4th Annual Halloween Party

The little Sister's annual Halloween party was a hit as always!  She's beginning to make a name for herself as kids and parents start asking for details mid summer.   With the children getting older, we have to adapt so the "entertainment" varies each year - she can't disappoint and this party was no exception.

The basement was transformed into a teen night club with professional lighting, fog machines and a live DJ.  As a person with no children and someone who likes kids in small doses, this was the perfect set up.  Candy crazed kids danced their energy away while I attempted to match their every dance move...well, for a good 45 minutes at least.  Apparently my legs don't bend as low as they use to - I can only do the Cha Cha slide so many times. As a result of my awesome dancing, I neglected to take pictures.  Thankfully, my niece loves my camera and snapped a few shots for me.

Food:  This year my sister opted to have the party catered to save time and sanity.  It was a success and ended up saving her a few bucks in the long run. (the main dishes were catered but we still managed to make desserts and appetizers).

I made my Husband's smoked salmon dip - I found this is not for everyone.  Especially kids.  I'm a fan though and it's simple to make.

Smoked Salmon Dip

• 1 (15 1/2 oz.) can pink salmon, drained well
• 8 oz. cream cheese, softened
• 2 tbsp. onion, finely chopped
• 1 tsp. liquid smoke

The brain dip on the right is made of cream cheese and finely chopped onions - topped with jalapeno jelly.

Nutter Butter 'Witch Toes' covered in white chocolate.  Served with Jam - "Toes & Jam"

We used Pam to bartend my Sister's Summer Solstice party back in June and it was a great move.  She made a return appearance and we couldn't have been happier.  When having a party as large as we did, it's a good idea to have someone regulating the bar.  Some people don't know their limits and we didn't want that liability - especially with so many underage guests.

I wish I had more pictures to share - maybe next year we'll hire a photographer.  I hope to upload costume pictures soon.  Stay tuned.

Vinegar

by the Big Sister

How very stinky yet so very useful!!  Pungent, strong and natural.  I'd like to share a few reasons I like the acidic liquid.

Reason #1 - Salt & Vinegar Chips.  Although they resemble the scent of sweaty feet, this tangy snack is a winner in my book!!

 Reason #2 - cleans the paint off your paint brushes and it keeps your bristles soft!

Reason #3 - I don't have a picture of how terribly corroded my shower head was or how clean and shiny it is now.  I soaked the shower head in a bowl of vinegar for several hours and ta-DA! 

Reason #4 - We've recently started using vinegar in place of bleach.  We've needed something strong enough to combat our work out gear yet gentle enough not to break down the material as often as we need them washed.  See what has caused our increased sweatiness here.  (1 cup of vinegar seems to works well on a large load).   It also works great as a natural fabric softener!

Reason #5 - One of my favorite summer recipes!!  Cucumber Salad.  This is a fresh, simple, and low calorie side dish that my Grandmother has made for years.  I've modified the recipe slightly but it's just as good.

What you'll need:

• 2-3 medium cucumbers
• 1 large onion
• 1 cup vinegar
• 2 cups water
• 1/2 cup (or less) sugar
• A ton of dill weed

Directions:

• Thinly slice cucumbers.  
• Slice onions into thumb length strips. 
• Bring vinegar, water and sugar to quick boil (to dissolve sugar)
• Cool liquid and add to cucumber and onion mixture
• Cover with dill - I go crazy with dill to the point of not being able to see the cucumbers and onions 
• Best if chilled for several hours (or over night) before serving.

*** Taste liquid mixture before adding to veggies.  You may want less vinegar, more sugar, etc.  My Grandma's recipe calls for equal parts  sugar, water and vinegar.  I found that it was far too sweet for my liking so I altered it a bit.

What are your favorite uses for vinegar?  I'd love to hear!

Halloween Party Recipes

Here are some of the recipes from our Halloween Party - enjoy!! 

Veggie Pizza

Ingredients

• 2 8 oz Pillsbury Crescent Rolls
• 1 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1sp. dill weed (or add dry Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing to 1/4 tsp. to cream cheese and sour cream)
• 1/4 tsp. garlic powder
• FRESH VEGGIES: broccoli, cauliflower, tomatoes, zucchini, cucumbers, carrots - whatever) 

Directions  

• Chop veggies fine or use food processor for ONLY 7 seconds.  
• Separate dough into 4 pieces.  Place crosswise on 15x10 cookie sheet.  
• Bake @ 375 for 15 min. (until golden brown).  
• In small bowl combine cream cheese, sour cream, dill weed and garlic (or Hidden Valley Ranch dressing mix).  Spread mixture onto rolls.  Top with small pieces of assorted veggies.  
• Refrigerate 1-2 hours (covered).  
• Cut into square pieces when cold.

