Nature's Gift

Even if something is left undone,

everyone must take time to sit still

and watch the leaves turn

by Elizabeth Lawrence

The calendar says its Fall and it certainly looks like Autumn but this week's balmy weather with above normal temperatures has given us a gift here in the Midwest. We have an extension of summer!!! The temperatures have soared and one just wants to savor every minute.

Since Halloween is on the horizon I will be featuring recipes for appetizers, desserts, main dishes and drinks for your get togethers in the upcoming blog postings.

Halloween Sunset Cocktail

makes one serving and the two tone color makes it the perfect party drink (MarthaStewart.com)

Ingredients:

• 3 oz. tangerine juice
• 1-1/2 oz. white rum
• 3/4 oz. grenadine

Directions:

• Combine juice and rum in a tall glass with ice cubes
• Top with grenadine

Easy Caramel Chex Mix

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup creamy caramel sauce (I tested with a product called Jimmys found in the produce section)
• 1 TB. butter
• 6 cups Cinnamon Crunch cereal
• 1/3 cup peanuts
• 1/3 cup small twist pretzels
• 1/3 raisins
• 1/3 cup toffee bits

Directions:

• In a microwave safe bowl combine caramel and butter
• Heat for 30 seconds
• Place cereal, peanuts, pretzels, raisins in a bowl toss with caramel sauce
• Heat in microwave 4 minutes but stop after each minute to stir so the mixture is evenly coated
• Spread out on wax paper sprinkle with toffee bits and cool
• Store in an airtight container

Halloween Dip

adapted from Tastefully Simple products recipe collection

Ingredients:

• 1 large yellow pepper
• 1 small package of dry Buttermilk dressing mix
• 1- 8 oz package of softened cream cheese
• 1 TB. hot sauce
• 2-3 pitted large black olives
• blue Aztec chips

Directions:

• Combine cream cheese, hot sauce, dressing mix (may need a little milk to make it the right consistency)
• Chill for several hours
• Lay orange pepper on its side
• Slice off top and scoop out seeds to make an opening
• Stuff with cream cheese mixture
• Carve a face around stem as a nose
• Slice black olives in half and press behind eyes and moth