We are so fortunate to have such lovely neighbors. They are just good people, good families. The kind that come over in the middle of the night to keep your littles and pup when you have appendicitis, the kind that deliver a hot meal when you need it most, the kind that inquire immediately if they see something odd, and the kind that handle your home when you leave town. We have a little supper club going with them and it was our turn to host this weekend. With the rainy, chilly weather we’ve been seeing, a chili party seemed perfect!
I set the table with pheasants, sunflowers and blue willow. I happened to find the paper table runner on clearance at Michael’s, which was nice to just toss afterwards.
The “kids” made a quick appearance to dine in the kitchen between all sorts of gaming in the basement. My littles were in HEAVEN to have their favorite teenage friends over for the night.
We made the chilis and toppings, but our neighbors provided the rest of the meal. I did whip up our fave fall dip at the moment.
Caramel Apple Dip
16 unwrapped caramels
1/4 c water
1 block cream cheese, softened
1/2 c brown sugar
- Melt the caramels in the water in the microwave, stirring often
- Meanwhile, stir the brown sugar into the cream cheese until completely mixed
- Add the caramel/water mixture to the cream cheese mixture; Stir until completely combined; Serve at room temp with apple slices
As for the chilis, we made two of our three faves – beef and bean and white chicken. You can find both recipes (and our third fave) HERE!
I have to end with this pic… I was privy to the cutest convo. Whit was trying to squirt whipped cream (that was found in the fridge) into his mouth when C (our teenage neighbor/fave babysitter) says “You’re doing it all wrong. I’ve been doing this since I can walk. Let me show you how it’s done.” After a quick lesson and the can being passed back and forth a few times, they had it mastered. This is what being a kid is all about :-)
Happy Sunday, friends. My wish for the week ahead is some sunshine. Is that TOO much to ask?!
xoxo
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Sounds like a fun night! How nice to have a group of neighbors you can count on and hang out with as well. We have a few of those and it’s so comforting to know that someone is paying attention when we are away. We all have each other’s keys which came in handy one time when I left a candle burning in the kitchen. Rosie was a puppy and still in her crate and I was out shopping when I remembered the candle. All I could picture was my house going up in flames with no way for my poor little puppy to escape. Needless to say, I called my neighbor and she was kind enough to go in and blow it out. Whew! Now I’ve become totally OCD about blowing out candles…
Enjoy your week!
Shelley
So lovely to have nice neighbors – it really can make all the difference!
I’ve got my fingers crossed for sunshine. According to the weather app your wish should come true! Of course, we’re under a flood watch at the moment…
We love Caramel Apple dip!!! Always my go to appetizer when I know kids will be around. I’ve never tried adding actual caramel to ours, I normally just add brown sugar to the cream cheese and mix. Sounds yummy, I’ll definitely try it! Also, if you’ve never tried it before, add Bit o Brickle to the dip! My O my!!! I can’t stop eating it!! Literally I want to eat it by the spoonful!
Just made your beef and bean chili tonight and it was delicious. I’ve never made a chili I really liked until tonight!
Just took a look at your recipes. I’ve never heard of white chicken chili seasoning mix. Where do you buy it?
The black and tan brownies look yummy. I think I’ll make them for my next neighborhood book club meeting.