Make dinner easy: Spaghetti and meatballs are a Halloween family tradition
Since I was first married, I have carried on my mother-in-law's tradition of serving spaghetti and meatballs on Halloween. My recipe isn't the same as hers, but our kids and their friends have enjoyed the tradition for years. I have found it's a really practical recipe to plan for Halloween night. As the sauce is simmering, it's easy for me to hand out treats and I like that my kids fill up on a nice warm dinner in between eating all the candy.
This recipe has also become part of a new tradition. Our kids travel extensively for sports including many out-of-state tournaments. For years, I have been making this recipe, freezing it and taking it on the road in a cooler along with a slow cooker to heat it up at the hotel. I've found it's possible to make pasta in advance by tossing it with a teaspoon or so of light tasting olive oil after it's been drained and cooled. Storing the cooked pasta in a zip style bag makes it easy to transport and it can be warmed up by placing it in a colander and running hot water over it. I use this technique at home if I'm feeding kids at different times due to sports practices or on a night like Halloween when the kids might eat in shifts.
A recipe for spaghetti and meatballs is in many a cookbook and recipe box but like many recipes it's the tradition and story behind it that make it special.
• Crystal Maleski, is a mom of four from Long Grove who shares family favorite recipes, dinner ideas and a printable grocery shopping list each week at www.makedinnereasy.com.