rice krispies treats disguised as ghosts!

gk9.jpg


My Halloween spooky sweet this year was to wrap a rice krispies treat like a ghost! They are so easy to make: just form your treat into a ball, insert a 'cookie stick', and dress them up!

Here's what to do:

gk1.jpg

First, tear about 8 inches of white wax paper from the roll. If you are making a whole batch into ghosts you will need 18 pieces.

Use the original recipe to make the treats (I tend to add a bit more butter and mini marshmallow).

Coat your hands with butter and form the mixture into a ball that measures approximately 2-2.5inches in diameter.

Insert a cookie stick (can be found at a baking/candy making supply store or Michael's has them in the baking section. A popsicle stick will also work, but cookie or lollipop sticks are white!) and press the ball firmly around it.

Place on wax paper sheet and repeat process for the rest of the batch. You will need to work quickly and constantly coat your hands with butter or it will be a sticky mess!

gk10.jpg

Wrap each treat in the wax paper, twisting tightly around base and perhaps even using scotch tape to keep sealed. Trim off excess paper.

gk3.jpg

Next, cut pieces of white fabric roughly 11 x 14 inches. I used organdy which is stiff and can hold its shape well and then topped with an equal piece of white tulle. I was really pleased with how this combo turned out but I'm sure any sort of white fabric would be just as cute.

gk4.jpg

Wrap the fabric around the treat and tie loosely with string of your choice. I used orange yarn for a little color.

gk5.jpg

Time for some googly eyes! Boo!

gk6.jpg
gk7.jpg

Wrap up all your treats. Fun!

gk8.jpg


I love that they are on sticks which makes eating them a slightly neater experience. Perfect as party favors!

halloween peanut butter and toffee candy bar bark

No, I did not attack our halloween candy stash in a late night binge. In fact, we don't get any trick-or-treaters so I don't even buy any candy for them.

These candy wrappers are a part of something far greater than 'just halloween candy'.

This was for a recipe I saw in the October issue of bon appetit.

You know how food magazines and television cooking shows offer you loads of ideas for what to do with your Thanksgiving Day leftovers? I feel like whoever concocted this recipe said to themselves, "What are we going to do with all of this leftover Halloween candy? (lightbulb goes off) I know! We'll crush it all up and throw it on even more melted chocolate and call it bark!"

One heck of an idea.

One pound of bittersweet chocolate morsels melted, 3 Heath bars, 3 Butterfingers, 8 Reeses Peanut Butter Cups, 1/4 C of honey roasted peanuts, 3 ounces of white chocolate to make it look pretty and as if that's not enough, topped with Reeses Pieces AND/or peanut M & M's for festive color.

Unwrap. Destruct. Melt. Assemble. Melt. Assemble more. Chill. Destruct. Serve. But please, don't eat it all yourself.

make something: giant pixy stix magic wand

star9.jpg


This is a fun and easy project.

This magic wand was made for a certain sweet little halloween witch.

Change the colors for princesses or birthday party favors!

When you're all done making magic you can eat your wand.

Follow the pictures to see how it's done. I found that foam board makes a better star than cardboard as it is less likely to warp with the glue.

maple-apple upside down cake

Found this recipe while flipping through the new Food & Wine. Using my east coast maple syrup and some west coast apples I prepared this cake fit for an elf. All joking aside, it's actually a lovely cake that glows like autumn sunshine.

apple-cake4.jpg

leaf crisps

Many years ago I saw this in a Martha Stewart Living magazine. Crispy and savory leaf crisps made from wonton wrappers. A simple way to make your salad or soup a little more festive.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In a bowl mix together:

1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme

1/2 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary

You will need wonton wrappers which can be found in the refrigerated section of your grocery store. Cut out your leaf shape using a 3.25 inch leaf-shaped cookie cutter. This recipe makes 24. Place in single layer on 2 baking sheets. Brush with olive oil. Sprinkle with cheese mixture and then season with coarse salt.

Bake until crisp and golden, about 5-8 minutes. Let cool. These can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Also good to snack on! Imagine the many shaped possibilities for other occasions!