Halloween - Origin, History and Facts

Charlie Sheen and Pan Am in Halloween Costumes Hot List 2011

2011-10-29T22:01:00.003+03:00

Linda Carcaci and the "Pan Am" inspired suit.
(DNAinfo/Serena Solomon)

MIDTOWN — When Linda Carcaci heard about the new ABC TV show “Pan Am" last spring, she knew it would spark a Halloween trend.

Within three weeks of the television studio announcing the program, a replica of the airline's baby blue skirt suit was on the rack and ready for rent at the business she co-owns in the Garment District — Creative Costume Company.

“We have had so many calls about it,” said a triumphant Carcaci.

Foresight with Halloween trends is crucial for those in the costume business. This year, the trends are shaping up to be a mix of period television shows, disgraced public figures, zombies and the resurgence of the Victorian-era trend known as “Steam Punk.”

“We definitely have to keep our ear to the ground,” said Carcaci, standing among rows of clothes in the Creative Costume headquarters at 242 W. 36th Street.

After 30 years in the business, Caracaci knows to turn to the most popular television shows. This year’s debuts of "The Playboy Club," "Boardwalk Empire" and "Pan Am" all provided Halloween spin-offs.

Disgraced public figures also provide inspiration. At Ricky’s NYC, public scandals often manifest themselves on the Halloween costume racks, according to Dominick Costello, the president of Ricky’s NYC.

“We call them our three musketeers,” he said, affectionately referring to Charlie Sheen, Anthony Weiner, Arnold Schwarzenegger and their infamous antics that populate Ricky’s 21 permanent stores around Manhattan, as well as its 14 temporary locations.

“I think when Arnold, Anthony and Charlie happened in a similar time frame we were like ‘OK here we go,’” Costello said. “It was a no brainer.”

Political figures, whether they are disgraced or not, are always popular for New York City where people are “politically driven,” according to Costello.

“They use it to make a statement,” he said.

The unique phenomena known as “Steam Punk” has also breached the mainstream of Halloween trends, with its futuristic take on the Victorian era.

At the Abracadabra Superstore on West 21st Street between Fifth and Sixth Avenues, the Steam Punk section tripled since last Halloween, according to Robert McCorkle, the store’s manager.

Steam Punkers can find Victorian era costumes such as duster coats, capri pants and top hats as a base for their outfit. Victorian era goggles and pocket watches can all be added for an individual touch.

But for all the mass-market costumes available in stores, there is always room for someone to start their own trend, according to McCorkle.

“Inspiration is sparked here and that is how we like to keep it,” he said.

Halloween Trends 2011

Television Shows

Pan Am: The new television show for ABC is centered around the 1960s air hostesses for Pan American World Airways. The lead women are striking in baby blue skirt suits with perfectly manicured hair.

Boardwalk Empire: The HBO show is set against the backdrop of Atlantic City in the 1920s when men wore three-piece suits and women had drop waist dresses with long necklaces.

The Playboy Club: Straight from 1960s Chicago, this new NBC show brings bunny ears and white tails to this year's Halloween trends.

Disgraced Public Figures

Anthony Weiner: To replicate the former congressman, Ricky’s NYC is pushing an Anthony Weiner mask with a pair of boxer shorts. A full weiner dog outfit at Abracadabra is available for a more subtle approach.

Arnold Schwarzenegger: Ricky’s has the combo of a muscle man chest mold, a “Governator” mask and a cigar.

Charlie Sheen: Abracadabra has a molded mask that can be paired with the wayward actor’s signature Hawaiian shirt or white dinner jacket.

All Things Zombie

Zombies are the new vampires, according to Dominic Costello from Ricky’s NYC. He called the theme “versatile” and perfect for banding together with friends or for a couple.

Steam Punk

Customers can add their own individual flare to the futuristic, Victorian-inspired trend with loads of accessories from Abracadabra.

(Original text article)

Angry Birds Seasons Ham'o'ween

2011-10-22T19:39:00.000+03:00

The Angry Birds Seasons Ham’o'ween update (v2.0.0) is now available for iOS and Android via the Android Market and Amazon Appstore. Hopefully other platforms will be getting the update soon. This update — which has been teased for weeks — comes on the eve of the one year anniversary of “Trick or Treat” and features the new Orange Bird!

