Hi Cooking Moms, Dads & Friends,

TGIF! I sure hope you had a great week! I can’t believe it's almost Halloween! I know it’s going to be a lot different this year but that doesn’t mean it can’t be fun and delicious. My Pumpkin Dip is a great way to celebrate! I serve it in a small hollowed out pumpkin with graham crackers, Nilla wafers, ginger snaps and crisp crunchy apples for dipping. It’s so good! Perfect for game day too! I’ve got a secret. Dip apple slices in Sprite or lemon lime soda and they won’t turn brown. Tastes way better than lemon juice!

I always think it’s important the kids get something in the kids' stomachs before they dive into the candy. Make ordinary hot dogs really creepy with Halloween Bloody Finger Hot Dogs. I know they look scary but the kids will love them!

I’ve been making a lot of soup lately. It doesn’t get easier than my Two Ingredient Creamy Tomato Soup. You can whip it up in seconds. Great with fresh basil on top! For Halloween put Alfredo sauce in a Ziploc bag with a small cut in the corner and pipe a spider web on each bowl.

Here’s another fun one! Have the kids help make my Bones and Blood, otherwise known as breadsticks and pizza sauce. Super fun and yummy! Click Soups, Sandwiches and Appetizers for fun fall and Halloween recipes.

Fall is a great time to make a casserole! Change up Taco Tuesday with my Terrific Taco Casserole. It's always a huge hit! Click Casseroles and Dinner and for more delicious recipes.

For dessert I’m all about keeping things easy breezy! Pick up a box of spice cake mix and make my Pumpkin Cupcakes. They look like mini pumpkins!

No time to bake? No worries! How cute are these Ghost Cups? Let the kids crush the cookies and layer them in clear plastic cups.

Click Desserts for more of my favorite Halloween and fall dessert recipes.

Join Me Next Summer for a Culinary Trip to Mackinac Island!

Have you heard I’m hosting culinary vacations? I’m super excited for my next trip in June, 2021 to gorgeous Mackinac Island, Michigan. We’ll catch the ferry over to the Island and then check into the absolute best hotel! The Mission Point Resort was even voted one of the best hotels in the Midwest! We’ll spend 3 nights. We’ll have plenty of time to experience it all. We can take a carriage ride around the island, rent bikes, and take a sunset cocktail cruise. We’ll learn how to make Mackinac Island fudge at one of the island's best fudge shops. If you like wine, you’ll want to enjoy a 5-course gourmet wine dinner! We’ll be there when the lilacs are in full bloom, too! It’s going to be magical! The trip is already booking up! Click on Join The Cooking Mom on a Trip to Mackinac Island to read my blog post with details, pictures and pricing for the trip.

In September 2021, if it’s safe to travel I’m planning another big trip! Have you always wanted to go on a river cruise through Europe? It’s been on my bucket list! We’ll take a trip to Germany for Oktoberfest and a top-of-the-line river cruise through Germany, Austria, and Switzerland! In 2022, I’m working on trips to Ireland, Italy and more! To find out more about my other upcoming trips, click Culinary Vacations with The Cooking Mom. I’d also love to hear where you’d like to go, so email me at info@thecookingmom.com!

Order My Cookbooks for The Holidays!

If you like my recipes, I think you will love my cookbooks. Order one for yourself and they make great gifts too! Both cookbooks are filled with nearly 200 unique recipes. They're available on Amazon. Click Amy's Books on Amazon to order.

We don’t have any plans this weekend! Gotta love weekends like that!

You can always see what I'm up to on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Check out my videos on YouTube, too. Follow me!

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend. Stay safe and cook up some memories!

Take care,
Amy, The Cooking Mom