We have never taken our children trick or treating on Halloween.  But if you visit our home at any season of the year, you will likely be greeted by Spiderman, a lion, or the Big Bad Wolf!  We enjoy candy year-round, and we have taken them to various Fall Festivals, Pumpkin Patches and have even been to a "Boo at the Zoo".   On the evening of October 31st, we usually turn out the lights and watch a movie together.  We know that some churches have a Reformation Day Celebration in place of Halloween.  "World" magazine ran an article several years ago about this:  Reformation Day Celebration

The way we like to celebrate is simply to talk about the Reformation, and enjoying some German food (and beer for Dad) makes it fun as well.

BTW:  I love that the Veritas Press Readers for first grade have a primer on Martin Luther!

(Republished from last year's blog post):

In celebration of "Reformation Day" we have recently re-watched the newest version of the movie "Luther" (with Joseph Fiennes) for the third time.  It is excellent!

We also found an incredibly easy German recipe.  (I am not a fan of cabbage or of Italian dressing but this combo is worth trying, I promise.)  From my favorite cookbook "Southern Living, Our Best EASY WEEKNIGHT FAVORITES":  Kielbasa and Cabbage

Prep: 7 minutes   Cook: 12 minutes in the microwave

1/2 small cabbage (chopped)

1 1/2 pounds kielbasa sausage (or any kind), cut into 1 1/2 inch slices

1 teaspoon of caraway seeds (we leave this out)

3/4 teaspoon seasoned salt (we use Cavender's Greek Seasoning)

1/4 cup Italian salad dressing

Combine all ingredients in a large deep microwave-safe dish or large glass mixing bowl.  Cover with plastic wrap; fold back a small corner of wrap to allow steam to escape.  MICROWAVE at high 12 minutes or until cabbage is tender.  Drain and serve immediately.  4 servings.

Now, can anyone recommend a good German beer?

;o),

Moms4Psalms

Our most frequent "quick" meal we enjoy, usually on a Sunday night when the kids have gone to bed:

Baked potatoes (microwaved), corn on the cob, salad, boiled shrimp (from the freezer-just thaw for five minutes), and toasted bread or rolls spread with butter and "Cavender's All Purpose Greek Seasoning," sweet tea or wine, and a dessert (bought the day before) from the Publix bakery.

We also like Tyson's frozen meals (chicken fajitas, strips, etc.) with fries or onion rings. 

Sundays are a tiring day for the children as we are away most of the day (two church services) and when they get home it is almost their bedtime.  We try not to do unnecessary work around the house on Sunday and we don't watch movies (like we might on Friday or Saturday night).  So these "Sunday Suppers" are quick and easy to prepare and we get to sit and talk or listen to a sermon while we eat together.  Sundays are a sweet day! 

These allergen-free cookies are so good for you, they could be eaten for breakfast!

The brands listed below allow these to be made with no milk, no eggs, and no corn.

Breakfast Cookies:

1 cup whole wheat flour

1 cup Unbleached white flour

3/4 cup  ENJOY LIFE chocolate chips

1/2 cup canola oil

3/4 cup maple syrup

1 tsp. organic vanilla

1/2 cup water (or substitute with milk)

1 TB Featherweight Baking powder

Mix and drop on a cookie sheet.  Bake at 350 degrees for 8-10 minutes.  Makes 3 dozen.

Cheap, easy, yummy and greasy . . . here are some of our family favorites (that go back a generation or so):

WIENERS, CHILI, and CHEESE:

Slice hotdogs down the middle and place in a baking pan lined with foil.  Put canned chili on top of each hot dog.  Then top with slices of cheese.  Heat in oven or under broiler until heated through and cheese is melted.

TOMATO TOAST:

Spread mayo on bread then top with tomato slices.  Sprinkle with salt and pepper then cover with cheese.  Broil until cheese is melted.