This update includes:

New Orange Bird! The Orange Bird is unlocked on level 1-4. He’s a tiny little guy, about the size of the blue bird, but he’s hiding a “big” secret. You can trigger him to MASSIVELY inflate at any point in-flight or about 2-seconds after contact, after that he will auto-inflate. No he doesn’t explode, but rather he hangs out for a bit before he deflates and flies off. Awesome! He does seem to slice through wood pretty well.

Seasons episodes are now broken down in two categories: 2011 and 2012

30 new levels all themed for a slightly darker Halloween

One hidden Golden Egg and a bonus “Big Black Pumpkin” Golden Egg level

6 new achievements, which are currently available on iOS only

Bright Side of the Moon achievement bug has been fix, but you may have to re-defeat levels 1-15 and/or 2-15.

Seasons Greeding 1-16 feather threshold is lowered. Congrats to those who got their badge before the threshold was changed!

The Golden Egg numbering has been removed completely! So I suppose our numbering is now the sacrosanct, which means we may finally be able to publicly release the Angry Birds Seasons Golden Eggs Leaderboard.

Pro tip! The dark pumpkins act as TNT. The orange pumpkins are worth 3,000 points, as are the skulls with eyes lit.

Screenshots:

DOWNLOAD GAME for iOS

Angry Birds Seasons Halloween comics (Episode 2)

2011-10-22T19:23:00.000+03:00

(Click on image to see it in original size)

Angry Birds Seasons Halloween comics (Episode 1)

2011-10-22T18:58:00.002+03:00

In honor of Halloween Rovio is doing another daily comic strip. The first was for the Chinese Moon Festival, which you can check out in this post. This is the third surprise from Rovio in the past week or so. First was the quiet (then formal) announcement of a Ham’o'ween update. Next the revelation of the all-new Globe Bird. And now a comic!

(Click on image to see it in original size)

How old is Too Old for Trick or Treating

2011-10-21T23:38:00.000+03:00

Let's face it, trick or treating is a blast! First you rush through the drama of figuring out what to be for Halloween, then you spend hours putting together the perfect costume, applying make-up, teasing your hair (or hiding it under a wig!), and then, you grab a sack or bucket and head out the door to canvas the neighborhood for delicious treats. But, the lingering question looms, At what age should you call it quits?
I have a confession to make, the last time I went trick or treating I was 17 years old. In all fairness, I convinced my (then) boyfriend and his best buddy that Trick or Treating was far more fun than smashing pumpkins and egging houses, the more common choice of fun amongst teens in our area. I hadn't been trick or treating in a few years before that (since I was 13).
While most people were gracious and happy to see trick or treaters at their doors, I have to admit that I did get a couple of, "aren't you too old for this?", "Halloween is for little kids". The negative comments were more than enough to shame me into never going again. When you're little and you knock at the door, you're greeted with smiling faces who comment on how cute or neat your costume is, as you get old, you're often greeted with raised eyebrows and skeptical glances.
Although I have long since given up trick or treating, I find myself presented with the same question this season as my own sons excitedly ask, "Can we trick or treat this year?" What do you think the cut-off age for trick or treating should be? Give Your answers in comments.

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2011-10-19T17:17:00.002+03:00

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New halloween wallpapers - 60 pics - 1920х1200

2011-10-19T16:46:00.000+03:00

DOWNLOAD ARCHIVE (45,64 MB)

Taking a Great Halloween Pictures

2010-10-19T15:39:00.000+03:00

Pope Gregory III started it all in 739 A.D. when he officially designated All Saints Day, but he wouldn't recognize Halloween as we celebrate it today. It's become a night of fantasy for children of all ages, and with its pumpkins, costumes, and trick-or-treating it's also a great opportunity for you to capture the spirit(s) with your camera.

"It's easy to turn this night of fantasy into permanent picture memories," says Chuck DeLaney, Dean of the New York Institute of Photography, "but you have to follow two simple guidelines or, excuse the pun, you won't have a ghost of a chance."

"The most important guideline," says DeLaney, "is to know exactly what you want to be the subject of your picture. Then, when you look through the viewfinder of your camera, make your subject the most important thing in the frame and try not to show anything that distracts from it. The second guideline is to try to capture the 'feeling' of the occasion too."

