MONSTER CAKE

If you know you're gonna be Homeroom Mom again this year for the little monster's annual Halloween party, and this time, you know you really want to wow 'em.... how about checking out this cake, from one of my favorite sites... Makoodle.com!

Makoodle founder, Camille....has really come up with a fun idea for a cake that will win you "oohhhhs" and "aaaahhhhhs" from your little goblins. These directions are failry simple, and I also included a larger picture at the bottom, so you could see more of the detail. Here are the quick instructions from Camille herself.....

The Cake
1.I made three 9″ round cakes a couple of days before the party.
2.I made my frosting and used the orange gel food coloring to make the frosting a vibrant orange.
3.After the cakes had cooled, I leveled off the top of the cake and attached the layers with the frosting. If you ever need to know how to level and frost cakes, Wilton has some good tutorials on their site.
4.I covered the outside and top of the cake with a thin layer of frosting.
5.I piped the frosting with a tip that I could make the frosting look like fur.

The Eyeballs
1.I used the baby cakes cake pop maker to make my cake calls. I read some mixed reviews online about it, but I loved it. It was really easy to use and allowed me to make exactly how many cake balls I wanted.
2.Once the cake balls had cooled, I dipped them in orange candy melts.
3.Once the orange dried, I used a Wilton candy squeeze bottle to create the white eyeball shape on the cake pop using white candy melts.
4.Before the white chocolate setup, I added a chocolate chip to finish off the eyeball.

The Mouth
1.To make the teeth, I used a Wilton candy squeeze bottle to make triangle teeth shapes on a piece of wax paper.
2.I used some Wilton black frosting to create the mouth.

I have a feeling this guy will be the hit of any kid's party..... Birthday, Halloween, or otherwise! Be sure to checkout Camille's site for more pictures and step-by-step instructions. Just log on to Makoodle.com

PUMPKIN SKULLS

Let's keep going with the "wicked white" theme, shall we?

Here's another easy idea, if you're looking for something to carve, besides the traditional Jack-O-Lantern, how about a pumpkin skull?

Just hallow out the pumpkin, and using a pencil, trace on the simple design. Now, don't fret.... if you can draw something close to a circle, and some squiggly lines... you can do this!

If you don't feel so confident in your artistic abilities, just use the picture as your guide.

Once you've traced a design you're happy with, go over it again, with a black Sharpie marker. Then carefully hallow-out the eyes, nose and mouth.

Then the final touch.... white spray paint! Again, just as in the previous post.... be sure to do this outside or in a well ventilated area..... Let dry, then add some votive candles or string lights inside.... and you've got a fantastic pumpkin that any front porch would be proud of!

WICKED WHITE

Hello to all the Halloweenies out there! The Queen is back from vacation and the cauldrons are over flowing with lots of new ideas!!!

As I've scoured castles and cemeteries far and wide, it seems that the color white, has really become quite chic for decorating, this season. And here's a great example from Fresh home.com..... it's not only quite simple, but very classy too. If you're one of those who may only want to dip their toe in the Halloween decorating swamp, this may be perfect for you!

Classic lines, very simple, and use black as the accent color.... all you need is a few cans of spray paint! Trust me, it's really not that hard to do, and the results will be fantastic! But keep it simple, a few items work best for this look.... you don't want it to be crowed or too busy. My suggestion is, find a few items, like a pumpkin, old candle stick, a bird... and maybe even a few flowers... and spray paint them black.

Then using a few more accessories, like smaller pumpkins or gourds.... some  old books or vases,  and maybe a few picture frames... spray paint them all white. Now if you've never used spray paint before, keep in mind that you want to do this project outside or in a well ventilated area. (and you may want to use a small drop cloth or cover your workspace in newspapers before you paint)

Also, when applying the paint, follow the instructions on the label. I find that it's best to apply the paint in thin layers, until you get it the look that you want. Once all the items have been painted to your satisfaction..... let them all dry (usually a few hours) and place them on the mantel or table, grouping together similar items... to give it a more refined look.

Who says creepy can't be classy???? For more great ideas to spook out your home, check out Fresh home.com!

WISH YOU WERE HERE!

It's that time of year, once again, when the Count and I take a little trip, back to the old country.... to dig up a few old relatives, and reminisce where we spent our honeymoon.

But don't worry, the Halloween Queen will be back in a few days, and I'll be sure to have tales of our wicked vacation....

So until then, I suggest maybe you relax a bit.... pick up a good, scary book.... and enjoy a few mugs of your favorite witches brew!

Now it's time to pack the coffins, and make sure the Manor has been properly dusted with cobwebs, before our departure. It's a busy day, but don't fret.... I'll be back before you know it!

Have a great week!

RECIPE OF THE WEEK

This week's recipe comes from Beth at the Hungry Happenings website, and it's a really fun one! Now, let me warn you, the recipe seems a bit lengthy, but it's not really difficult at all... trust me! Now, if you prefer, you can hop on the Hungry Happenings site and print the instructions or follow the directions step-by-step complete with diagrams and photos! But, here's what you'll need and how to do it.....

