HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Well, over the last few months, it sure felt like this day was NEVER gonna get here! But we made it!

Happy Halloween to all my faithful followers....and I know you're busy flying around trying to get the last of the cobwebs in place, cleaning the dungeon while the cauldrons are simmering, and putting the finishing touches on the devilishly good boo-fet....but I don't want you to forget why we do all this....to have fun!

So I'm putting one of my magic spells on you, to have a fabulous, fun, and festive Halloween! No need to fret, I'm sure what you've done is perfect...and if it's not.... you're the only one who knows! So enjoy!

Be sure to send me any pics that you may want to share, and have a safe and Happy Halloween!

And remember ....only 365 more days until we have to be ready for next year!

Happy Haunting!

GONE BATTY....

Are you fiends feeling frantic, freaked-out and frustrated, and looking for some fun crafts to do with the little monsters, this Halloween-weekend? Check out these spooktacular ideas from Disney........you're welcome....

TIME TO DECORATE THE MANOR!

Ok folks! It's getting down to crunch time! And it's been awful hectic around here....lots to do! Cobwebs to put up, cauldron's to polish and zombie cookies to bake! Hope my ideas have inspired you this Halloween season!

I've got lots of e-mails asking for decorating photos, so check out some of these ideas for Spooky inspiration......

CHEEZY SPIDER

Halloween is my favorite time to surprise guests with new recipe tricks  and treats! Sautéed shallots and feta cheese flavor this simple spread, which is a delicious hors d'oeuvre at any time of year, formed into a spooky spider! Check this out:

Here's what you'll need:

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

4 very large shallots, thinly sliced (2 cups)

10 ounces fresh goat cheese, softened

4 ounces cream cheese, softened

6 ounces Greek feta cheese, at room temperature

Black sesame seeds and 1 piquillo pepper, for garnish
Six 6-inch painted twigs, for spider legs
Crackers, flat breads and bread sticks, for serving
Crackers, flat breads and bread sticks

Directions:
1.In a medium skillet, melt the butter. Add the shallots and cook over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 8 minutes. Scrape the shallots into a food processor and let cool. Add the goat cheese, cream cheese and feta and puree until smooth. Scrape the cheese into a bowl and refrigerate until chilled, about 30 minutes.

2.Shape one third of the cheese mixture into a ball and roll in black sesame seeds to coat; shape the remaining two-thirds into a larger ball and coat with black sesame seeds. On a serving board, press the balls together to form the head and body of a spider. Cut the piquillo pepper into 2 small triangles and place them on the body in an hourglass shape. Serve with crackers, flat breads or bread sticks.

Make Ahead The unformed cheese mixture can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.

For more Festive resipes, check out FOOD & WINE!

MORE SWEETS....

I've always been fascinated with gingerbread houses around Christmas time, but ever since I was a little monster, I always wanted to make a Haunted Gingerbread House! Maybe this year I'll finally do it!

If you want to get some great inspiration, check out Cake Central! These guys really know what they're doing....and it looks so fun!

If you decide to make a cake or use gingerbread, I think you're haunted house is gonna be sweet!

But if you're up to the challenge.... follow these step by step instructions to make your gingerbread house truly Spook-Tacular!

SWEETS FOR THE SWEET

One of the things mummys and daddys have to deal with at Halloween is what to do with all that candy!

Well, talk about some crafty ideas.... why not gather up all the sweets that you don't want the little monsters munching on, and make something fun like one of these Halloween Candy Wreaths!

All you'll need is a base for the wreath (styrafoam, grapevine or even straw would work) a hot glue gun, maybe some Halloween colored ribbons, plastic spiders and lots of candy!

Just lay the candy pieces out in the design you like, then add a dab of hot glue to the back of each piece, then glue in place. Repeat until the wreath is filled in.

I love the look of the candy corn, but keep in mind, it can get a bit tedious gluing all those little candies, in such a perfect pattern.

The wrapped candy wreath looks fun and festive, and can be done in half the time, so this would be an easier project for the kiddies to help with, just be extra careful with the hot glue and little fingers...

To complete the look, hot glue on a big spider and some other creepy crawlies and you're ready to hang your sweet creation!

KIDS CRAFT PROJECT

I get lots of questions for easy craft projects for the little monsters, and here's a festive project that isn't too difficult. I found it on this really fun site called Kaboose.com! 

This bewitching witch's hat makes a great table decoration for your Halloween party, and is super easy for little goblin fingers to make.

What you'll need:
2 sheets of black construction paper
1 sheet felt (green, orange, purple, or red)
Strip of black felt
White craft glue
Scissors (use safety scissors for the kiddos!)
Tape

How to make it:
1. Roll 1 sheet of black paper into a cone. Secure with tape (see image).
2. Trim the bottom of the cone so that it will stand up on the table.
3. Use a cup or jar as a guide and cut out a circle from black paper large enough for the hat brim.
4. Glue the cone to the circle and set aside to dry (see image).
5. Cut ¼” or ½” strips of felt and glue them around the cone.
6. Cut a strip of black felt to go around the base of the cone.
7. If you like, cut a bat out of black felt and glue to your hat.

Tips:

• Buy construction paper at the dollar store for plenty of fun projects.
• Felt is inexpensive so stock up on 5 or 6 sheets each time you go to the store.
• Traditional Halloween colors include black, orange, purple, red and green. However, you can use whatever colors you like for this project!

Check out Kaboose.com for more great craft ideas!