When our parents taught us not to play with our food, they were NOT talking about Halloween. Halloween is all about playing with food, from scooping ooey gooey seeds out of pumpkins to family meals and costume parties. It's the one time of year when you can put out a meal or a snack, hear "oh, eewwww" and think "yes, success".
Whether it's a meal, an after school snack, a kids' party or one for adults, I've got some great recipe options for you:
This homemade applesauce has a kick. It's simple to make as it cooks in the microwave. If you prefer you can substitute apple cider.
2) Blood Soup
We have a tradition at our house that started when the kids were young. We always warm ourselves up before heading out trick-or-treating with a dinner that includes soup. This homemade "blood" soup is the perfect start to the evening. Serve it with Snake Sandwich (see below) and it's a full meal.
For adults only this recipe is a hit at Halloween time or any occasion. This spiked dessert is decorated for the season.
I've had such a great response to this recipe. Many of my readers say that this is one they love to make with kids and grandkids. Perfect for parties and fun to put together.
I developed this recipe for my younger son who's away at college and loves mocha. His freshman year I brought 3 dozen of these cookies up to his frat. That night he texted me the picture of the empty tin.
6) Edible Bones
Although these cookies look difficult to make they are pretty simple. Whip them up, pipe them out and bake. Your friends and family will soon be devouring bones.
If you're looking for a fun and easy meal for the kids with the ultimate "ewww" factor, this is it!
Hello, readers, I want to play a game. Any Saw fans out there? I have to admit that my older son suggested a Billy the Puppet Cake and I had to Google it, but once I gave it a try he called it a complete success. Game over!
Kids seem to love trifles and they are perfect for parties as they serve many. With both store bought and home made decorations, a graveyard trifle fits in at any Halloween party.
10) Snake Sandwich
Everyone loves this sandwich, kids and adults alike. Cook it whole then slice it up and it's finger food. Perfect for a party or along with Blood Soup (see above), a family meal
For adults only, whether you're at a party or stuck at home handing out candy, Apple Pie Shotini is a fun cocktail.
12) Mummy Cookies
These cookies do take some time and effort but they are well worth it. This fudgy cookie in a white chocolate shell has become our family's favorite. It's not Halloween without a batch of these.
I hope you'll spend some time this season playing with your food. As always, any time you make one of my recipes, feel free to post a picture of it to my Baking In A Tornado Facebook Page. I'd love to see it!
Karen is a former Director of Social Service and Retail Buyer, now adjusting to a semi-empty nest. She blogs and shares recipes at BakingInATornado.com.
Karen's been featured on websites including BlogHer, The Daily Meal, Mamapedia, Scary Mommy, BLUNTmoms,Treat a Day, MyFoodies, Midlife Boulevard and BA50. She's a BlogHer Influencer as well as a contributor to The Culinary Content Network, Felicity Huffman's What the Flicka and TODAY.com. Karen has been published in the Life Well Blogged series and co-authored the book The Mother of all Meltdowns.
For updates, visit her blog at Baking In A Tornado and her Facebook community at Baking In A Tornado on Facebook