You are in official Halloween weather watch mode, when you finally decide: do I have to wear a jacket over my awesome costume!?
Your friends at the CIA are rooting for you, and our fingers are crossed for clear skies and warm breezes for your candy-gathering adventures!
But before you pull your pillow out of its case (you guys still do that, right?), you need to do a little planning to make sure you and your parents have dinner plan in place for the big night. No matter how cool your get-up is, a trick-or-treater has to eat (and not just candy!).
Here’s a round-up of some of our favorite make-ahead recipes. Some are great at room temperature, best eaten standing up while your friends scream, “HURRY UP!” from the sidewalk. Some can be kept piping hot in a slow-cooker to enjoy during a break to warm your candy hands.
Banh Mi-style Chicken Salad – This salad is ready to go whenever hunger strikes. Save the dressing in a jar to dress individual plates of salad so the rest doesn’t get soggy.
Beef Chili – Use this fall staple to make fun, hand-held Frito pies, layered with corn chips, scallions, shredded cheese, and sour cream, if you like it.
Boston Baked Beans – these sweet and tangy beans are a meal in themselves! They’re warm and cozy, and perfect ladled into a hot bowl after a cold evening running around in the rain.
Double-Cheese Breakfast Burritos – Wrap these in tinfoil and pop them in a 400°F oven for ten minutes to reheat them. You can also wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave them until they’re hot in the middle, about 1 minute.
Chilled Chile-Garlic Noodles – Every part of this dish can be made ahead and kept in the fridge until you’re ready to build a bowl.
Roasted Veggie Fajita Bowls – Roasted veggies are surprisingly good at room temperature, so put these bowls together whenever the hunger strikes! Add your favorite salsas or toppings to make it your own.
Slow-Cooker Pulled Pork Sandwiches – Keep the pulled pork hot in the slow-cooker, and serve alongside hamburger buns, baked potatoes, or even tortillas for a quick little taco. Don’t forget the pickles!
Spinach and Cheddar Frittata – Eat this frittata at room temperature, on its own or slapped between two pieces of bread for an on-the-go sandwich.
White Beans with Salsa Verde – Put these beans out with a loaf of crusty bread and some items from your store’s olive bar for a filling snack-style meal.
Happy Halloween, friends!