Chocolate Dipped Oreos

Here comes another cute Halloween treat! I can't believe how many easy and yummy treats there are to make with the kids. This one was incredibly easy and *very* fast. You should really try this!

Chocolate Dipped Oreos

• one package double stuffed oreos
• one bag york pieces (separate out the white pieces for the eyes)
• one bag lollipop sticks (you can buy these at the craft store in the candy making aisle)
• one bag chocolate chips
• 3 tablespoons canola oil
• candy corn

Start by lining baking sheets with parchment paper. Insert lollipop sticks gently in the filling of the oreo. If the oreo starts to pop one of the cookies off gently hold it together. If you press too hard you will break the cookie. Trust me, they will hold up. I even cracked a cookie in half and still dunked it in the chocolate. You can't even tell! ;)



Once you have the sticks in all the cookies, bring water to a simmer in the bottom of a double boiler. Place the chocolate chips and oil in the top of the double boiler and stir until it is melted and there are no lumps (this should only take a few minutes). Remove from the heat.

Hold the pan at an angle and dunk the oreo stick in the chocolate until it is covered. Hold it upside down over the pan and let the excess chocolate drip off. Lay it back on the parchment covered baking sheet. Place two of the York pieces on for the eyes and the candy corn for a beak while the chocolate is still wet. Continue until all the cookie pops are done. Dip a toothpick in some of the melted chocolate to dot the eyes.




Refrigerate for 10-15 minutes or until set. You can either display them using floral foam to hold them up, or use candy corn to support the sticks in the bottom of your container. If you want to give them out, you can use plastic sleeves that can be found at the craft store and tie a ribbon around them. Have fun with the kids making these treats!!




Source: Our Best Bites

Witches Brew

I have been the worst blogger EVER in the last two days. From the moment I opened my eyes today I was running around like a crazy person! I didn't even remember to take a picture of my baked ziti with eyeballs!??!?? I do have a far away shot of this witches brew that was a big hit with all the kids. Make sure to serve it up in a punch bowl or a decorative halloween bucket!

Witches Brew

• 1 gallon orange juice
• 1 2 liter bottle 7 Up
• 1 half gallon sherbert (I decided to use one that had lemon, orange and lime sherbert)
• ice block worms *click link to see how to make these. (optional)
  

You really don't need to measure this out. It is basically around 70% orange juice and the rest 7 Up and then just scoop the sherbert into the punch bowl and float the ice block worms in the middle.

Ice Block Worms

My motherly duties took over my day today preparing for my daughter's Halloween party at school tomorrow. I have a few other things that I will be posting on the blog tomorrow, but this is all that I have time for tonight. Mommy duty calls!

These worms will be making an appearance tomorrow in a "Witches Brew" for the class.

This isn't really a "recipe" so much as a good idea that I saw on tv once :)

Place gummy worms half in and half out of the tray. Pour cranberry juice to fill the ice cube trays. When they are frozen they make the perfect addition to any spooky Halloween drink!

These will look much cooler tomorrow when they are floating around in the witches brew. Pictures to follow!!!

Caramel and Chocolate Dipped Apples

I am not usually one for candied apples, but if you dunk an apple in caramel and then drizzle some chocolate on top of it I'M IN! These apples came out sooooo good that I think I will have to continue to make them even after Halloween. Maybe just change them up slightly and make them a Thanksgiving and Christmas treat :) I saw Giada on The Food Network make these and let me tell you they are even better than they look!

Caramel and Chocolate Dipped Apples

• Cooking spray
• 6 small granny smith apples, washed, dried and stems removed
  
• 2 (9.5 oz) bags of caramels unwrapped (okay, go ahead and say duh! who uses the wrappers?)
  
• 1/4 cup pulp free orange juice
• 1 (4oz) bar of chocolate 53% dark cocoa
• assorted toppings (nuts, sprinkles or what ever you like)
• Popsicle sticks

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spray it with cooking spray. Unwrap all of the caramels and put them in a small non stick pan with the orange juice. Heat them over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the caramel is melted and smooth.


Make sure all of the apples are washed and dried. If they have a coating of wax on them the caramel will not stick. If you need to remove a wax coating, dip the apples in boiling water with 1/4 tsp white vinegar in it for 4-6 seconds to remove this coating. Gently insert the stick in the middle of the apple, making sure it is secure.


It is easier to hold the pan at an angle and then swirl the caramel around the apple. If you need to, use a spoon to get some on the very top of the apple. Hold the apple and allow any excess caramel to drip off before placing it on the pan lined with parchment paper. Once all the apples are dipped in the caramel, let them sit at room temperature for 2 hours before drizzling them with the chocolate.





When the apples are ready, bring water to a simmer in the bottom of a double boiler. Roughly chop the chocolate and add it to the top of the double boiler. Gently stir the chocolate until it is melted. Use a fork to drizzle the chocolate on top of the caramel and then decorate with your choice of toppings. I like to store them in the refrigerator before eating. A nice cold apple tastes best!



Source: Giada De Laurentiis

Cauliflower Brains ~ Halloween Treat ~

This is the time of year that you will see me start posting weird looking food in my attempts to freak out my family around Halloween. We started doing this last year and it was a lot of fun!

Cauliflower Brains

• 1 head of cauliflower trimmed
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 2 teaspoons mustard
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Trim the leaves and stem from the bottom of the cauliflower and then thoroughly wash under cold water.

Steam the cauliflower for 15-20 minutes or until it can be easiest pierced with a fork. I have a steamer, but if you do not you can steam it on the stove top in a steamer basket with 1 inch of water.

Mix the mayo and mustard and then brush the mixture on the steamed head of cauliflower. Cover the entire thing with the Parmesan cheese.

Bake in the oven @ 375 degrees for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.

Okay, I know this is sooooo wrong...but I had to do it! LOL