.Hot Caramel Apple Cider Punch.

.Ingredients.
1 gallon apple cider
2 C. caramel sauce
1 1/2 tbsp. vanilla extract


.Instructions.
1. In a large, non-reactive pan (or in the crock pot), combine apple cider, caramel, and vanilla.

2. Heat over medium, stirring, until the cider is hot and the caramel is incorporated.


.Tips.
* Adults Only: To take this yummy cider to another level, add Rum, brandy, or apple brandy. The amount is by personal taste, how ever much or less you prefer. The booze can either be added to the whole batch (heat gently, but don't allow it to boil), or you can simply add a shot of booze to each adult's mug before serving.


(Source: Divine Dinner Party)


Enjoy!

.Black Punch.

.Ingredients.
1 pkg. (.13 ounce) grape drink mix (like Kool-Aid)
1 pkg. (.13 ounce) orange drink mix (like Kool-Aid)
2 C. white sugar
3 quarts cold water
1 bottle (1 liter) ginger ale


.Instructions.
1. In a large punch bowl, combine grape and orange drink mixes, sugar, and water. Stir until combined and dissolved.

2. Just before serving, pour in the ginger ale.


.Tips.
* Adults Only: For adults, this may be a little sweet. But if you're looking to serve this for an adult Halloween party, simply add a bottle of lemon vodka-- it really helps to tame all that sugar.


(Source: Divine Dinner Party)


Enjoy!

.Mozzarella Eyeballs.

This recipe can be assembled ahead of time for your Halloween party, and makes about 20 appetizers (depending on the number of mozzarella balls in your packages).


.Ingredients.
2 (8 oz. each) packages mini mozzarella di bufala balls, drained
1/3 C. extra virgin olive oil
6 sundried tomatoes, chopped
1 1/2 tsp. dried thyme
2 tsp. dried oregano
2 tsp. dried basil
2-3 cloves garlic, minced or pressed
Crushed red pepper, to taste
Sea salt, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

.Irises and Pupils.
Unpitted green olives, as needed (about 20)
Black olives, as needed (about 10)
1 disposable plastic straw


.Instructions.
1. To make the marinated mozzarella balls, combine the drained mozzarella, oil, sundried tomatoes, herbs, garlic, red pepper, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Stir gently to mix. Marinate a few hours, up to 24.

2. To create the "iris" of your eyeball, cut the top away from one green olive with a sharp knife. You should end up with a nice round little dome.

3. Using the end of a straw, poke a hole through the middle of your iris and remove the bit of olive. This is where you will place your pupil.

4. To create "pupils," stick the end of a straw into a black olive and pull out a straw-hole-shaped piece. This little round piece of olive is your pupil.

5. Place a "pupil" in the middle of each "iris." Repeat process until you have enough pupils and irises for all of your mozzarella balls.

6. To assemble your eyeballs, drain the marinade away (I re-use mine for pasta or salads) and place your mozzarella balls on a serving platter. I sometimes line my trays with lettuce or cabbage for effect, and to keep the eyeballs from sliding around too much.

7. Place one set of iris and pupil on top of each eyeball. Refrigerate until ready to serve. Be gentle to avoid knocking the irises off of your mozzarella balls! If they don't want to stay, use a sharp knife to cut a small flat area on the mozzarella balls for your olive irises.


.Tips.
* You can serve with festive toothpicks to make them easier to grab on munch!


(Source: Divine Dinner Party, Dabbled.org)


Enjoy!

.Velvet Vampire Punch.

Got a photo of this? Submit it to: octoberlicious@ymail.com

This punch is intended for Adults Only.


.Ingredients.
1 can (12 oz.) frozen cranberry juice concentrate
1 can (6 oz.) frozen orange juice concentrate
1 can (6 oz.) frozen pineapple juice concentrate
1 C. freshly squeezed lemon juice
2 C. brandy
2 bottles (750 mL each) Champagne, chilled


.Instructions.
1. Prepare (dilute) juice concentrates according to the package directions. Combine.

2. Add lemon juice and brandy. Chill until cold.

3. Pour chilled juice mixture into your serving bowl. Pour in the champagne. Serve.


.Tips.
o The color is only a soft red, but you can add red food coloring to strengthen the color, if you like.


(Source: Divine Dinner Party)


Enjoy!

.Magic Broom Treats.

Got a photo of this? Submit it to: octoberlicious@ymail.com


.Ingredients.
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup light corn syrup
1 cup smooth peanut butter
5 cups shredded wheat cereal, crushed
1 cup M&M's (plain)
32 (8-inch) pretzel rods


.Instructions.
1. Grease 2 large baking sheets; set aside.

2. In a small saucepan combine sugar and syrup. Bring to a boil; boil 1 minute.

3. Remove from heat; stir in peanut butter.

4. Place cereal and M&M's in a large buttered roasting pan. Pour peanut butter mixture overall, tossing to coat well.

5. Drop mixture by rounded tablespoon onto prepared baking sheets, spacing about 2 inches apart. Form each mound into a broom shape.

6. Place a pretzel rod into top of each "broom" to form a handle.

7. Refrigerate 35 minutes or until set.


.Tips.
* Store in single layers in covered containers.


(Source: Recipe Rewards)


Enjoy!

.Eyeball Snacks.

Got a photo of this? Submit it to: octoberlicious@ymail.com


.Ingredients.
1 pound powdered sugar
1 egg white
Peppermint extract
Black licorice
Blue or green food coloring


.Instructions.
1. Beat the egg white lightly and blend with a small amount of powdered sugar and a few drops of peppermint extract. Mix until you get a fine dry paste.

2. Using your hands, knead the paste adding small amounts of sugar, the paste will absorb it.

3. Separate a small quantity to make the irises, adding a few drops of blue or green coloring and mix.

4. Roll the white mixture into small round balls.

5. Press a hole in the top of the ball with your finger and add some of the colored mixture.

6. Cut a small piece off of the licorice and place in the middle of the colored mixture for the pupil. Voila!


(Source: Recipe Rewards)


Enjoy!

.Vampire Punch With Floating Clots.

.Ingredients.
4 cups (1L) grape juice
2 cups (500mL) orange juice
2 cups (500mL) pineapple juice
1 bottle gingerale or soda water
1 300 gm box frozen strawberries


.Instructions.
1. Chill all ingredients ahead of time to prevent diluting the punch with melting ice later on.

2. Mix together the fruit juices.

3. Just before serving, add in the Gingerale and the strawberries.


.Tips.
* As you may have guessed, the amounts and types of juice are subject to individual interpretation. The really important part is the clots (the strawberries, of course!)


(Sources: Today's Parent & Random Acts Comics)


Enjoy!

Costumed Celebrity - 9.01

Abigail Breslin



In 2004, Abigail Breslin dressed as Wednesday Addams for a charity event. She is pictured below with her older brother Spencer Breslin.




Until Next Time...