 Waldorf Salad

Ingredients

• Jonathon Apples {or tart} -- sometimes we add a Granny Smith or two just for tartness {allow 1/2 apple per person to determine quantity}
• Core and dice up with skins still on
• Red seedless grapes -- cut in half (if you cannot get seedless then cut them in half and take out seeds)
• Celery -- diced small
• Miniature marshmallows
• English Walnuts, halves or large bits
• Hellman's mayo

Directions  

• Mix ingredients 
• Use enough mayo to glue ingredients together
• Cover and refrigerate till used
• Best if made a few hours before use

Homemade Dill Dip (for veggies or whatever) 

 Ingredients 

• 1 pt. sour cream
• 1 pt. Hellman's mayo
• 3 tbsp onion, minced 
• 3 tbsp parsley flakes
• 1 1/2 tsp. Lawry's Seasoned Salt
• 1 1/2 tsp Worcestershire Sauce
• 1 tbsp dill weed
• 1 tbsp accent salt (check label for MSG)

 Directions   

• Blend all together in bowl, cover, refrigerate till ready to serve with tray of fresh veggies.  
• Best made a day ahead.  
• Best to serve small amount and keep refilling rather than have entire amount sit out at room temp for several hours. 

Buffalo Chicken Dip

The Most Popular Dish of the Night!!!!

Ingredients

• 2 (10 ounce) cans chunk chicken, drained
• 2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup Ranch dressing
• 3/4 cup pepper sauce (such as Frank's Red Hot®)
• 1 1/2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
• 1 bunch celery, cleaned and cut into 4 inch pieces (this is how I prefer to eat the dip.  Somehow I feel it makes it more healthy)

 

Directions 

Heat chicken and hot sauce in a skillet over medium heat, until heated through. Stir in cream cheese and ranch dressing. Cook, stirring until well blended and warm. Mix in half of the shredded cheese, and transfer the mixture to a slow cooker. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top, cover, and cook on Low setting until hot and bubbly. Serve with celery sticks and crackers.

 

3rd Annual Halloween Party - Food & Spirits

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Halloween Treats

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 Red Velvet filled Halloween Cake (professionally made)

Mini cupcakes and Brownies

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 Halloween Snacks

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Cheese Balls in the shape of a brain 

Ingredients:

• 2 - 8 oz pkgs of cream cheese (room temp)
• 1 small onion diced
• 1/2 tsp. hot sauce
• 1/2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
• crushed pecans  (no nuts were used for these brains as so many of the kids had nut allergies)

Directions:

1. Place a piece of Reynolds Wrap with Saran Wrap on top of it on counter so you are ready to transfer cheese ball to it to store.

2. Place a ll of the above ingredients in a lg. bowl. 

3. Mix all ingredients together with hands, folding cheese over and over until all the fluids are absorbed and all color is worked in.

4. Place mass on Saran Wrap.  Sprinkle with crushed pecans (or not)

5. Shape into a brain.   

6. Wrap tightly and refrigerate (best if made the day ahead) 

Other snacks 

Veggie Pizza

Apples and Carmel

Waldorf Salad

Veggies and Homemade Dill Dip

Buffalo Chicken Dip

Click here for recipes

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 Spirits

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The "Zombie Virus" Margaritas were a huge hit this year! 

Halloween Martini Glasses * Toilet Paper Roll Candles * Thrift Store Plate

**One of my favorite adult treats this year were the pudding shots!  

3/4 cup of milk
1 (3oz) small box instant pudding mix
1 (8oz) tub extra creamy whipped topping, thawed
3/4 cup of alcohol

Mix milk and liquor together then add pudding mix and whisk together or blend on low speed for 2 minutes.

Fold in whipped topping.
Pour into 3/4-ounce plastic cups with lids.
Best if frozen overnight.
Each recipe makes about 20 servings.

The best combination = white chocolate pudding, mocha Kahlua and Peppermint Schnapps!!

Halloween Party

Starting a family tradition is a sure fire way to create unforgettable memories!  October 2010 was the 2nd annual Halloween Party my sister, Jaime has Hosted in her home.  Inspired by her love for party planning, and the happiness of her children, it's a guaranteed good time to be had by all! 

Food: Below are a few of the snacks offered during the party.





Dirt Cake

 

 Ingredients

• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
• 2 (3.5 ounce) packages instant vanilla pudding mix
• 3 1/2 cups milk
• 1 (12 ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed
• 32 ounces chocolate sandwich cookies with creme filling

Directions

1. Chop cookies very fine in food processor. The white cream will disappear.
2. Mix butter, cream cheese, and sugar in bowl.
3. In a large bowl mix milk, pudding and whipped topping together.
4. Combine pudding mixture and cream mixture together.
5. Layer in flower pot, starting with cookies then cream mixture. Repeat layers.
6. Chill until ready to serve.
7. Add artificial flower and trowel. Enjoy!





