Monday, October 23, 2006
This Halloween, let them eat cake
Even if Halloween doesn’t fall on a dark and stormy night, you can still create a creepy holiday meal or party with decorations and food. Set your table as usual, but spread artificial spider webs around each person’s plate. Dim the lights, turn on a CD of eerie Halloween sounds, and get ready for a wonderfully creepy meal. Ordinary foods become scary with the right names. Turn spaghetti into “worm stew” and hot dogs in a bun into “finger sandwiches.” And when it comes to dessert, you can let your imagination create some hair-raising treats.
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Cupcake Graveyard
1 18.25-ounce package chocolate cake mix
2 16-ounce packages vanilla frosting
3/4 cup chocolate sandwich cookie crumbs
24 chocolate covered graham cracker cookies
Prepare cake mix according to package directions. Pour batter into cupcake pans and bake as directed on cake mix box. In a medium bowl stir 1 package of frosting with the cookie crumbs. Frost cooled cupcakes.
Fill a pastry bag, fitted with a plain tip, with remaining white frosting. Write R.I.P. on each chocolate covered graham cracker cookie. Stand a decorated cookie on top of each cupcake so that it looks like a tombstone. Place the cupcakes on a large cookie sheet that has been covered with green paper. Place paper ghosts and bats randomly through the graveyard. Makes 24 servings.
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Worm Cupcakes
1 18.25-ounce package chocolate cake mix
3 cups chocolate cookie crumbs
1 16-ounce package prepared chocolate frosting
1 16-ounce package candy worms, such as Gummi Worms
Prepare cake mix according to package directions. Pour batter into cupcake pans and bake as directed on cake mix box. Let cupcakes cool thoroughly before frosting.
Spread cupcakes lightly with chocolate icing. Sprinkle cookie crumbs on top. Cut candy worms in half (as many as you like). Put icing onto cut end of the worms and stick to the top of cupcakes. You can use as few or as many as will fit on each cupcake. Let icing set for 10 minutes and then enjoy. Makes 24 servings.
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Pantry Pointer
Potlucks are fun, even for kids. If your child wants to throw a big Halloween party, discuss the possibility of a potluck. This also is great for last-minute parties.
To add a scary touch to any punch, wash a disposable glove, fill with water, seal with an elastic, and freeze. Before serving punch, dip the frozen hand in warm water briefly. Peel off the glove and float the frozen hand in the punch bowl.
The Practical Pantry ©2006 Tammy P. Olson
http://www.practicalpantry.com