All Saints Day and All Souls Day follow Halloween which is next week.  Let’s talk a little about these special days and how they’re connected to our traditional trick & treating.

All Saints’ Day is observed by Christians in many countries around the world, on Nov 1.

First, All Saints Day is also known as All Hallows Mas.  Hallows means saints and Mas means Mass.  October 31 (Halloween) serves as the preparatory night into All Saints Day on Nov 1. Back in the day, folks fasted and prayed. That later blended with harvest customs like costuming.

We celebrate the souls who have gone to heaven on this day.

All Saints’ Day is not to be confused with All Souls Day.

All Souls’ Day is November 2 and it is a day of prayers for the souls in purgatory.

4 LAYER NACHOS

By layering, you don’t wind up with a soggy middle and dry bottom.

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef

1 pouch taco seasoning mix

1 can black beans, drained

1 bag tortilla chips – 8 oz or so

1 jar salsa

1/2 medium red onion, diced

Pickled jalapenos (or if you’re brave and guests like them, how about fresh sliced?)

4 cups shredded cheese – your favorite

Queso (optional but very good)

For top after baking:

Guacamole or avocado – have plenty!

Sour cream

Shredded lettuce

Diced tomatoes

Instructions

Brown ground beef and then add taco seasoning mix according to package directions.

Spray baking pan. Line bottom with a layer of tortilla chips.

Drop spoonfuls of meat, beans, salsa, onion, jalapenos and a third of the cheese. Drizzle with queso.

Add three more layers in the same way.

Bake at 350 degrees for 15-20 minutes.

Remove from oven and top with choice of toppings.