Witch Hat Appetizers (makes 5)

WITCH HATS INGREDIENTS:
a sprinkling of flour to dust work surface
1 tube Pillsbury Crescent Recipe Creations Crescent Seamless Dough Sheet
1 egg (whisked with 1 teaspoon of water to make an egg wash)
poppy seeds (1/4-1/3 cup)
5 long slices of cheese (white or orange, 1/2"-3/4" wide by 6" long)

FILLING INGREDIENTS:
pesto chicken salad
(2 cups of diced chicken breast, 1/3 cup pesto, 1/3 cup mayo mixed together)
OR tuna salad, shrimp salad, ham salad, lobster salad, crab salad, chicken salad,
turkey salad, cream cheese, nut butter, cheese spread, spinach/artichoke dip, etc.

Special Equipment Needed:
template -create it out of paper or card stock
pizza cutter or knife
3" round cookie cutter
5 metal cream horn molds
pastry brush
parchment paper or foil
baking sheet

Instructions:
Dust your work surface very lightly with flour. Open and unroll the crescent dough. Use your hands or a rolling pin to flatten out and even out the thickness of the dough, stretching it out a bit. Use a piece of paper or card stock to make a template. Draw a 4" line. Then create a triangle with two 3 3/4" sides. Under the 4" line create a curved area. Set the template on the dough and cut out 5 triangles using a pizza wheel or knife. Then cut 5 circles using the 3" round cookie cutter.

Lay out your triangles of dough. Set the seam of the cream horn mold along one straight edge of the triangle. Roll the cream horn form over bringing the dough with it until both straight edges of dough meet up. Press the two edges of dough together, flattening it and smoothing it out so the seam wont puff when baked.

Place poppy seeds in a shallow dish (or lid.) Brush the cones of dough with egg wash then roll them in poppy seeds, being sure to completely cover the cone. If you have bare spots you may have to carefully drip on some more egg wash then press the poppy seeds onto the dough. Brush the rounds of dough on one side and all around the edge with egg wash. Set the egg washed side of the dough into the poppy seeds and press gently. Then be sure to press poppy seeds all around the edge of the dough as well. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Set poppy seed covered cones on baking sheet, seam side down. Place at least one of the poppy seed rounds with the dough facing up, so that you can easily see how the dough is browning in the oven. Set the others any way you like on the baking sheet. Refrigerate for 20-30 minutes.

Pre-heat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Bake for 6-8 minutes until deep golden brown.

Depending on how the dough baked, your cones may not sit perfectly straight on the rounds (see the first hat on the left which is leaning - it needs trimmed), so use kitchen shears or a knife to level off the bottoms of each cone.

Carefully fill each cone with your savory filling. Set each cone down in the center of a round. Cut thin slices of cheese into 1/2"-3/4" wide by 6" long strips. Wrap one strip of cheese around the base of each cone. Press the two edges of the cheese together gently. They are ready to serve. If you are making more than 5 hats, be sure to clean your cream horn forms before repeating the process to make more hats.

Tips:
You can refrigerate your hats for a few hours or up to a few days, depending on the filling. Mine kept well for several days - the hats didn't get soggy at all. If your filling is a bit wet, then you might not want them sitting around for more than a few hours. I think those filled with a cream cheese or cheese spread would also keep for several days. I was happy with how these hats looked, but do think they could have had a few embellishments. If you make them, you might want to add a buckle using orange cheese. To give the actual hat more character, you could allow the tip of the cone to bend over. Just form the triangle of dough on the cream horn mold allowing the very top point to hang over. After you cover it in poppy seeds, bend the tip over and set on your baking sheet. Add whatever you'd like or keep them as is.
~Beth

I think these little hats will be the perfect topper to your Halloween party, this year! Thanks Beth for this awesome recipe... and be sure to check out more great recipes at Hungry Happenings.com!

49 DAYS AND COUNTING!

No silly.... not until Halloween.... but my next most-favorite day, EVER! The Season Premiere of DEXTER!!!

The last and final season of Dexter is scheduled to begin on Sunday, June 30th! And I for one, can hardly wait. Now if for some reason you've been living under a rock, and haven't ever seen Dexter.... well now is your chance! Showtime is running all the episodes from Day 1, leading up to the season premiere on June 30th. (they're running at all different times, so check out your tv guide to see when they'll be on)

If you log on to the Dexter Daily site, there's lots of sneak peeks, cast interviews and photos.... and you can even see top secret pics and tweets from the set of Season 8! How cool is that? It's like being there hanging out with Dexter, Deb and the whole cast....

I just saw the new trailer and it's pretty cool. Click here to see the new trailer!

HAPPY FRIDAY TO ME!

You know the Halloween Queen is always on the look out for a great deal, and if it's on something super-cool.... all the better!

One of my all-time-favorite places to shop is the buycostumes.com website! They have great deals all year long, and send out lots of coupons and discounts if you sign up for their newsletter.