For example, if you are shooting a jack-o-lantern, it's your subject. Make that clear by moving in close and almost filling the frame with the pumpkin. Keep the background simple so it doesn't distract from your subject. Hint: To make this picture even more interesting, include the faces of the kids or Dad or Mom hovering over it. Get down low so that you see their faces looming over the top of the pumpkin. Careful now, you don't want to cut any heads off, even on Halloween.

Now the second guideline. To capture the eerie "feeling" of Halloween, shoot at night using "ghoul" lighting. Rule One is to turn off your strobe! You don't want pictures with its cold, clear light. Rather, you're looking for eerie lighting that captures the "spirit" of Halloween.

Hint: To capture the glow of a jack-o-lantern, don't light just one candle inside the pumpkin. Two or three lit candles will produce a far better picture.

When you take a picture of your favorite goblin in costume, have a helper shine a flashlight from off to one side or from below, the way we all did as kids. This is "ghoul" lighting and it will produce wonderfully scary lighting in your pictures. The biggest mistake amateurs make is to shoot from too far back. So get in close and fill the frame. You don't have to shoot from head-to-toe. Rather, you're usually better off if you fill the frame with just the head and shoulders. And bend down low to kid's-eye level. Don't shoot from adult-level.

Hint: If your kids wears a mask, take two shots - one with the mask on and one without so that in future years you'll be able to identify the little devil behind the mask (and you may be able to use the picture for your Xmas card). And don't forget fido. Put a mask or silly hat on the family pet, and shoot - but fast. Fido or Cleo will be too embarrassed to suffer this indignity for more than a few seconds.

"The key to good Halloween pictures," concludes DeLaney, "is to capture the spirit - the feeling - of the occasion. The spirit of Halloween is ghoulish fun and silliness. So for great Halloween pictures, know what you want the subject of each of your pictures to be, and make it important in the frame. Then add 'mood' that captures the spirit of Halloween by the ghoulish way you light your pictures or the silly way you pose your subjects."

Halloween Safety

2010-10-19T15:18:00.000+03:00

Tips

Ghost, ghouls and monsters aren't the only things to be afraid of on Halloween. Accidents and mishaps increase dramatically when children trick-or-treat.

To avoid the many dangers children face while trick or treating, use common sense. Be aware of potential Halloween hazards and take precautions to eliminate them. Consider heading for an indoor Halloween party and bypass any chaos or danger.

Halloween Costume Safety

* Wear flame retardant costumes.
* Make sure your Halloween costume is colorfast so the color doesn't run onto your other clothes if it rains.
* Try on costumes before Halloween to allow time for altering.
* Hem your costumes so you don't trip and fall.
* Apply reflective tape to your Halloween costumes.
* Avoid cumbersome masks. Use make-up instead.
* Use only hypoallergenic and non-toxic makeup.
* Wear comfortable, practical shoes.
* Double tie your shoelaces so you don't trip.
* Keep your costume and wig away from candles.
* Don't carry fake swords, guns, knives or similar accessories that look authentic. Make sure they're flexible and cannot harm anyone.

Trick-or-Treating Tips

* Plan your route ahead of time.
* Trick or treat in familiar neighborhoods.
* Carry a flashlight with fresh batteries after dark.
* Take along money for a phone call.
* Wear identification that's easy to read.
* Always trick or treat in groups, accompanied by an adult.
* Follow a curfew and take a watch with a backlight.
* Stay on the sidewalks and out of the streets. Cross only at intersections and designated crosswalks.
* Walk. No running.
* Don't trample through flower beds and gardens.
* Watch out for open flames in jack-o-Lanterns.
* Walk with your head up and be aware of your surroundings.
* Only visit well lit houses. Don't stop at dark houses.
* Don't enter any houses unless you know the people.
* Carry a spare Halloween bag, in case yours breaks or you fill your original one.
* Don't approach unfamiliar pets and animals.
* Don't cut across yards and stay out of backyards.
* Follow traffic signals and don't jaywalk.
* Always watch for cars backing up or turning.
* Review the "stop, drop and roll" procedure in case your costume catches on fire.
* Never accept rides from strangers.
* Respect other people and their property.
* Be polite and say "thank you."
* Don't eat any candy until it's inspected for tampering under bright lights.
* Avoid candy that has loose wrappings, is unwrapped, has puncture holes, or is homemade.
* Small children should not be allowed hard candy they may choke on.
* Report any suspicious or criminal activity to an adult or the police.
* Consider having a party instead of Trick or Treating.

