Home Spaces September 2019

How mulched leaves help your lawn

Various chores are synonymous with certain times of year. For example, cleaning a pool is a summertime task. In addition, rare is the instance that Mother Nature forces anyone to break out the snow shovels outside of winter. Raking leaves has long been a task for fall afternoons, but homeowners may be surprised to learn that they might be better off putting their rakes in permanent mothballs.

In the 1990s, turfgrass specialists at Michigan State Uni-

versity began exploring the potential benefits of leaving mulched leaves on a lawn instead of raking them and leaving them for curbside pickup. While the researchers noticed an obvious leaf residue on the lawn after mulching, they noted that it only sticks around for a few days. Eventually, the tiny pieces sifted down into the lawn, ultimately serving to control future weed growth while also providing the lawn with essential nutrients. Over time, research-

ers noted that homeowners who mulched rather than raked their leaves needed less fertilizer to give their lawns a green look in spring, saving homeowner s the effort and cost associated with fertilizing.

Researchers also noted that decomposing pieces of leaves cover up bare spots between turf plants, which have traditionally proven to be excellent spots for weed seeds to germinate.

In fact, MSU notes that homeowners can expect a nearly 100

percent decrease in dandelions and crabgrass after mulching leaves for just three years.

Depending on the type of mower being used, up to six inches of leaves can be mulched at a time. Push mowers can handle smaller amounts, though can still be as effective as ride-on mowers.

Fall may be synonymous with raking leaves. However, homeowners who want to give their lawns a healthy boost should consider put-

Easy ways to clean up leaves

Autumn is marked by colorful foliage and plummeting temperatures. Once those leaves reach peak color, they fall from the branches and collect on lawns, necessitating cleanup projects. For homeowners with big yards, such

a project can be tiring and time-consuming. However, there are ways to make leaf cleanup easier.

One of the easiest ways to clean up leaves is to reach for a lawn mower rather than a rake. The mower will cut leaves down to

smaller sizes, creating an effective mulch that can add nutrients back into the lawn. Mowed leaves also can be collected in a mower bag and added to garden beds or compost piles.

For those who prefer manual raking, select a rake with tines

that will not skewer the leaves in the process. Big rakes can also make faster work of gathering leaves into piles.

The home improvement resource The Family Handyman advocates for the use

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ting their rakes away and mulching their leaves this fall. look in spring, saving homeowners the effort and cost associated with fertilizing.

Researchers also noted that decomposing pieces of leaves cover up bare spots between turf plants, which have traditionally proven to be excellent spots for weed seeds to germinate.

In fact, MSU notes that homeowners can expect a nearly 100 percent decrease in dandelions and crabgrass after mulching

leaves for just three years.

Depending on the type of mower being used, up to six inches of leaves can be mulched at a time. Push mowers can handle smaller amounts, though can still be as effective as ride-on mowers.

Fall may be synonymous with raking leaves. However, homeowners who want to give their lawns a healthy boost should consider putting their rakes away and mulching their leaves this fall.

Table of Contents:

Choosing between oil and propane

Get your home winter ready

Prepare for your first fire of the season

Arranging furniture

Winter friendly outdoor space

Ghostly destinations

Fall Recipes

Fall Home Improvement Directory

Creative ways to recycle leaves

Leaves cascading down from trees indicate the arrival of autumn. However, colorful and aweinspiring autumn leaves can be a hazard if left to lie on the ground too long.

Fallen leaves form a dense insulator to protect trees’ roots and prevent competing plants from growing. Decomposing leaves also provide nutrients for the tree. But wet leaves can be a safety hazard and leaves left on the lawn through the winter can pose a threat to the grass. These are just a couple of reasons why so much effort is placed on leaf clean-up in the fall. The following are some creative ways to recycle leaves that fall from your trees in the weeks to come.

Mulch

Shredded leaves can make for a great amendment to fertilizer for garden beds and even the lawn. Leaves lying on the grass can be mulched into small pieces with a mulching mower so they don’t choke the blades of grass. Leaves also can be broken down with a string trimmer, a leaf blower that has a vacuum function or a commercial shredder/chipper. Add the shredded leaves to a compost pile or use them to fill container plants before adding regular potting soil.

