Fall tricks and treats

Ok, I have lots to share this week. First, if you need a fast dinner, but are tired of the same old thing - try Spaetzle. I use a basic recipe like this one. Then I just browned some italian sausage, deglazed the pan with some wine and added a little half & half, parmesan cheese and S&P. Then just dump those spaetzle in, and sprinkle with whatever herbs you have. Here's mine.... I use a potato ricer or one of these fun makers

The girls and I made some yummy treats - halloween bark! I could'nt find cute edible eyes like this one, but I did find some skulls. It was fun and tastes great. I had trouble melting the white chocolate - heads up,  it does not melt in the microwave like chocolate chips do! But you can't tell I messed it up, because its covered by the chocolate layer.

Our neighbor is an artist, and she really wanted to try to sculpt the king pumpkin. We found a cool green man face, and here is the result!

Tonight I will make my new version of hamburger soup. I use barley, and my secret ingredient - red lentils. They just fall apart in the soup and the flavor is so good! It is nothing super special - but my family really loves it.