Easy Trail Mix Recipes

2010-10-19T15:13:00.002+03:00

Before you set off on your next family walk or outing, try making one of these super easy trail mixes to keep your energy up.

Quick Fix Mix

2 cups mini pretzels
1 cup cheese snack crackers
1 cup honey roasted peanuts
1 cup raisins

Place all ingredients into a plastic baggie, seal, and then shake. Enjoy!

Chocolate Popcorn Mix

2 cups spoon size shredded wheat cereal
2 cups popped popcorn
1 cup dried cranberries
3 Tbsp. milk chocolate chunks

Toss cereal and popcorn into a large bowl. Place the cranberries into a small bowl. Melt the chocolate as directed on the package, and stir. Pour the chocolate over the cranberries and mix lightly. Add the chocolate cranberries to the cereal mixture, and toss lightly. Spread the mix into a single layer on a large piece of wax paper. Let it cool completely before serving.

Fruity Nut Mix

1/2 cup sunflower seeds
1/2 cup raisins
1 cup dried banana chips
1/2 cup shredded coconut
1 cup unsalted peanuts
1 cup dried fruit bits

Place all of the ingredients into a plastic baggie, seal, and then shake. Fast, easy and yummy!

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Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

2010-10-19T15:12:00.000+03:00

Why waste pumpkin seeds when carving out your annual Halloween jack-o-lanterns? Grab those seeds and roast them up on a cookie sheet to bring out their natural flavors.

Roasted Pumpkin seeds are a delicious snack and deliver some substantial health benefits. The seeds are a good nutrition source for iron and zinc, in addition to unsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, the most valuable of vegetable fats.

Harvesting the Seeds

For flavorful roasted seeds, hand-pick your pumpkin fresh from the pumpkin patch if at all possible. Don't waste the remainder of the pumpkin, have some fun and carve out a scary jack-o-lantern while extracting the seeds.

With that in mind, dig the seeds and pulp out of the pumpkin with a scoop or large spoon and place in a bowl. Dig out the individual seeds to prepare for roasting.

If you decide to wash them first, this will remove some of the natural flavor. It's just a preference. You can let the seeds dry before you roast them, or put them directly in the oven. Keep in mind that dry seeds require less baking time.

Roasting

Spray a cookie sheet with no-stick cooking spray and spread them evenly across the sheet. Very lightly spray the seeds before roasting.

Put them in the oven and bake at 300° for about 35 minutes, until they're a toasted, golden brown. Salt the seeds to your preference and consider adding additional seasoning and spices such as garlic salt, Worcestershire, Cajun or accent seasoning.

Want to sweeten them up? Coat them with melted butter, sugar, and cinnamon before roasting. By giving the seeds a familiar flavor, you'll also have kids munching on this seasonal treat.

Allow the roasted pumpkin seeds to cool before eating. Store the seeds in an air-tight container or bag for up to a week to retain flavor and freshness.

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Pumpkin Dip Recipe

2010-10-19T15:11:00.000+03:00

Here is another unique way to eat pumpkin. This dip is delicious with fresh apples and pears slices!

Recipe Ingredients

1 pkg. (8 oz.) softened cream cheese
1 can (15 oz.) of solid pack pumpkin
2 cups confectioner's sugar
3 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
1 tsp. vanilla
1/2 tsp. ground ginger
Fresh apple and/or pear slices

Beat the cream cheese and confectioner's sugar in a mixing bowl. Stir in the pumpkin, vanilla, ginger and pumpkin pie spice. Beat until smooth. Serve with fruit. Refrigerate any remaining dip.

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Low-Fat Pumpkin Bars Recipe

2010-10-19T15:10:00.001+03:00

These pumpkin bars are low fat and provide a healthy alternative to satisfy your sweet tooth. They will make a welcome addition to any Halloween or Fall Harvest party and they are absolutely delicious.

