Halloween is awesome…and busy. Growing up, our house was like Grand Central Station on Oct 31. There were three kids and between afterschool rehearsals, practices, meetings, Halloween parties, and trick or treating, we were in and out of the house at all different times. Not wanting her children to survive on candy alone, my mom would double up on a batch of slow cooker sloppy joes that we could grab and go as needed, ensuring that at least some protein and vegetables made it into our systems. Before long it was a family tradition and my siblings and I would bring friends to the house to refuel after practices but before we went out into the cold, begging strangers for sugar.
Similarly, life in Beijing is hectic. So if you’re looking for an easy go-to Halloween dinner that’s ready when you are here, are a few local options… including my mom’s recipe for sloppy joes! All restaurants mentioned can be found on Meituan, Sherpas, or JSS. For tips and tricks on how to use these apps check out this article Food at Your Fingertips.
Huluween at Hulu by TRB is a Beijing tradition! I mean, where else can you devour some batwings and salmon fingers before hitting up your costume party. No time to eat out this year? Simply order the Halloween Box from Peach by Hulu.
Meanwhile, Feast at East will have a Halloween-themed buffet, and kids who attend get free admission to Xian’s haunted house! For booking and directions scan the code in the flyer.
Larry the Bird delivers now, which is great if you’re looking for food that anyone in the family can quickly grab between activities! Order a whole chicken and some sides.
Dia de Los Muertos – aka Day of the Dead – is Nov 1, so for a Latin spin on the spooky spirit, order in tacos or a mixed grill from Pebbles Courtyard!
Moms Super Easy Fix-and-Forget Sloppy Joes:
- 1 lb. ground beef (browned in a skillet)
- 1 yellow onion diced
- 1 green or red bell pepper diced
- 1 cup ketchup
- 8 oz. can tomato sauce (not paste)
- 2 tbsp. mustard
- 1 tsp. apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
- 3/4 tsp. salt
- 1/4 tsp. pepper
- 1/4 tsp. garlic powder or 4 cloves of chopped garlic
- 1/4 tsp. chili powder (optional)
- Hamburger buns
Dump everything except the hamburger buns in the slow cooker. Set on medium. Leave it alone for anywhere from 3-12 hours.
When you are ready to eat, spoon it onto the bun and serve.
Told you…easy!
KEEP READING: Brush Up On Your Monster Lingo
Images: Unsplash, Hulu, Feast, Larry the Bird