Insulation

Collect leaves to mound over delicate perennial plants and shrubs. The leaves will add more warmth to the

soil and may help plants make it through harsh winters. Just remove the leaves slowly when spring arrives so that the soil underneath can get the sunlight and water it needs to thrive. Leave some leaves in the yard so that animals can use them as nesting material and line their dens for the winter.

Stuffing

Create whimsical scarecrows as part of your autumn decoration scheme. Gather older clothes that you no longer use and stuff the sleeves of shirts and the legs of pants with leaves, which are less expensive and easier to come by than straw. Use a few pieces of straw around the neck and hand areas of the scarecrow for visual effect. Tie off with twine and display your scarecrow.

Bedding

Chicken owners can use fallen leaves as bedding in their chicken coops. Dry leaves also may create more comfortable and drier conditions for goats and other livestock. Goats may look to recently fallen leaves

Protect your plants from winter weather

For the majority of gardening enthusiasts, gardening is a warm weather activity. While some people live in climates that make it possible to enjoy gardening yearround, those who don’t often lament the end of the gardening season.

Winter might not be conducive to gardening, but the arrival of cold weather does not necessarily mean a gardener’s work is done until the following spring. Taking steps to protect plants from winter weather is an important part of maintaining a healthy garden that thrives from year to

year.

Timing is of the essence when winterizing a garden. The online gardening resource Get Busy Gardening! advises gardeners that the best time to winterize is after the first hard freeze in the fall. A hard freeze occurs when temperatures dip below freezing overnight. When that occurs, annual plants and vegetables are killed off and perennial plants, which grow back year after year, begin going dormant.

Better Homes and Gardens notes that perennials are the easiest plants to prepare for winter, as

they require just a little cutting back and mulching to be safe from cold weather. But no two perennials are alike, so homeowners should consult their local gardening center for advice on how to prepare their particular perennials for the coming months.

The steps necessary to winterize annuals depends on which type of annuals, cool- or warmclimate, you have. Coolclimate annuals should be covered with polyspun garden fabric when light frost is in the forecast. In addition, Better Homes and Gardens recommends pulling dead annuals and adding them to a compost pile after a killing frost. Any annuals that developed fungal disease should be discarded. Mulch annual beds with a three- to four-inch layer of chopped leaves or similar materials, spreading

as a nutritious food source. Gather the leaves and let the goats munch before you further rake and compost the leaves.

Decorations

Natural leaves can be used as decorations both inside and outside a home. String freshly fallen leaves together and wrap them around a grapevine wreath for a rustic door decoration. Leaves can be placed in clear vases and put on display for a cheap way to showcase some autumn color. Preserve favorite leaves with a lamination machine or by sealing them between heated sheets of waxed paper. Cut out the leaf shapes and use for hanging window decorations.

Recreation

Leaves have long been favorite toys for children, who eagerly await jumping into large piles of fallen leaves. Fill paper bags with leaves and draw a target on the front. Let kids test their skill aiming for the targets. Children can camouflage their clothing with leaves and masking tape and have a more intense session of “hide and seek.”

the mulch only two inches thick over self-sown seeds you want to germinate in the spring.

Warm-climate annuals also should be covered with polyspun garden fabric when light frost is expected. Seeds of cold-hardy annuals can be planted for extended winter bloom, while gardeners also can collect seeds of warmweather plants that will breed true to type. Even though you’re winterizing, Better Homes and Gardens recommends that gardeners continue to weed and water their plant beds and plants while also keeping an eye out for pests. If organic mulch has decomposed or thinned out, replace it with a new layer.

Get Busy Gardening! notes that the bulbs of tender plants like dahlias and tuberous begonias can be dug up and over-

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can also make faster work of gathering leaves into piles.

The home improvement resource The Family Handyman advocates for the use of a lawn sweeper. This is a manual device that has a rotating sweeping brush that gathers up lawn debris and leaves into an attached hopper bag. Like mowed leaves, the bag can be emptied into a compost pile or distributed where needed.

