Hi Reader

Halloween is this weekend, and between costumes, trick-or-treating, and the inevitable candy overload, I like to keep meals pretty simple.

One of our favorite traditions is to make a big pot of chili before heading out to trick-or-treat. It's hearty, easy to make ahead, and can stay warm until everyone is ready to eat. Plus, I figure a good meal before all that candy isn't a bad idea. 😉

And while chili is always on our Halloween menu, I have a few other easy recipes and fun treats worth sharing!

A Few Recipes for Halloween Week

• ​Instant Pot Chili or Slow Cooker Chili: Our Halloween tradition! Make it early, keep it warm, and let everyone grab a bowl whenever they're ready.
• ​Cowboy Chicken: For one of those nights when you have no idea what to make for dinner. Chicken breasts, pantry staples, and very little effort.
• ​Sweet Potato Pancakes: A great way to sneak a few extra veggies into breakfast. They're lightly spiced, naturally sweetened, and perfect for fall.
• ​Mummy Pizzas: Turn simple English muffin pizzas into mummies with string cheese and olives (see photo below). An easy Halloween lunch or dinner, especially if you have little ones who want to help.
• ​Homemade Peanut Butter Cups: Because chocolate and peanut butter will always be my favorite combination. These are surprisingly easy to make, and I might actually prefer them to Reese's. (And that's saying something!)

A Little Halloween Fun (Without Much Work)

I also love making a few festive snacks, but I have very little patience for anything that requires too much decorating! Thankfully, these are all pretty simple!

• Apple Monsters: Apple wedges, strawberries, sliced almonds, and candy eyes.
• Candy Corn Parfaits: Layer pineapple, mandarin oranges, and yogurt or whipped cream. No actual candy corn required.
• Spiderweb Bean Dip: A little sour cream piped over refried beans makes an easy Halloween appetizer.
• ​Chocolate Bark: Swirl white and dark chocolate together and add gummy spiders for a fun treat.

You can find these ideas and more in my Easy Halloween Snacks Collection.

Whether you're planning a Halloween party, feeding kids before trick-or-treating, or just trying to get through another busy week, I hope these ideas make things a little easier.

And enjoy a few pieces of candy, too. I certainly plan to! Although, let's be honest, I'll probably be reaching for the peanut butter cups. 😉