*originally posted October 29, 2011
Halloween parties meant a costume parade through the entire school! (My grade school ~ An Emjayandthem (C) photo)
When I was a little girl, Halloween was a very exciting time. We had a class party and costume parade to look forward to, yummy treats to enjoy, games to play and of course …“Trick or Treating.”
Living on a farm eight miles from town, “Trick or Treating” involved 2 absolutes: cold weather and a car. Mom and Aunt Irene helped us make our costumes and we often recycle pieces of from older costumes into something new. After supper, we’d pile into one of their cars and head out for the night. This involved a total of five – count ‘em – five farms to visit: The Lee home (neighbors), Uncle Harley & Aunt Maxine’s, Grandma and Grandpa’s, Aunt Irene & Uncle Jarl’s and ours. So, depending on who was driving, we’d start at one and end at the others with three stops in between. It was expected that we’d “sing for our supper” – sing a song, tell a joke or do something entertaining. Our song of choice was always, “Billy Boy” (Oh where have you been, Billy Boy, Billy boy .. Oh where have you been, charming Billy..) because 1) we knew the words, 2) they knew the words and 3) it always seemed to bring the best results.
I still love Halloween! Me & the Hubbs had a lot of fun with this costume. An Emjayandthem (C) photo
Bear in mind that very few treats were “boughten” at that time – most offered us a home-made treat. ((and trust me, this was the good stuff!!)) Norma and Roy Lee always gave us pop – our choice – orange or root beer – and a small bag of home-made cookies or fudge. Yum! Aunt Irene was known for her caramel apples; Granny Smiths smothered in a thick layer of buttery rich caramel… mmm. Aunt Maxine was crafty and loved to carve massive jack-o-lanterns to delight us… and her chocolate fudge was delicious as well. Grandma made each of us our very own candy bag filled to the top with home-made popcorn balls and cookies mixed in with a few store bought treats – black licorice, toffee, and Old Dutch potato chips. Smiling shyly, Grandpa always slipped in a can of pop and two bits (a quarter) and we felt oh so rich. Our pillowcases were filled with to the brim with treats and good wishes. After much admiration of the genius of our costumes and our profound musical talents, off we’d go to the next farm, darting through the biting October wind, wondering at the sky and trying to spot the witches we just knew were flying around.
At the end of the night, we’d get back home and marvel at the abundance of treats .. but it was always those home-made delights we fought over most.
I remember Mom making us “Goofballs” and I think I’ll make some for my grand-kids today :).
GoofBalls
Goofball image courtesy of theartofmakingthings.tumblr.com
1 pkg. Kraft caramels
1 can Eagle brand milk
1/2 lb. butter
1 box Rice Krispies
1 bag large marshmallows
Unwrap the caramels and place into a heavy saucepan. Add the Eagle brand milk and the butter and stir until the caramels are melted and a sauce is formed. Remove from heat.
Stick 1 toothpick into a large marshmallow and dip it into the sauce carefully. Immediately roll the caramel covered marshmallow in Rice Krispies. Set on a waxed paper-lined cookie sheet to cool (remove toothpick). These travel great and kids (and adults) gobble them up!
And .. sing something, will ya?
Happy Halloween!!