Raking leaves onto a large tarp is another

option. Once it’s full, the tarp can be taken to the curb where many towns will collect the leaves seasonally. Otherwise, the tarp can be used as a funnel to put leaves into a gardening bag or another appropriate receptacle. Leaf blowers remain a fast option for cleaning up yards, but they require electricity or gas and can be noisy. Still, they are a popular choice for large landscapes or when quick work needs to be made of leaf cleanup. Leaves will fall in autumn, but luckily homeowners have various methods at their disposal to tame the mess.

wintered in their dormant state. All dead foliage should be removed after the bulbs have been dug up, and the bulbs should be allowed to dry out a little before being stored. Container gardeners can overwinter their tender bulbs in their pots inside, but be sure to remove

their foliage and store them in a dark, cool place that maintains temperatures above freezing.

Winterizing may mark the end of gardening season, but it’s an important task that can ensure a healthy, beautiful garden next spring, summer and fall.

Oil or Propane Heat?

Tips for efficiency, safety and smart financial planning

By Andrea Busche

As much as we may despise the thought, another Northland winter is almost upon us. In addition to bitterly cold temps, winter also ushers in a few other matters –including extra costs and safety concerns – related to keeping our homes warm and cozy.

In our region, oil and propane are two fuel sources commonly used to heat our homes. Like any fuel source, they each offer pros and cons. But with a little advance planning, both can be safe, affordable ways to stay warm as the mercury drops.

Cost comparison

Ryan Gunderson is president of Superior Fuel Company, a fuel oil and propane provider doing business in our region since 2006. Gunderson shared that when it comes down to an “apples to apples” BTU comparison, both heat sources come out to be very similar in price.

A household’s average fuel con-

sumption depends on the size of the home and efficiency of the heating system. Propane customers in our area typically use 900-1,000 gallons per year, priced at around $1.40 to $1.50 per gallon, as of this writing. And oil customers typically use between 400 and 600 gallons of oil, priced at about $2.60 to $2.70 per gallon.

A true cost comparison depends on your heating system.

“Efficiency comes down to the appliance, whether you have a boiler or a furnace,” Gunderson said. “If you have an inefficient system, you’ll pay more.”

This helpful tip applies to all fuel sources, not just propane and oil. The cleaner and more efficiently you can burn your fuel, the less you’ll use.

Payment strategies

A definite “pro” for using propane or oil is the ability to lock into a price protection plan. Gunderson shared that any reputable company will offer one.

“Look for a price protection plan that lasts the entire year,” he said. “If you have a guaranteed rate, the company can’t raise your rates in winter when demand is high and you need the fuel.”

Another way to smooth out the seasonal billing spikes is to request the monthly payment program. Gunderson estimates that roughly 75-85 percent of his customers’ annual fuel consumption occurs in

four short months of the year, from the end of October through March. A monthly payment program allows you to spread out your heating costs yearround, rather than getting surprised with a giant bill for those four months. Participating in this kind of payment plan can also ease some of the financial strain that occurs for all of us around the holiday season.

Safety tips

When burning fuel to keep our living quarters toasty, it’s vitally important to keep safety in mind. Gunderson shared several safety tips for keeping your home safe when heating with propane or oil:

1. Don’t allow your tank to get too low. Poor weather conditions, including icy roads and snowstorms, can cause a delay in

delivering more fuel to you.

2. If heating with propane, make sure the regulator device on your tank is kept clear of snow. This allows built up pressure to be released and exhaust to be vented properly.

3. Make sure to follow setback limits: If using propane, a tank larger than 120 gallons must be a minimum of 10 feet away from your home. Oil heat doesn’t require any such setbacks, but if your oil tank is outside, make sure you heat your home with the “No. 1 type” (rather than the No. 2 type) of fuel oil – it has a higher gelling point.

4. Don’t bury your fuel tank in snow – it can cause your system to slow down and lose efficiency.

5. Make sure your furnace or boiler’s exhaust and intake

areas are clear of snow. A backed-up system can cause carbon monoxide to enter the home.