Kitty Litter Cake



Ingredients

• 1 (18.25 ounce) package German chocolate cake mix
• 1 (18.25 ounce) package white cake mix
• 2 (3.5 ounce) packages instant vanilla pudding mix
• 1 (12 ounce) package vanilla sandwich cookies
• 3 drops green food coloring
• 1 (12 ounce) package tootsie rolls

Directions

1. Prepare cake mixes and bake according to package directions (any size pan).
2. Prepare pudding according to package directions and chill until ready to assemble.
3. Crumble sandwich cookies in small batches in a food processor, scraping often. Set aside all but 1/4 cup. To the 1/4 cup add a few drops of green food coloring and mix.
4. When cakes are cooled to room temperature, crumble them into a large bowl. Toss with 1/2 of the remaining cookie crumbs, and the chilled pudding. You probably won't need all of the pudding, you want the cake to be just moist, not soggy.
5. Line kitty litter box with the kitty litter liner. Put cake mixture into box.
6. Put half of the unwrapped tootsie rolls in a microwave safe dish and heat until softened. Shape the ends so that they are no longer blunt, and curve the tootsie rolls slightly. Bury tootsie rolls randomly in the cake and sprinkle with half of the remaining cookie crumbs. Sprinkle a small amount of the green colored cookie crumbs lightly over the top.
7. Heat 3 or 4 of the tootsie rolls in the microwave until almost melted. Scrape them on top of the cake and sprinkle lightly with some of the green cookie crumbs. Heat the remaining tootsie rolls until pliable and shape as before. Spread all but one randomly over top of cake mixture. Sprinkle with any remaining cookie crumbs. Hang the remaining tootsie roll over side of litter box and sprinkle with a few green cookie crumbs. Serve with the pooper scooper for a gross Halloween dessert.

"Brain" Cheese Ball

 

 Ingredients:

• 2 - 8 oz pkgs of cream cheese (room temp)
• 1 small onion diced
• 1/2 tsp. hot sauce
• 1/2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
• crushed pecans  

 

Directions:

1. Place a piece of Reynolds Wrap with Saran Wrap on top of it on counter so you are ready to transfer cheese ball to it to store.

2. Place a ll of the above ingredients in a lg. bowl.  WASH HANDS!  

3. Mix all ingredients together with hands (you lose a lot of stuff by using a mixer buy you could do that if you prefer not to get your hands soiled), folding cheese over and over until all the fluids are absorbed and all color is worked in.

4. Place mass on Saran Wrap.  Sprinkle with crushed pecans.

5. Shape into a brain.   

6. Wrap tightly and refrigerate (best if made the day ahead) 

   

 

 

 

Here is the same cheese ball used a few Halloweens earlier.  A few drops of red food coloring was used for dramatic effect.  Also 3 plastic eyeballs and a large toy knife used for serving.

 

 

 

Colorful fun Halloween treats!

"blood splattered" food tags

 

2009 Halloween Bar

Wine and 2 liter spooky bottle labels extends the Halloween theme to your bar! 

2010 outside Halloween Bar - Hallow out pumpkins, add ice and make them into beer coolers!

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Outdoor Activities: Haunted house, pumpkin bowling, graveyard tour

Haunted House



The Haunted House was held in the garage.  When entering through the door you begin the tour in "Hell", greeted by the devil in his fiery lair.  You walk through fog, and hear the moans and screams of his tortured souls.  The tour carried on to the other side of the garage which houses the witch's lair.  The witch, shared with the children all the terrifying ingredients she was adding to her brew (In random sized clear jars, put various colored veggies, spaghetti, fruits, etc.  Allow them to feel the ingredients, give them spooky names and let their imagination do the rest)

 

Backdrop created on cardboard - hand painted scary forest

2009 Graveyard 

Styrofoam headstones - used in backyard graveyard - Halloween 2009

How to make handmade headstones (taken from eHow.com)

  

• First you will need to cut your tombstones from the Styrofoam. Trace a pattern or free hand your own tombstones. Tombstones come in different shapes and sizes, so draw a collection of different sizes. Once you're done tracing or drawing, you can use a sharp knife to cut out the tombstones. This part can be tricky, so make sure to take your time so you don't tear the Styrofoam. 

• Once you cut out the tombstones, you can begin to paint them. Switch up the colors between black, gray and white to make your tombstones different. You can also use sponges to create a fun effect. Spray the tombstones with a sealer so that the paint holds up no matter the weather. 

• Once the tombstones dry, you can decorate them to look old, weathered and cracked. Now is also the time to add words to the tombstones, such as "R.I.P." Create fun and scary epitaphs. 

• After they completely dry, stick the dowels or stakes into the bottom of the tombstones. You can try and seal the stakes or dowels with glue. You may need to use the knife to poke holes into the Styrofoam to make it easier to put in the stake or dowel.

The same handmade headstones used as front yard decor 

Halloween 2010

 

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Inside decor

Hand painted slate

 

Anyone thirsty?

Hand painted gourds

Bathroom mirror decor

d.i.y. inexpensive Halloween wall art

Go to www.faceinhole.com and put your face on the body of almost any person.  In this photo, I was trying to replicate old fashioned Victorian photos with the faces of my friends and family.  Placed on a cobweb invaded fireplace mantle gives these nearly free photos an erie presence.

Picnik.com is a great Halloween editing tool.  It was used to enhance the goblin and vampire eyes as well as the vampire fangs.

A family that drinks blood together stays together....something like that.

Faceinhole.com

Sister and Brother-in-Law as "American Gothic"


 FuntasticFace.com...
 ...another great site to edit your photos Halloween style!
Oh, and it's free!

Faceinhole.com - Me as a vampire

 Picnik.com

FuntasticFace.com

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If you have tape, here is a great floor decoration