Halloween Popcorn Balls

While it is only September, this is the time of year I start getting excited for the holidays - I blame the stores who put out decorations in August, but still! With than in mind, I've been browsing through old magazines and watching for festive recipes I can try. I started out looking for more soups and stews and anything that contains pumpkin when I came across this recipe. I figured it is simple enough to get things started, and can potentially be a perfect snack for our road trip tomorrow - so here goes nothing!

INGREDIENTS

1 bag microwave popcorn, popped
1 C candy corn
10 oz mini-marshmallows
1/4 C butter

Non-stick spray

DIRECTIONS

Mix popped popcorn and candy corn in a large bowl.

In a medium sauce pan over med-low heat, melt butter. Once melted, add marshmallows and also cook until melted and smooth, stirring often.

Pour marshmallows over popcorn and candy corn, mixing well.

Spray hands with non-stick spray. Form popcorn balls, about 2 in diameter and place on wax paper. Marshmallow mixture is EXTREMELY sticky so use palms to shape into a ball.

Store in air tight container for up to 3 days.

Enjoy!

Swedish Meatballs

These were one of my all time favorites as a kid, although my mother used to make them with hamburger patties instead of meatballs (and serve it with mashed potatoes instead of egg noodles, but still). With it being September and getting ready for fall, I notice my taste buds change and I start craving different foods - this being one of them. However, this is not one of those fancy recipes that takes a large amount of time which means its perfect for a quick dinner.

INGREDIENTS

30-40 meatballs, pre-cooked (I used frozen store bought and just heated them up)
2 cans Cream of Mushroom soup
1 can milk (fill soup can)
1 tsp liquid smoke
Egg noodles (or mashed potatoes)
Parsley (optional)

DIRECTIONS

Combine soup, milk, and liquid smoke in slow cooker. You can add additional milk if you want a thinner gravy. Mix well. Add meatballs and cook until thoroughly heated. I heat on high for about an hour then place on warm until we are ready to eat.

Cook noodles according to package directions. Strain.

Serve with meatballs and gravy on top of noodles, garnish with parsley if desired.