Are you heading outdoors for some fall entertaining?

There’s no time like fall to move the party outside. In this issue, we’re sharing a few ways to make the most of your outdoor entertaining this fall.

Did you know that October is Popcorn Popping Month? Be sure to check out our exciting facts regarding this favorite snack.

At this time of year, many recipes include fall flavors like pumpkin and cranberry. This month’s super easy slow cooker Orange Cranberry Chicken recipe couldn’t be easier or more delicious.
We hope you and your loved ones are enjoying the changing days of fall.

Popcorn Fun Facts

• Popcorn can grow to be 30 times its original size when it pops.
• There are two different shapes of popcorn: the butterfly and the mushroom.
• Sometimes, after popcorn has finished popping there are still un-popped kernels remaining, which are known in the popcorn industry as “old maids.”
• In the 1800s, popcorn was eaten as a breakfast cereal consisting of popcorn with milk and sweetener.
• January 19th is National Popcorn Day.
• The most ideal popcorn popping temperature is between 400-460 degrees Fahrenheit.

Entertaining Tips for Fall

1. Light up the night. Stretch your outdoor gathering from day to night by providing enough lighting from multiple sources. Think about the lighting in levels. Add low lighting with votives on tables once you have the high lighting (string lights overhead). Candles set the right mood for any outdoor entertainment. Give your lighting a seasonal touch by cutting out notches in apples, small gourds, and pumpkins and resting a votive candle inside each.

2. Provide entertainment for all ages. Invest in a projector and screen, and you can make the football calendar part of your outdoor entertainment. Inflatable outdoor movie screens also come in a range of prices. Many projectors work with multiple sources such as DVD and Blu-ray players, tablets and iPhones, PlayStation, and more. You can have family movie nights in the yard throughout the year.

3. Make everyone comfortable. Place a stack of lightweight throws or cozy quilts nearby so guests can grab one if needed. If you don’t have an outdoor fireplace, consider setting up a small heater in your outdoor location or invest in a fire bowl. These movable pots can feature an open flame or be covered with mesh for added protection.

4. Whip up a seasonal beverage. A signature cocktail is an easy idea for any gathering. If temperatures are chilly, prepare to serve a warm drink, such as cocoa for youngsters and a hot toddy for grown-ups. Another seasonal pick is hot apple cider, which you can effortlessly prep in ten minutes and then set to brew in a slow cooker for several hours while you take care of other party details.

Recommended Fall Recipe

What You’ll Need

• • 3 lbs. boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup Catalina Salad Dressing
  • 14 oz. can of whole berry cranberry sauce
  • 1 oz. onion soup mix packet
  • 1 tbsp. sweet orange marmalade

Place chicken in the slow cooker and cook on HIGH for 3 hours or on LOW for 6 hours.

After 3 hours on HIGH or 6 hours on LOW, drain juices from the slow cooker.

In a medium bowl, combine Catalina dressing, cranberry sauce, onion soup mix, and marmalade and stir thoroughly.

Evenly pour mixture over chicken breasts and continue cooking on HIGH for 30 minutes, or until done.