Holy smokes it’s Halloween! How did we get here already?! Wasn’t it just the 4th of July? Now we are falling back an hour and staring down the barrel of short days, and cold!
But before all that — make sure you’re all set with comfy shoes and your favorite hoodie. Don’t forget those extra candy bags, flashlights, and batteries! And maybe grab some Tums for when you inevitably overindulge in those delicious Reese’s! Everything looks like it’s in place for a super fun and Happy Halloween!
As we gear up for all the Hallo-fun, let’s remember to stay safe, especially if you’re out on the roads after 6 p.m. on Saturday. Kids will be buzzing with energy, and they might not be paying the best attention. They’ll definitely need our watchful eyes, and let’s be real — sometimes adults can get a bit caught up in the excitement, too!
While everyone wants to enjoy the spookiest night of the year, safety is our top priority for both trick-or-treaters and their adults. With Halloween falling on a Saturday this year, things could get a little more chaotic. So, let’s all be good people and neighbors and keep an extra eye out!
Before you send the kiddos out and about, let’s give them a good base to put all that sugar on. This is a popular dinner in my house, and it’s also quick and easy. Carbs and protein are just the thing to fill the littles up and keep them fueled on Halloween night!
Corn Dog Casserole
Ingredients
• 1 1/2 cups whole milk
• 2 large eggs
• About 1 teaspoon hot sauce or to taste
• 1 to 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
• 2 8.5-ounce boxes corn muffin mix, such as Jiffy
• Black pepper to taste
• Garlic powder to taste
• 1 standard package hot dogs sliced into rounds and browned
• 8 ounces shredded sharp cheddar cheese divided
• Nonstick cooking spray
• 1 can chili without beans – optional
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 400°F. Lightly coat a 9-by-13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
If you have not already done so, slice the hot dogs into rounds and brown them in a large skillet. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the whole milk, eggs, hot sauce, and yellow mustard.
Add both boxes of corn muffin mix and stir until combined.
Season the batter with black pepper and garlic powder to taste.
Fold in the browned hot dogs and about half of the shredded cheddar cheese.
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer.
If using chili, spoon it over the top in dollops. Use the back of the spoon to lightly swirl it across the surface without fully mixing it into the batter.
Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
Bake uncovered for about 30 minutes, until the center is set and the casserole is golden around the edges.
Turn on the broiler and broil just until the cheese is browned in spots. Watch it constantly so the top does not burn.
Let the casserole rest for a few minutes, then scoop or cut into portions and serve.
And remember, Halloween celebrations are just getting started and will carry on throughout the weekend. With ride-sharing options like Uber and Lyft, there’s no reason not to have a safe way to get home. Enjoy the festivities, but always keep safety as your number one priority. As always, get home safe so others can get home safe! We can’t wait to see you back next year for even more Halloween fun!
It’s not our Halloween issue without the announcement of the winners of our Halloween contest!
Congratulations to the following winners of our Bat Bonanza Halloween Contest!
– Braylee Campbell
– Bradley Wozniak
– Riley DeLong
– Cheyenne Hostrander
– Lucia Parker
– Emma Hannon
– Makayla
– Sullivan Steppe
– Hayden Dibble
– Atiya Butler
Your prizes can be picked up in our office at 280 Kane St. South Williamsport, Monday-Thursday from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., and Fridays we are here until around 1 p.m.
By the time you read this, all winners have been contacted!
In case you are curious — the final total was 128 Bats. There were 67 in the October 14th edition and 61 in the October 21st edition.
We want to offer our sincerest thanks to everyone who entered! Because of all your counting, we will be donating $500 to SPCA! Seriously, y’all are amazing! I received a ton of entries in this year’s contest! And as always, thank you to Jimmy for always giving a little extra in these contests!
