Fall Family Fun Night - Recipes for Food and Fun

The season of fall brings cooler weather, big piles of colorful leaves to roll around in, steaming cups of cider, and many other things that we all hold close to our hearts. Unfortunately, the change in seasons also brings school, busier work schedules, and more stress due to upcoming holidays. In order to keep your family from feeling the pressure this fall, and in order to match the nostalgia of the autumn season, here is a family fun night that is sure to revive your clan and bring them closer together, complete with warm, hearty recipes to help you and yours phase into fall!

The first step to a successful family night is a great dinner. Here is a simple soup recipe that will please everyone in your family!

Garden Soup

What you need:
1 pound lean ground beef
1 cup chopped onions
1/2 cup cubed potatoes
1 cup sliced carrots
2/3 cup diced celery
1 bay leaf
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
6 cups water
2 cups fresh spinach leaves
2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon ground black pepper

To prepare: Brown ground beef and onion in soup pot. Add all vegetables and seasonings. Bring to a boil. Add water. Cover and simmer for 50 minutes.

The only thing that can really follow a great meal is a great dessert. With this recipe for money bread, even the kids can help! Make the dish before the festivities start, or save it until after dinner for a great family night activity!

Monkey Bread

What you need:
3 cans of biscuit dough
Cinnamon
Sugar
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 stick butter

To prepare: Pull biscuit dough apart and shape into balls. roll balls into a mixture of cinnamon and sugar. Place balls into a bunt pan. Melt butter and brown sugar together in a sauce pan. Pour butter and brown sugar over biscuit dough. Bake for 50 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit or until dough is golden brown. Turn bread over onto plate. Serve hot.

The last recipe is for a fun snack that will warm you up in no time. This spinach dip and pita chips are good for you, and incredibly tasty-- not to mention, really easy to make!

Hot Spinach Dip with Pita Chips

SPINACH DIP:

What you need:
1 pkg frozen spinach, thawed.
1 cup low fat mayonnaise
1 teaspoon garlic
1 cup Parmesan cheese