6. Always utilize a carbon monoxide detector.

One extra tip, related to the safety of your fuel delivery person, is to keep a path to your fuel tank easily accessible and clear of snow.

See you next spring

While there aren’t any ways to fastforward through winter, there are ways to make the season safer and more affordable for you and your family. Consider following these tips, and you’ll find that propane and fuel oil can be two comfortable, convenient ways to heat your home this season. Stay warm, and we’ll see you next spring!

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Photo courtesy of Superior Fuel Company

Mark Bodell of Superior Fuel Company prepares to fill a propane tank.

Photo courtesy of Superior Fuel Company

When it comes down to BTU comparison, both oil and propane fuel sources are very similar in price as affordable ways to stay warm.

Get your home fall- and winter-ready with 5 simple projects

If boots, a warm hat and a tuned-up snow blower are the only items on your winter preparation list, your home maintenance plan may need a makeover. These simple home maintenance projects can help lower your energy bills, prevent more costly repairs and/or increase the lifespan of your home.

1. Heating & Ventilation

Examine your fireplace and chimney system to ensure that no soot or creosote has collected. Any cracks or voids could potentially cause a fire. Before you turn the furnace or boiler

on, replace the air filter and hire a professional to inspect the unit more thoroughly. These steps will improve the efficiency and life of your furnace and will ensure stable indoor air quality.

2. Seal Windows and Doors

If not properly sealed, windows and doors can be a major culprit for heat loss. To keep the warm air inside, inspect the weather-stripping around your home’s windows and doors for leaks, rot or decay. Repair or replace structural framing, and caulk inside and out, if necessary.

3. Insulate well

One of the easiest and most effective defenses against heat loss is proper insulation. Prevent cold drafts from entering and the loss of heated air through basement headers, which, when left exposed, can make your furnace work harder. Look for a moisture-resistant product offering high thermal performance. This type of mineral wool insulation makes installation simple. All that’s needed is a serrated blade or bread knife. Cut the batt to fit the cavity and press into place. The insulation will help improve energy efficiency as soon as it’s in place

and provide savings over the lifetime of your home. It can also be used to top or replace old attic insulation. Aim for an R-50 or a depth of 16 inches.

4. Backyard Care

Save your property from potential damage by trimming overgrown trees and shrubs to prevent iceladen branches from thrashing against electrical wires and your home’s exterior.

Drain/shut off any exterior faucets and sprinkler systems to prevent freezing. Ensure rain or snow drains away from the house to avoid foundation problems.

5. Roof and Gutters

Inspect your roof for shingles that are warped, damaged or even missing to prevent a future leak. Use roofing cement and a caulking gun to seal joints where water could pene-

trate, such as around the chimney, skylights or vent pipes. Make sure that your gutters and downspouts are securely fastened. Downspouts should extend at least five feet away from the home to prevent flooding. When it comes to preventative maintenance, a little time and effort can save thousands in energy costs and repair bills over the lifetime of your home.

Things to consider before warming up next to your first fire this winter

A warm fire can make even the coldest winter day more enjoyable. Fireplaces may not get much use in spring or summer, but come late fall and throughout the winter, the fireplace can be a great place for families to gather.

Before fireplace season hits full swing, homeowners might want to brush up on a few fireplace facts so they can safely enjoy nights spent sitting by the crackling flames.

The Chimney Safety Institute of America advises homeowners with fireplaces to hire a CSIA-certified chimney sweep to clean their fireplaces.

After a lengthy period of non-use, various issues could be affecting the chimney, many of which might not be notice-

able to an untrained eye. Professional, certified chimney sweeps have extensive knowledge of fireplaces, making them valuable resources who can let homeowners know if any safety issues developed since fireplaces were last used.

The National Protection Agency recommends that chimneys be swept at least once per year.

A full inspection of the chimney might be in order as well. Chimney service technicians will conduct thorough examinations of readily accessible portions of the chimney exterior and interior and accessible portions of the appliance and the chimney connection.

