Eerie Eyeballs

This recipe yields approx. 9 dozen bite-sized peepers.
3oz. (small box) lemon gelatin
1 cup hot water
1/2 cup miniature marshmallows
1 cup pineapple juice
8oz. cream cheese

Dissolve lemon gelatin in 1 cup water in double boiler, add marshmallows stir until melted, remove from heat. Add pineapple juice and cream cheese, beat until well blended. Spray eyeball molds with non stick spray and pour mixture into mold, put into fridge to set.
After eyeballs are set remove from molds and decorate.

To decorate, use liquid food coloring and a small detail paintbrush. You will need black food coloring for pupils and blue, brown, red, green (depending upon what color eyes you want) for the irises. You could just pour mixture into a bowl and let it set and use a melon baller to scoop out and create eyeballs or round ice-cube trays if you don't want to use the molds.

Halloween Crafts

Halloween crafts are a great way to keep the children interested and excited at your party.
If you're having a birthday party in the month of October or a Halloween party for a child, this is a great craft idea, it can even be used as a game.
It's called: Halloween Lollipop Creations

What you will need

Lollipops
Scissors
tape or glue sticks
colored crepe paper
colored construction paper
yarn
ribbon
pipe cleaners
sequins, buttons or beads

Have the children sitting around the table and the supplies in the center. Give each child a lollipop and explain to them that they are going to create a Halloween character of there choice.
This can be anything from a witch, ghost or goblin, its up to the child to choose.
Set a time limit and categories (scariest,funniest,prettiest) from which their creations will be judged.
It is also a good idea to make up a few of your own to show the children before they start creating.
When time is up have them place the lollipop in the category they feel most suits their creation.
You as the parent will be the judge.
Prizes can be awarded for the winners in each category.

Serve Sherbet Pumpkins for your Halloween Party

Here's a great recipe for your Halloween party.
Prepare the night before serving to assure they are firm.

What you will need:
Container of Orange Sherbet
Chocolate chips
Red String Licorice
Green Gumdrops or color of choice

Using a large scoop make firm, well rounded scoops of Orange Sherbet on a tray that will fit easily inside your freezer.
Decorate the scoop of sherbet with chocolate chips for the eyes and nose.
Cut red licorice string into small pieces and create a mouth of choice.
Place gumdrop on top for stem. (note: you may also substitute the gumdrop for a birthday candle and serve lit)

This is a great recipe for kids and adults alike, ENJOY!!

Passion for Halloween

I love the month of October for several reasons. The weather in Northern MN is usually great and the bugs are gone. The leaves on the trees are at their peak for color which provides a real sense of beauty. But my real love is preparing for Halloween.

I start taking out my decorations at the beginning of the month. I decorate inside and out with Halloween lights and decor.

The one thing I have to wait a little longer for is the pumpkin carving. About mid month I go out to the pumpkin patch and pick the pumpkins. Most of them I carve with various faces but some I leave as is and incorporate them into my Halloween displays.

As a child I always had Halloween birthday parties. It was so much fun dressing up in our favorite costumes. All my little friends used to love the costume contest in hopes of winning a prize. As An adult if I have a chance to go out and dress up I'm right there! I love it!!

I hope you will share your Halloween stories, decorating ideas, Halloween recipes and craft ideas with me.

Halloween just happens to fall on a Sat. this year so I'm thinking of having a costume party.
SO...the more ideas the better.