WARNING: Too much nutmeg is NOT a good thing, as it contains a poison that is dangerous if consumed in large amounts. It is considered a psychoactive food.

Nutmeg is a wonderful spice that is used throughout the year, especially during the autumn and winter months. Nutmeg is great for use in pies, cakes, puddings, ciders and more, giving a sweet taste and aroma.

Nutmeg aids in (use in small amounts, AFTER consulting a doctor):

• Flatulence
• Digestion
• Vomiting
• Lowering blood pressure
• Detoxifying the body
• Brain stimulation

Nutmeg is nutritious, containing such nutrients as:

• Zinc
• Iron
• Vitamins A, C
• Fiber
• Potassium

Here are some great recipes that utilize the use of nutmeg:

• Mulled Cider
• Hot Buttered Rum Mix
• Banana Nutmeg Mini Muffins

Shannon

 

Crisp Rice Treats Recipe for Halloween and Autumn

Otherwise known as Rice Krispies, children and adults love this treat. It can be tailored for autumn and Halloween celebrations.

Crisp Rice Treats

6 cups crisp rice cereal

4 cups marshmallows

1/4 cup butter

1 cup candy corn or 1 cup autumn flavored M&M’s

1. Melt the butter and marshmallows in a large pot, until all is melted.
2. Remove pot from heat.
3. Add crisp rice cereal and candy to the pot and mix well.
4. Press into a 9×13″ pan and cool.
5. Cut into squares.

Shannon

Meringues

These are fun to make because you can shape them any way you like. For instance, we made ghosts one year for a Halloween party.

Meringues

vegetable spray

4 large egg white, be sure that NO yolk remains or this recipe will not work.

1 cup sugar

1 tsp. vinegar

1/2 tsp. vanilla

1/8 tsp. cream of tartar

1. Preheat the oven to 275*. The temperature has to be this low for this recipe.
2. Place wax paper over the baking sheets and then spray with oil.
3. In a mixing bowl, place egg whites and cream of tartar. Beat until stiff peaks form.
4. Add sugar, a little at a time. Beat well after each addition.
5. Rub mixture between fingers to be sure that it is not grainy.
6. When no longer grainy, beat in vinegar and vanilla.
7. Drop by tablespoonfuls onto the wax paper about 2 inches apart, and shape them into whatever Halloween shape you like.
8. Bake 45 minutes and reduce heat to 250*. Bake about 15 more minutes.
9. Meringues should be firm and crisp, though not brown.

Shannon

Halloween Tic-Tac-Toe Brownies

These are easy for children because the baking is already done.The recipe would make a great game at Halloween or anytime during the autumn months.

Halloween Tic-Tac-Toe Brownies

 1 pan brownies

white frosting

orange food coloring

black icing and a cake decorating tip that will give thin lines

candy corn pumpkins

candy eyeballs

1. Tint the frosting orange.
2. Spread the frosting over the brownies and smooth.
3. Draw a tic-tac-toe board using the icing.
4. Place the game pieces on a small plate next to the brownies.

Shannon

Popcorn Treats

These are simple for children to make, and will be great as a treat or a snack. This recipe is great for autumn days and/or Halloween.

Popcorn Treats

4 cups popcorn

1 1/2 cups candy corn or candy pumpkins

1 cup autumn colored M&M’s

1 cup dried fruit

1. Mix everything together in a large bowl.

Shannon

Candy Corn Trail Mix

Children can make these easily. They make great lunch-box add-ins, and are also great as a Halloween or autumn treat.

Candy Corn Trail Mix

1 cup candy corn

2 cups pretzel sticks

2 cups wheat Chex

2 cups Cheetos

1/2 cup nuts, any kind

1/2 cup sunflower seeds

1. 1 mix everything together in a large bowl.

Shannon

Spider Web Cake

This is an easy recipe for children to help with, because most of the work has already been done.

This cake would be great for a Halloween treat!

Spider Web Cake

1 or 2 cake layers

white frosting

black cake decorators icing

icing tip that will create thin lines

1. Frost the cake like normal.
2. Draw a spider’s web with the icing.
3. Draw a spider on the cake with the icing.

Shannon

Popcorn Balls

Popcorn balls are not hard to make, and they are very economical. Children love them, and have fun forming them into balls.

These make great treats to place in a lunchbox sometimes, and can be geared toward holidays by adding add-ins.

Popcorn Balls (12 balls)

4 qts. popped popcorn

1 cup molasses

1 cup sugar

2/3 cup water

2 Tbsp. vinegar

2 Tbsp. butter or margarine

1/2 tsp. baking soda

Wax paper and scissors

1. The popcorn is kept in a large bowl with a towel covering it until needed.
2. Combine molasses, water, vinegar, sugar and butter in a saucepan and cook over medium heat until the mixtures is 235*F. Do not stir.
3. Add baking soda to the pan. Stir well.
4. Pour the mixture over the popcorn.
5. Fold the popcorn and mixture together gently. Be sure to coat all of the popcorn well.
6. When just cool enough to be handles, form into balls. To prevent stickiness on the hands, keep dipping them into cool water.
7. Place each ball on a wax paper square and wrap.

Feel free to add candy corn or another candy for holiday balls.

Here are a couple of variations for you to try:

• Caramel Popcorn Balls
• Peanut Butter Popcorn Balls

Shannon

Slowcooker Leftover Turkey and Gravy

This is an easy one to throw into the slowcooker the morning after Thanksgiving.

 

Ingredients:

leftover turkey in bite size pieces

1 or 2 cans of turkey gravy

 

Put turkey into bottom of slowcooker and cover with the gravy.

Cook on low for dinner, or high for lunch.

* Great served with potatoes, rolls and salad.