The CSIA recommends that homeowners who plan to use their chimneys

as they have in the past request a Level 1 inspection, which will examine the soundness of the chimney structure and flue as well as the basic appliance installation and connections. Technicians also will verify if the chimney is free of obstruction and combustible deposits.

Homeowners also should inspect their chimney dampers before lighting

their first fires of the season. Dampers should open and close smoothly. If not, a service technician can help fix or replace the damper.

Firewood is another thing homeowners must consider before lighting their first fires of the season. The CSIA says that well-seasoned firewood works best, noting that wood that is not well-seasoned will produce more smoke than heat. In addition, the home improvement resource

This Old House recommends using dense wood that’s been split and stored in a high and dry place for at least six months. Oak is an example of dense wood that, when stored properly, can make for an enjoyable fireplace expe-

rience. Avoid softwoods like pine. Pine can produce a lot of creosote, which is a byproduct of wood combustion. Creosote is highly flammable, and as it builds up in a chimney, the risk for a chimney fire increases.

Choosing the right wood, making sure it’s well-seasoned and having a chimney professionally cleaned can reduce the risk of a creosoterelated chimney fire. A Level 1 inspection should determine if there are potentially dangerous levels of creosote deposits in the chimney.

Before nestling up to a fireplace this winter, homeowners should consider a host of factors and safety measures to ensure their fireplaces are safe and ready for the season ahead.

Arrange furniture, design rooms more easily

Redesigning a room can involve several steps, from choosing a paint palette to taking down walls to buying new furniture.

When it comes time to put the space back together, finding an appealing furniture arrangement or layout renovation that maximizes space efficiently can be challenging if it requires moving heavy pieces of furniture around.

To make such tasks easier, homeowners can rely on a bevy of room-designing apps that enable one to manipulate a room in the digital realm.

Some people have great spatial reasoning and can work out designs in their head or by plotting items on graph paper. But many homeowners may need a little extra help. By figuring out a floor plan, anyone can start lay-

ing out their furniture and other design elements.

Room planners come in various forms, from free downloads available through popular furniture companies to pay-for-use, thirdparty software. The following are some the more popular room planners homeowners can utilize.

• Amikasa: This app enables users to create room layouts using furniture and more from real brands. It features a walk-through mode so you can take a virtual tour afterwards.

• Autodesk Homestyler: Brought to you by the company that produces professional design

How to create a winterfriendly outdoor living space

For many homeowners, the arrival of fall and winter marks an end to time spent lounging and dining al fresco on the patio. But cold air does not necessarily mean patio furniture must be packed up until flowers bloom anew in spring.

In its 2017 Home Design Trends Survey, the American Institute of Architects found that consumers continue to emphasize practical features that expand the functionality of their homes via heavy investment in outdoor living spaces. The survey found that the popularity of outdoor living spaces

increased by 72 percent between 2012 and 2017, highlighting just how much homeowners enjoy spending time outdoors. By taking measures to make their outdoor living spaces winterproof, homeowners can enjoy these areas of their homes even more.

• Cover your deck. A covered deck may appear to make the space less enjoyable during spring and summer. However, covered decks can protect residents from the sun on especially hot days while also making the space more functional in

winter. An overhead shelter on a deck can be outfitted with heaters (and fans to provide a cooling effect in summer) and allow residents to sit outside and watch snow fall without getting wet.

• Plant the right trees. Coniferous trees prevent wind, which can be especially harsh in winter. Homeowners who are unsure about which direction wind typically comes from can consult a landscape architect to determine where to plant the trees to ensure they’re most effective.

programs for architects and designers, like AutoCAD, Autodesk and Revit, this user-friendly technology allows you to create 3D renderings and move around furniture, decorative items, appliances, and other elements right in the app.

• Floor Plan Creator: Start with the basics

by plotting out precise and accurate floor plans. This app enables you to create multiple floor rooms in 3D and get automatic figures for perimeters, walls and more.

• Ikea Home Planner Tools: The free, easy-to-use home planner tool from the popular furniture giant enables you to see how items from the store can look in your space – before you bring it home.

The Kitchen Planner from the company also makes it simple to enter Ikea components and see how much the proposed kitchen design may cost.

