Hi Reader,

I have a complicated relationship with Halloween candy.
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I bought it early because I’m organized. Then I eat it because it’s there. Then I buy more because, apparently, I’m running a confectionery Ponzi scheme.
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The One has learned not to ask why the Halloween candy keeps changing. Reese’s has become Snickers. Snickers become Kit Kats. Kit Kats became some enormous mixed bag, I swear, was “all they had.” By October 31, I’ve personally conducted enough quality control to assure the neighborhood children that everything is perfectly safe.
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But a Halloween party needs more than candy dumped into a bowl.
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This is the weekend to make the ridiculous stuff. Mummy treats staring up from a platter. Meringue bones piled like archaeological remains. Caramel apples require you to unhinge your jaw like a python. Even Jell-O that glows in the dark.
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Is any of it necessary?
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Absolutely not.
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And that’s precisely the point. Halloween is one of the few holidays that actively rewards adults for behaving like twelve-year-olds.
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I intend to take full advantage.

A Little Hocus-Pocus in the Kitchen

• Make one thing that takes effort. You don’t need an entire buffet worthy of the Addams Family. Let the mummy treats, glowing Jell-O, or meringue bones be the one that took work, then keep everything else simple.
• Do the fussy stuff ahead. Meringues, caramel corn, and spiced pumpkin seeds can be tackled before the doorbell starts ringing. Halloween is considerably more fun when you’re not elbow-deep in caramel as guests arrive.
• Give all that sugar some competition. Put something salty, crunchy, or spicy alongside the sweets. Spiced pumpkin seeds are particularly good at preventing the evening from becoming one long glucose event.
• For caramel apples, start dry. Any moisture on the apples can make that gorgeous caramel coating slide south faster than a strapless dress at a bad prom.
• And embrace the ridiculous. Crooked mummy eyes? Oddly shaped bones? Caramel puddling around an apple? Perfect. Halloween food should look as though something slightly suspicious happened in the kitchen.

WHAT'S INSIDE...

• ​Spooky Halloween Mummy Treats Kids Will Love​
• ​Halloween Caramel Apples​
• ​Halloween Meringue Bones​
• ​Glow In The Dark Jell-O​
• ​Spiced Pumpkin Seeds​
• ​Maple Caramel Corn​

​Spooky Halloween Mummy Treats Kids Will Love​

Halloween mummy treats are both ghoulish and sweet treats that are also a cinch to make. Melt some chocolate, dip some Rice Krispie squares, and decorate. Perfect for sharing with your favorite little monsters.

​☞ ​Try this recipe​

​Halloween Caramel Apples​

These caramel apples are enrobed in a buttery caramel coating made with butter, sugar, cream, maple syrup, and dark molasses. A great Halloween treat for the kids.

​☞ ​Try this recipe​

​Halloween Meringue Bones​

Halloween meringue skeleton bones are a scary sweet that's perfect for kids of all ages, whether you decorate a cake with them or pass them out at your All Hallow's party.

​☞ ​Try this recipe​

​Glow In The Dark Jell-O​

Glow in the dark Jell-O shots (or larger party centerpieces made in a Bundt pan) are an essential party trick that's part science project, part Halloween decor, part nifty excuse to knock back some gin and tonic in unique form under black lights. Here's how to make them.

​☞ ​Try this recipe​

​Spiced Pumpkin Seeds​

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 from 10 votes

Spiced pumpkin seeds are a spicy snack made with pepitas and chili powder and not a lot of effort. Simple and satisfying and curiously addictive.

​☞ ​Try this recipe​

​Maple Caramel Corn​

Maple caramel corn is infinitely better than the store-bought caramel corn or Cracker Jack and has a list of completely recognizable ingredients. No prize. Although really, the is the prize.

​☞ ​Try this recipe​