pigs in a blanket

While it's unlikely that one could ever tire of pigs in a blanket, it's about time the appetizer received a slight revamp. Rather than hot dogs, why not experiment with a fancier sausage flavor, like chicken apple?

The easiest, least-messy way to wrap these "chicks," or chicken sausages, is with crescent dough. Divide the dough into four rectangles, and wrap it around each sausage tightly.

Pinch the edges of the dough to completely seal it around the sausage.

Slice the rolls with a serrated knife, then pop them in the oven until the sausage caramelizes and the dough turns golden. These are guaranteed to go fast for breakfast, at a party, or for a game-day appetizer. Keep reading for the recipe.

Want to wrap up the week with an activity and treat that will please the whole farmhouse? Herd the family into the kitchen and make some pigs (or babes) in a blanket in honor of Pigs in a Blanket Day!

All you need is your piggies, biscuit mix, an oven, and kitchen helpers. When I make these I snuggle mini tofu sausages in a fluffy biscuit cover for my family, because my kids enjoy them more (shocking, right?!). If you follow my recipe, the secret is allowing the concoctions to cool and then creating wee faces with an edible ink pen. Condiments like ketchup, mustard, and relish can be used to decorate the blankets with pinstripes, floral patterns, and polkadots.

Have you found a great new recipe lately? Share it in The Children's Table group over in the LilSugar Community!

From 2003 to 2006, every October I hosted an annual pumpkin carving party. In 2007, I threw a huge Halloween bash, and last year, I didn't do anything!

Now, I've decided it's time to bring back my beloved pumpkin carving dinner. I supply the pumpkins and a hearty Fall dinner and ask everyone to bring a bottle of wine or a six-pack of beer. Since the party is all about creating interesting pumpkin designs, I like to serve a menu that guests can enjoy at their leisure.

For starters, I'll offer an orange and black cheese ball and spicy sausages wrapped in pizza dough.

A huge pot of vegetarian chili will bubble on the stove, and in between carving pumpkins, guests can grab a bowl and top it with an assortment of items like cilantro, avocado, and sour cream. A side of jalapeño cornbread muffins are ideal for dipping. To look at these recipes, read more