School has been in session for several weeks now and the fundraising is full steam ahead. At the risk of coming off as a female Scrooge, I feel the need to vent on the selling of goods and services by the students. I know that the schools have done this for many years, as our kids and grand kids had to help raise money for various activities and groups. Living in the country at that time, we bought from our kids, nieces, nephews and our friend’s kids. It seems that we have someone at the door nearly every day from the Moorhead public schools, Dilworth-Glyndon-Felton, area parochial schools, Boy Scouts, gymnastics and others. I wonder how much the vendors make that are providing the overpriced goods to the organizations to sell and how much the groups actually make for their efforts. I buy from whoever is first at my door, however I always feel badly for those that I have to turn away. With only two people in our household, I cannot purchase or use all the goods that are being sold. I would much rather give them a check for the organization and skip the merchandise. I don’t know how others feel about this, but I feel better after getting this off my chest!

This week’s recipe is a snack mix to be served at Halloween parties.

Pumpkin Snack Mix

3 Quarts of popped popcorn

4 Cups Cheerios

4 Cups Corn or Rice Chex

2 Cups peanuts

1 Cup packed brown sugar

3/4 Cup light corn syrup

1/4 Cup butter

2 Teaspoons vanilla extract

1/2 Teaspoon baking soda

1 Package candy pumpkins/candy corn (16 ounces)

In a large greased roasting pan; combine popcorn, cereals and peanuts and set aside. In a large saucepan stir together brown sugar, syrup and butter; bring to a rolling boil and boil for six minutes stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and quickly stir in vanilla and baking soda until mixture is light and foamy. Immediately pour over the popcorn mixture and stir to coat. Bake uncovered in 250 degree oven for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes. Remove from oven and stir in the candy. Cool completely. This will make about 5-6 quarts.