Recipe Ingredients

2 cups flour
2 cups sugar
2 cups pumpkin
1 cup applesauce
4 egg whites
1 tsp soda
3 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt

Mix ingredients together and spread on a jellyroll pan. Bake for 25 minutes at 350°. Cool the bars and frost.

Frosting

3 oz. cream cheese - fat free
3/4 stick oleo
1 tsp vanilla
1 tsp milk
1 3/4 cup powdered sugar (added gradually)

Spread the frosting evenly over the pumpkin bars and you're finished!

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Popcorn Balls Recipe

2010-10-19T15:09:00.000+03:00

Popcorn balls are a traditional Halloween treat. This recipe is very basic and makes some great tasting popcorn balls for your Halloween trick-or-treaters. It's easy to make colored popcorn balls by adding some food coloring or orange flavored gelatin.

Recipe Ingredients

8 c. popped popcorn
2/3 c. light corn syrup
2/3 c. granulated sugar
1/2 tsp. salt

Combine the corn syrup, sugar and salt in a large kettle and heat on medium heat while stirring until dissolved. Add the popcorn to the kettle and toss. Cook for an additional 5 minutes until mixture becomes very sticky. Remove from heat.

Shape popcorn into balls with clean hands and cool. Wrap the balls in plastic wrap and seal tightly with a twister.

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No Bake Peanut Butter Chocolate Bars

2010-10-19T15:07:00.000+03:00

These peanut butter and chocolate bars are so easy to make and clean-up is a snap. With only 5 ingredients, this is one of the simplest recipes for no-bake cookie bars.

Recipe Ingredients

1 cup butter
1 cup peanut butter
2 cups powdered sugar
2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1 cup chocolate chips

Instructions

Melt the butter and peanut butter in a medium saucepan on low heat. Add the powdered sugar and graham cracker crumbs. Pat the mixture into a 9x13 inch cake pan. Melt the chocolate chips and spread on top of the bars. Cool before cutting.

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Kitty Litter Cake Recipe

2010-10-19T15:06:00.000+03:00

If you really want to gross out guests at your Halloween party, make a Kitty Litter Cake! To complete the recipe, transfer it to a lined kitty litter box and serve it with a new pooper scooper. It's delicious -- if you can get past the illusion.

Recipe Ingredients

1 pkg. Spice or German Chocolate cake mix
1 pkg. White cake mix
1 pkg. white sandwich cookies
1 pkg. white vanilla pudding mix
1 pkg. small Tootsie Rolls
1 new kitty litter box
1 plastic kitty litter lining
1 new pooper scooper (optional but recommended)

Instructions

Bake the cake mixes separately, according to the directions. Prepare the pudding mix and put in the fridge to chill.

Use a blender or food processor to crumble the sandwich cookies. Do this in small batches and scrape often, because it will stick to the sides.

After the cakes cool, crumble them into a large bowl. Add half of the cookie crumbs and pudding. Gently mix and add to the lined kitty litter box.

Unwrap the Tootsie Rolls and put in the microwave to soften them up a little. Reshape the ends so they are more rounded and not square. Add about 10 of these to the mixture.

Sprinkle more of the cookie crumbs over the top. Soften 3 or 4 more Tootsie Rolls and add them to the top of the mixture. Sprinkle with remaining cookie crumbs and serve with a clean pooper scooper!

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Homemade Caramel Apples Recipe

2010-10-19T15:03:00.002+03:00

Halloween means tasty treats for ghosts and goblins. Traditional goodies are always a hit at Halloween parties. Make your own mouthwatering, homemade caramel apples with this easy recipe to celebrate the Halloween holiday.

Ingredients

8 medium-sized apples
2 (14 oz.) pkgs. caramels (try chocolate!)
1/4 c. water

Wash and dry the apples. Insert popsicle sticks into the stem of each apple. Set aside.

Unwrap the caramels and add them with the water in a medium sized saucepan. Heat on low while stirring until the caramel is completely melted.

Dip each apple into the caramel until the apple is completely covered, allowing the excess caramel to drip off. Scrape bottom if necessary. Place apples onto greased waxed paper and let them sit for about 15 minutes or until caramel is completely set. Store in the refrigerator.

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Healthy Halloween Treats

2010-10-19T15:02:00.002+03:00

Great news! Although kids expect candy and chocolate bars on Halloween, there's several healthy alternatives for their treat bags that won't disappoint. We all know that fruit is nutritious but parents are reluctant to let their children eat it due to tampering concerns. What else is there?

