Family Movie Night: It’s The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown
When Life Gives You Rocks, Make Them Chocolate
As predicted, the new school year has thrown us into a bit of a whirlwind with all the activities, obligations, and general how is it already this busy? chaos that comes with getting back into a routine. We actually had to put our movie nights on pause for a little while just to get back into the swing of things before adding them back into our weekly schedule.
But October? There was no way we were skipping movie nights.
We LOVE Halloween over here. It’s one of those holidays that AG and I have been celebrating together since she was a baby, and I absolutely love that she enjoys it just as much as I do. There’s just too much spooky goodness to soak up!
In the past, I used to do 31 nights of Halloweenmthemed menus and snacks. And while I truly loved doing it, let me tell you, it was A LOT of work. There is no way our current schedule would allow me to pull that off again, so these days we celebrate a little differently. We squeeze in as many movie nights as our schedule allows, along with whatever other spooky season activities we can fit in.
One thing that never changes, though, is how we kick off October.
Charlie Brown. Always Charlie Brown.
It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown has become our official opening ceremony for Halloween movie nights. At only about 25 minutes, it’s perfect for a weeknight when you don't have a ton of extra time. And if you do have a little more time, there are usually another episode or two attached, making it easy to turn a quick watch into a full movie night lineup.
It’s nostalgic, it’s sweet, and honestly, it just feels like Halloween.
And if you’ve seen It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown, you know poor Charlie Brown doesn’t exactly have the best luck when it comes to trick or treating. While everyone else is excitedly showing off their candy, Charlie keeps reaching into his bag only to pull out...
A rock. Poor Chuck.
So, naturally, I thought we could give him a slightly more delicious alternative.
Today’s recipe is a much tastier take on Charlie Brown’s infamous trick or treat haul: No-Bake Chocolate Rocks. This recipe was adapted from Julie Van Rosendaal’s Food Guide, and they're incredibly simple to make. They’re chocolatey, creamy, a little bit crunchy, and, most importantly, much better than an actual rock.
Tonight's Menu
Charlie Brown’s Charcuterie Board
Snoopy Pizza
Great Pumpkin Mandarins
“I got a rock” Sweets
It’s The Great Pumpkin Juice!
“I got a rock” Sweets
Charlie Brown may have gotten rocks, but these are the kind you’ll actually want to find in your trick or treat bag. These no-bake chocolate rocks are sweet, creamy, and ridiculously easy to make!
Ingredients
2 Oreo cookies or 3–4 chocolate wafer cookies
7 oz. white chocolate, chopped
6 tbsp. sweetened condensed milk
Pinch of salt
⅛ tsp. cocoa powder, or a generous pinch
Cashews, almonds, and dried cranberries, optional
Preparation
Start by crushing the Oreos or chocolate wafers. Remove the cream filling from the Oreos, place the wafers in a zip-top bag, and crush them with a rolling pin. You can also use the bottom of a mug if you need to work out a little frustration.
In a small saucepan over low heat, warm the white chocolate, sweetened condensed milk, and salt. Stir until smooth and completely combined.
Remove from the heat and stir in half of the chocolate cookie crumbs.
Divide the mixture evenly between three small bowls.
Stir the remaining cookie crumbs into the first bowl.
Stir the cocoa powder into the second.
Leave the third bowl as is.
Let the mixtures stand on the counter or refrigerate for about 30 minutes, or until firm enough to shape.
Now comes the fun part!
Scoop out a small amount of the mixture, flatten it slightly, and wrap it around a cashew, almond, or dried cranberry, if using. You can play around with the shape and size to create different looking "rocks." Some can be round and smooth, while others can be a little more...rock-like.
Roll each one gently between your hands until smooth, then place on parchment or waxed paper.
Allow the rocks to set in the refrigerator or at room temperature until firm.
And there you have it: Charlie Brown's rocks, but make them delicious.
Much better than pulling one out of your trick or treat bag. Although, let's be honest, Linus would probably still tell you the Great Pumpkin brought them.