• Magic Plan: This is another popular feature-filled app for planning designs. The technology even allows

you to take a picture of your existing room and create floor plans.

• Planner 5D: This is an extensive roomdesign tool that helps you design rooms down to the smallest architectural details. It also can be taken outdoors for landscaping and pools, utilizing 3D graphics.

• Room Scan Pro: This app draws floor plans simply by having you hold the phone up to a wall. The software will then scan the circumference and plot out the requisite measurements. These are just a few of the room planners that can make it easier to see what a finished design product may one day look like.

• Fire up the patio. A firepit or fireplace can warm up an outdoor living area, making such a space warm and cozy even on a cold winter night. A patio with a builtin firepit can cost a pretty penny, but such an addition can withstand winter weather better

than a standalone firepit, which might be vulnerable to being tipped over by winter winds.

• Install lighting. The sun sets early in winter, so homeowners won’t be able to rely on natural light to illuminate their outdoor living spaces well into the evening

like they do in summer. Heat lamps can be used to both warm and illuminate a space, serving dual, budgetfriendly functions. With the right adjustments, outdoor living spaces can be enjoyed throughout winter.

Halloween takes place during a time of year characterized by earthencolored chrysanthemums, leaf-lined walkways and crisp autumn air. As colorful as the costumes children wear for trick-ortreating may be, nature’s beauty is unsurpassed this time of year, and the scores of pumpkins, gourds and squashes on display only add to that colorful melange.

The Cucurbitaceae family may be best known for pumpkins, squash and gourds, but there actually are 800 species that belong to this family. While they share many of the same properties, these fruits each have their own unique attributes. The main differences between squashes, gourds and pumpkins is their intended purposes –whether they’re ornamental or edible.

and

Squash

Squashes come in summer and winter varieties. Winter ones do not actually grow in the winter; in fact, they’re harvested in late summer and early fall, but the name references the hard shell casing that protects the tender pulp inside. Zucchini are summer squash because their outer flesh is tender, while butternut, acorn, spaghetti, and hubbard squashes are winter squashes because they feature a tough skin. Even though it takes some effort to crack that shell, the dense, nutrient-rich flesh inside is well worth the workout.

Gourds

Gourds are essentially ornamental squashes; they aren’t cultivated for eating. Instead they are bred to look beautiful and unique in autumn center-

pieces. Types of gourds include autumn wing gourd, warted gourds, turban gourds, and bottle gourds. Each gourd is unique in its shape and color.

Pumpkins

Pumpkins come in ornamental and edible varieties. Even though all pumpkins can be consumed, some taste better than others. Small pumpkins tend to be decorative because, according to Nutritious Life, they do not have enough meat inside to make them worthy of cooking. However, sugar pumpkins are best for baking and cooking favorite recipes, states the resource Pumpkin Nook. The festive hues and flavors of squashes, gourds and pumpkins are one more thing that makes Halloween and autumn special.

Travel to these ghostly haunts

Various places around the world are home to spooky tales and locations that are purported to be visited by spirits. Paranormal activity attracts visitors excited by the opportunity to catch a glimpse of the unknown and the unexpected. Ghosts and hauntings simultaneously frighten and excite.

While many people grow up listening to ghost stories and scary tales, few take to the road to witness potentially haunted sites. A haunted Halloween road trip can help fuel ghostly interests. Here are a few places to include on your journey.

Banff Springs Hotel

This hotel in Alberta, Canada, was built more than 125 years ago as a luxury stop for train travelers. It’s rumored to be one of the most haunted places in Canada. One of the most popular of all the haunting reports involves former bellman Sam McCauley. McCauley served at the hotel during the 1960s and 1970s, and some people insist they still see him to this day. He likes to help guests up to their rooms, dressed in his 1960s uniform, often turning on lights and opening locked doors. If you try to tip or make conversation with Sam, he vanishes.