Try individually wrapped foods that taste good and aren't loaded with sugar. Here's our favorite Halloween handouts for trick-or-treaters. They aren't perfect but they're much better than traditional junk treats.

Cereal Bars

Fruity flavors make cereal bars a popular snack for all ages but they're not all created equal. Read the labels. Look for whole grains, fiber, and real fruit.

Pudding Cups

Those little pudding cups pack a punch. Sugar-free or reduced calorie servings still offer that creamy texture and rich flavor that provides instant gratification.

100 Calories Packs

You've seen them everywhere. Chips, crackers, and cookies. 100 calorie snack packs typically aren't nutritious but they help with portion control and satisfy the munchies.

Microwave Popcorn Bags

Popcorn is always a treat but who really needs all that salt and imitation butter? No worries. Just hand out bags of light popcorn or those 100 calorie mini bags. Movies anyone?

Sugarless Gum

It's not bubblegum but it's much easier on teeth. Handing out sugarless gum will ease your guilt and parents will appreciate one less piece of candy to worry about.

Hot Cocoa Mix Packets

These single-serving packets don't have to be sugar-free but it's a wise choice. They're inexpensive and available in different varieties of chocolaty goodness.

Raisins

Raisins are often overlooked for Halloween treats but they're full of natural sweetness. Hand out those mini boxes and you may have kids coming back for more, those sneaky little devils.

String Cheese

Kids love cheese! What's great about string cheese is that it's individually wrapped and available in light, low calorie, and low-fat versions. Not bad, not bad at all.

Mini Boxes of Cereal

Yes, they're the same mini boxes you loved as a kid. Nothing's changed except that they're more difficult to find. Don't give up. Some stores that don't usually stock them will get some in for the Halloween season. Grab 'em while you can.

Gift Certificates

You can't be certain how they're spent but chances are, the parents will have input. Fast food restaurants now have healthy alternatives and if the trick-or-treaters make the wrong choice, it's on them.

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Harvest Potatoes Recipe

2010-10-19T14:59:00.002+03:00

This recipe is my overall favorite Harvest recipe and makes a perfect potato side dish. Once you taste it, you'll probably get cravings for it from time to time (like I do) and anyone else you make it for will ask you for the recipe. You can substitute the Cornflakes in the topping with other cereals too, such as Chex, Total or Rice Krispies.

Recipe Ingredients

1 pkg. (32 oz) frozen hash browns
1 can of Cream of Chicken soup
1 cup (8 oz) French onion dip or sour cream
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup diced onions, browned in butter or minced onion
1 1/2 tsp salt
1 Tbsp. melted butter
1 1/2 tsp. salt
1 1/2 tsp. pepper

Topping

1/4 cup melted butter
2 cups crushed corn flakes or crushed Chicken in a Biscuit crackers

Instructions

Mix together the first seven ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Place in a greased cake pan.
For the topping, mix together the last two ingredients and spread over the potatoes. Bake at 350° for approximately 45 minutes.

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Harvest Corn Bake Recipe

2010-10-19T14:58:00.002+03:00

Corn and Swiss cheese are the perfect combination for this harvest day side-dish. You can easily substitute the cracker crumbs with your favorite brand of crackers, cereal or seasoned bread crumbs.

Recipe Ingredients

2- 9oz. pkgs. frozen, cut corn
1 1/2 c. shredded Swiss cheese, divided
1- 6 oz. can evaporated milk
1/2 c. finely diced onion
1/2 c. Chicken in a Biscuit cracker crumbs
1 beaten egg
1 Tbsp. melted butter
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper

Cook the corn in salted, boiling water. Drain. Add the egg, milk, onion, salt, pepper & 1/2 c. Swiss cheese with the corn. Stir and put into a 10x6 baking dish. Combine the melted butter and cracker crumbs and sprinkle on top of the casserole. Top with 1 c. Swiss cheese. Bake at 350° for 25 minutes.

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Ghoul-Ade Halloween Drink Recipe

2010-10-19T14:57:00.000+03:00

This recipe makes some creepy black Halloween punch for your party. It's made with Kool-Aid, is cheap, and it makes for some good witches brew!