And this little cutie Bat Clutch is my latest find. It's the perfect purse for those spooky nights out on the town, or if you're out for a stroll in your favorite cemetery.

I got a discount (for being such a frequent shopper) the purse that retails for about $20, I got got for half that! They've got some other cute styles that may be more to your liking..... like the Coffin Clutch or the Scaredy Cat Handbag.....

So what are you waiting for? Check it out.... log on to buycostumes.com, and if anyone asks, tell 'em the Halloween Queen sent you.... Happy Friday Halloweenies!

RECIPE OF THE WEEK

Pumpkin Spookamole

Ingredients:
2 avocados, halved, pitted and peeled
1/4 cup minced onion, divided
1 tablespoon chopped jalapeno
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro, divided
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup finely chopped plum tomato
2 teaspoons freshly squeezed lime juice

Instructions:
1.In a medium bowl, place 2 tablespoons of the chopped onion, the chiles, 1 tablespoon of the cilantro and the salt.

2.With the back of a wooden spoon, mash until the mixture becomes a juicy paste.

3.Add avocados; with a fork, coarsely mash avocados; stir to combine with the paste.

4.Fold in the tomatoes, lime juice and remaining onion and cilantro.

5.Serve with tortilla chips, if desired.

For more fun recipes, be sure to check out Mom Smart.com!

SUPER-EASY PROJECT DAY!

One of my many obsessions is collecting jars. Don't laugh... there's a method behind the madness. I use jars for lots of craft projects, and my dungeon laboratory has shelves stocked with jars of all sizes and shapes, just for this very reason. Mummy Candles!

I love crafty projects, and I think this one is super cute, and would even be fun for your little monsters to make! And you won't need a lot of materials, or follow complicated instructions.

Just grab a few clean jars (make sure you wash and scrub off the labels) you've got lying around, a few rolls of gauze (like you would find in a first-aid kit), your hot glue gun, some white glue or Mod-Podge, and a few googly eyes you can buy at your favorite craft store.

Use the white glue (or Modge-Podge).... coat the outside of the jar (pretty generously) with glue by applying it with a foam brush, and then roll the gauze around the jar. Go around the jar two or three times, (up to the rim of each jar) snip off the end and tuck it inside one of the layers. (You may need to apply a bit more glue on the end to keep it from unraveling) Let dry.

Once the jars have dried, take your handy, dandy, glue gun and apply two eyes to each jar. Place a votive candle inside each jar and you're done!

These mummy jars would be fun for Halloween parties, but (safety first!) be sure they are kept out of reach of the little goblins!

But if you don't want to use them as candles, you could always fill them with treats, or stick some styrofoam at the bottom, fill-up with some moss, add a few branches and you've got an instant Halloween tree, to hang all your favorite spooky ornaments!

I'm sure if you stare into those googly eyes long enough.... you'll find lots of uses for these little mummy cuties!

MORE USES FOR CANDY CORN

You all know how much the Halloween Queen just adores candy corn!!! Not only is it my favorite of all the holiday candies.... but it's also pretty. I love the colors and shape, and it always reminds me of Halloweens past.

So why not use it to decorate, too? I love this idea of putting candles in jars with candy corn! These would make great luminaries to light the way, up your sidewalk on Halloween!

They also would make a great centerpiece for your table for the Halloween season. Just add a few small pumpkins, and some cute, well-paced spiders..... and your dining or kitchen table is ready for guests or goblins!

Happy Friday!

CREATIVE PARTY INVITES

One of my favorite things to do for the annual Halloween bash at the Manor is to come up with really crazy party invitations to send  out to all of our ghoulish guests.

I've done everything from severed fingers in little gift boxes (I totally stole this from Martha Stewart, I admit it).... bouquets of dead roses with invitation cards attached.... to little coffins with invites inside! Yes, I've done it all. And I'm always looking for more ideas.

I think this is another one of those ideas..... I love the crows, and attaching the invites to the feet like a carrier pigeon is a great idea, love it!

Putting my own spin on it, I think I'd put each bird in a black box (don't forget to add some air holes, of course!) filled with moss or black feathers. I'd also attach each invite with dark red ribbon. Once you assemble the boxes, don't forget to tie a big black shiny bow around it, and attach a personal name tag for the recipient.

Now, keep in mind, I've done some pretty elaborate party invitations, and postage can be quite expensive. And yes, I admit, I've been known to take a whole day and drive around town, to drop them off on doorsteps, undetected. But let me tell you, not only do people get a kick out of that, it really adds to the whole "creepy" factor. (Guests have told me that it really creeped them out, like someone was watching them..... Ha! Love it!)

But you don't have to do such fancy invites, if you don't want to. Sometimes simple is best. I've sent party invitations in the mail written in glow-in-the-dark ink, I've also done them on tea-stained paper with blood splatter, and even as a jigsaw puzzle!

So think outside the box, and have fun! Remember, a really creative party invite sets the mood for your party, before the party even starts!