The Crescent Hotel

Located in Eureka Springs, Ark., the Crescent Hotel is often referred to as the most haunted hotel in America. The property is said to be haunted by sev-

Recipes Corner  

Thanksgiving quiche puts sweet potatoes front and center

Sweet potatoes are a favorite side dish at Thanksgiving dinner tables. Packed with vitamins, nutrients, fiber, and delectable flavor, sweet potatoes have earned their place on holiday dinner tables. While many holiday hosts bake, fry or mash their sweet potatoes, these beloved tubers can be prepared in other ways as well.

If you want to put a new twist on this Thanksgiving staple, whip up this recipe for “Sweet Potato Quiche,” courtesy of the North Carolina Sweet Potato Commission. Submitted to the NC State Fair Tailgate Recipe Contest by Kristen Frybort, this recipe marries sweet tubers with decadent cheese, rich cream and savory spices.

Sweet Potato Quiche Makes 8 servings

2 cups sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into small cubes

3/4 cup yellow onion, diced

2-1/2 tablespoons olive oil

1/2 teaspoon salt

Black pepper to taste

Egg mixture:

4 eggs

1 cup heavy cream

1/2 teaspoon fresh rosemary, minced

1/2 tablespoon fresh parsley, minced

1-1/2 teaspoons salt

1/4 teaspoon pepper

3 ounces Gruyere cheese, shredded

Pre-baked deep dish pie crust

Preheat oven to 400

F. Mix together the first

A sweet and savory Halloween treat

Save the tricks for another time; this Halloween is all about the treats. Halloween parties are par for the course, and spooktacular hosts and hostesses want to serve their guests something special. Enter a dessert hybrid that layers various flavors to create a masterpiece that simply works.

This recipe for

“Grilled Chocolate Chip Cookie Bacon S’mores,” courtesy of the National Pork Board and Tiffany Edwards of Le Creme de la Crumb, is the Frankenstein’s monster of the dessert world. You’d be hardpressed to find a person who can pass up the salty swagger of smoked bacon paired with the creamy richness of chocolate and the crunch and sweetness of a chocolate chip cookie. Top it with marshmallow and this Halloween treat is alive with flavor!

Grilled Chocolate Chip Cookie Bacon S’mores

Yields 12

12 thick-cut slices bacon (hickory

five ingredients and place on baking sheet. Roast in the oven for 15 to 20 minutes.

While sweet potatoes and onions are roasting, shred cheese and set aside. Whisk the egg mixture and set aside.

Once potatoes and onions have finished roasting, spoon them into the pre-baked pie shell. Next, layer the shredded cheese on top of the sweet potatoes. Reduce oven to 375 F. Pour egg mixture over the cheese and potatoes. Place quiche in the oven on a center rack. Bake 20 to 25 minutes, or until eggs are set.

eral spirits, including a young woman who died after falling from the roof.

Edinburgh Castle

A site of many bloody battles that overlooks what many people say is the most haunted city on Earth, Edinburgh Castle keeps tourists guessing with many paranormal activities. The most common is the feeling of being touched and pulled and visions of apparitions.

Fort Mifflin

Fort Mifflin is America’s only Revolutionary War battlefield that is still intact. Located in Philadelphia, the 14 restored buildings supposedly house plenty of spirits from the past. A screaming woman is often heard, and she is so loud that the police have been called to investigate.

Monte Cristo Homestead

Located in Junee, New South Wales, Monte Cristo Homestead is considered to be the most haunted place in Australia. Tragic events, including many deaths, have occurred on the

homestead since it was first constructed.

Moundsville

Penitentiary

Moundsville Penitentiary was one of America’s most violent correctional facilities and the final stop for almost 1,000 criminals. Many people died at the West Virginia facility. While the prison closed in 1995, some say that tortured spirits can be seen and heard on prison tours.

Tower of London

There have been many reports of paranormal activity at the Tower of London. Anne Boleyn, whose tragic marriage to King Henry VIII ended when she was beheaded, is said to be seen walking the tower’s corridors near the spot of her death.

UAA’s Wendy Williamson Auditorium

The Wendy Williamson Auditorium in Anchorage, Alaska, has its share of unexplained phenomena. Footsteps and voices are frequently heard. Many people insist they have witnessed poltergeist activity on the property as well.