Tip - Serve the drink in a large black bowl to simulate a cauldron. Add a "frozen hand" ice cube to creep out your guests! Here is the Frozen Hand Recipe so you can make your own.

Recipe Ingredients

1 envelope of orange Kool-Aid - unsweetened
1 envelope of grape Kool-Aid - unsweetened
2 cups sugar
1 quart (bottle) chilled Sprite, 7-UP, or ginger ale
3 quarts of cold water

Mix the Kool-Aid packets together with the sugar and water in a large pitcher(s). Before serving, add the Sprite or soda. Serve over ice cubes.

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Frozen Hand Recipes

2010-10-19T14:55:00.000+03:00

Don't use regular ice cubes to keep the Halloween punch chilled, creep-out your guests with a frozen hand in the punch! There are 2 simple options to this recipe:

Recipe # 1

1 rubber glove with no lining
1 qt. water
Food coloring -- This can match the color of your punch, or stick out like a sore thumb (Pun intended)
1 bread twist or rubber band

Add the food coloring to the water, mix, and pour into the glove. Tie it off tightly with the twisty or rubber band. Place on a flat surface (that will catch any drainage) and freeze the glove until it's solid. Remove the glove and place in the punch before serving.

Recipe # 2

This option is simple but it's going to match the color of your punch -- because all you need to do take some actual punch and freeze it in the glove. This option is tastier than frozen hand recipe #1 since the punch will not dilute when the hand melts.

Another variation of this is to simply freeze some Squirt or Mountain Dew into the glove, which adds a more realistic look to the hand. Make sure the flavor compliments the punch.

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Deviled Eggs Recipe

2010-10-19T14:53:00.002+03:00

Deviled Eggs compliment any holiday or family meal. This recipe is easy and can be modified to make it lower in fat and sodium. Store them immediately in a sealed container in the refrigerator.

Recipe Ingredients

6 eggs
3 Tbsp. Miracle Whip or low-fat mayo
1 tsp. prepared mustard
1 tsp. vinegar
1/4 tsp. salt or salt substitute
1/8 tsp. pepper
Paprika

Put eggs into large saucepan. Add cold water to cover the eggs. Bring to boil. Turn heat to low and cook for 20 minutes. Run cold water over done eggs. Peel eggs under cold running water. Cut each egg lengthwise in half. Remove yolks and put in bowl. Add Miracle whip, mustard, vinegar, salt and pepper. Spoon mixture into egg whites. Sprinkle with paprika. For a fancy look, spoon mixture into a pastry bag and then squeeze into the egg whites.

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Cornbread Recipe

2010-10-19T14:51:00.003+03:00

Cornbread makes an excellent addition to any holiday meal. This recipe is one of the best, quick and easy ways to make cornbread. It makes about 9 servings but if you need to feed more people, double the recipe and add some baking time.

Recipe Ingredients

1 1/4 c. Bisquick or pancake mix
3/4 c. yellow cornmeal
2/3 c. whole milk
1 egg
4 Tbsp. melted butter
4 Tbsp. sugar
1/2 tsp. salt

Preheat oven to 375°. Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl. Beat vigorously for one minute. spread the batter in a greased 8x8x2" pan. Bake for 20-25 minutes until done.

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Chex Snack Mix Recipe

2010-10-19T14:50:00.002+03:00

This snack mix uses the Chex cereals and provides a tasty alternative to ordinary Halloween candy, with more nutritional value. It's a perfect addition to your Halloween or Thanksgiving party menu. Alter the recipe any way you like to satisfy your individual taste.

Recipe Ingredients

4 c. Corn Chex
4 c. Rice Chex
1 1/2 c. salted peanuts
1/4 c. butter or margarine
1/4 c. peanut butter
2 1/4 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. Accent seasoning
1 c. candy corns or autumn mix

Toss the Chex cereal and peanuts in a large mixing bowl. In a small saucepan, heat the butter, peanut butter, Worcestershire, salt and Accent seasoning until melted together. (Make sure your heat is set to low to medium to avoid scorching.) Pour the mixture over the cereal and peanuts, and mix together.

Spread into a greased cake pan and bake for about an hour at 250°, occasionally stirring. Cool and stir in the candy corns or autumn mix. Store in an airtight container.

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