Weston State Hospital

This West Virginia facility was renamed after first being known as the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum. Opening in 1864, the hospital became home to thousands of people with mental illnesses. Hundreds of people are said to have died here, and spirits may date back to the Civil War era. These are but a handful of the seemingly haunted locations to visit around the world.

smoked, Applewood smoked or maple)

12 large marshmallows

12 two-inch squares chocolate good quality

12 skewers

12 tablespoons butter, softened

3/4 cup brown sugar

1/4 cup sugar

2 teaspoons vanilla

1 egg plus 1 egg yolk

2 cups flour

1 3.4-ounce box instant French vanilla pudding mix, dry, not prepared

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

Make the cookies: In a bowl, cream together butter, sugar and brown sugar for 1 to 2 minutes until light and very fluffy. Add vanilla, egg and egg yolk, and mix well. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, pudding mix, baking soda, and salt. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix until incorporated and dough comes together. Stir in chocolate chips. Cover very tightly and chill for at least 1 hour.

Preheat oven to 350 F. Roll dough into balls

(about 1-1/2 inch) and space 2 to 3 inches apart on a baking sheet. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until lightly browned on top. Allow to cool 5 to 10 minutes on baking sheet before transferring to a cooling rack to cool completely.

To grill the bacon: Heat a grill to medium-high heat. Thread bacon onto skewers in an S-shape. Place skewers directly on grill and cook 8 to 12 minutes, rotating as needed to ensure even cooking. Transfer to a plate, let cool and then remove bacon from skewers. Set aside.

Meanwhile, roast the marshmallows: Roast marshmallows directly over the grill using skewers or roasting sticks until cooked to your preference.

Assemble s’mores: Flip one cookie over so it’s upside down. Place a square of chocolate on top of the upsidedown cookie, then top with grilled marshmallow, bacon and a right side-up second cookie. Serve immediately.

DESIGN & REMODELING

Maureen’s LLC

Start your next remodeling project the right way with Maureen’s LLC, a premier design studio and showroom. Our professional designers can take you every step of the way, to transform the space you have into the space you’ve always wanted.

4504 Grand Avenue, #4, Duluth 218-481-7323 maureensllc.com

LANDSCAPE SERVICES

Scott’s Tree Service Plus Storm Damage/Property Cleanup Trimming/Full Tree Removal Stump Grinding GET READY FOR SNOW SEASON!

We plow and shovel. CALL EARLY FOR LIMITED RESERVATIONS! Unbeatable Rates, Insured. Call for Estimates.

715-718-1681

LANDSCAPING

Brock White

We’re ready to provide you with the tools and supplies you need to get your construction job done! Stop by to discover the wide range of landscape possibilities, with products ranging from flagstone, pavers to retaining walls and outdoor fireplaces. We have them on display, both inside and out! 4231 West 1st Street, Duluth 218-628-2231 www.brockwhite.com/duluth

LAWN / SNOW SERVICES

CM Lawn & Snow Services

Serving you with fall leaf clean-ups & shrub work; snow plowing, from large lots to driveways; and ice removal with steam. Commercial & residential, licensed & insured. Working in Duluth, Cloquet & everywhere between. We are honest, personable & professional. 218-390-3980

LUMBER

Campbell Lumber and Supply Company

Campbell Lumber is a full-service lumber yard that supplies today’s most popular name brand products, along with the superior service you have trusted since 1915. We offer a wide variety of products and services to best fit your needs! 3107 Tower Avenue, Superior 715-394-7721

campbelllumber.com

TOOLS & SUPPLIES

Seagren’s Hardware

We’re not just a hardware store… we’re more like an EVERYTHING store! Check us out for tools, home repair supplies or just plain hard-to-find items. 610 First Avenue, Two Harbors 218-834-2222

www.truevalue.com/seagrenstruevalue

WINDOW COVERINGS

Budget Blinds of Duluth

When it’s time to replace those old window coverings and update the look of your home, contact Budget Blinds and request a free in-home consultation for blinds, shutters, shades, draperies and home automation. 218-525-2223 budgetblinds.com/duluth