EATS :: Easy Halloween Treats

Hey y'all!

Halloween is almost here and you may have started thinking about all of those goodies, treats or food ideas that you will make. Or maybe not so much. Maybe you are hosting a party this year for you or perhaps a kids party (like I am). Or you volunteered to make something for your child's classroom party at school. No matter what it is for, you need a plan or an idea and I am here to help you out with a few ideas today. 
 

All of these ideas I have personally made or recreated myself so I know they are not only easy, they are quick. Oh and they are pretty darn tasty too! ;) Best of all, this kind of food is FUN!

1. Marshmallow Pops

So easy. So fun. And as complex or simple as you want it to be. These ghostly marshmallow pops were simple. I used regular marshmallows, inserted the straws in the bottom, drizzled some melted white chocolate over them, added a couple edible eyeballs and done! 

 

2. Bark

This has got to be the easiest 'go-to' thing to make as it's no bake and super fast when you are short on time. I am guilty of making bark of any kind constantly in my house as my daughter and all of her friends just LOVE it. 

For this one I simply melted up a bag of dark chocolate chips, poured in a pan, added sprinkles and edible eyeballs and the next thing I had was: Halloween Eyeball Bark.

3. Halloween fruit parfait

For those times when we need to make a treat just a little bit on the healthier side, these are perfect! Or a great way to add a fun breakfast item to a sleepover party (like we did with these). Simply stack (drained) pineapple chunks, (drained) mandarins and top with cool whip. Plus they look a LOT like candy corn so it makes them all the more fun!

 
4. Cutie Pumpkins

I love doing these as they are simple adorable! Grab some cuties or clementines, peel them and then add a small piece of celery for the stem. Super cute and super healthy too!

5. Cupcakes

I very rarely ever have a party without cupcakes as I LOVE decorating them! The thing about cupcakes is you can buy them at the store, if you are pressed for time OR bake them yourself. Either way you decide to go, whether they are mini cupcakes or regular size, jazz them up with some fun icing colors, sprinkles, candy . . . anything to make it festive! Oh and if you have some party toppers to add to them, it will make it that much more fun!

Sometimes it's interesting to make up your own thing too. For my daughter's Halloween sleepover party last year, I made these spider cupcakes, which I used a cupcake kit and it was super easy but then I also made these monster cupcakes. I iced some cupcakes orange (since I had leftovers from the spider cupcakes), peeked in my pantry to see what I had and used these candy corn marshmallows for ears, some edible eyeballs and a candy coated ball for a nose and we have the friendliest looking 'monster cupcakes' right? lol

5. Candy Corn

This one is a tried and true favorite of mine and I have made it every year once I discovered it: we call it 'Monster Mash' here but it's a simple two-ingredient treat. A bag of candy corn and a canister of salted peanuts . . . dump them in a bowl together and you have got a great tasting 'grab & go' snack that tastes a LOT like a bite out of a Payday candy bar = BONUS! ;)

 

6. Reese's Bats

I love, love, love this idea for these Reeses bats that I found, so I used the regular size Reeses peanut butter cups for these and gave it a try myself. They are the FIRST treat to go, EVERY time I make them. ;)

Hope you enjoyed these quick and easy Halloween treat ideas! Have you ever made one of these? Have another great idea? Please let me know below . . .

Are you loving the "eye candy" here? Then join me over on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, Instagram or check out more designs in my Etsy shop!   
 
I would love for you to connect with me by email or become a blog follower too! {on the right sidebar}  Looking forward to seeing you again! :)

Recipe :: Double Chocolate Covered Peppermint Popcorn

     

     

I have the most amazing POPCORN treat for you today. How often do you follow a recipe on the back of a package? Honestly I don't really notice them or I forget to write it down. BUT that changed and I finally remembered to try one and by am I glad I did! But of course, I have to make it MY own and change it up a bit, so it all turns out amazing and delish, so it's all good. ')

I found the original recipe on the back of this package of Kraft Jet-Puffed peppermint marshmallows around the holidays. I changed it just a little by adding MORE chocolate because hello! . . .who doesn't like MORE chocolate.

Here's the altered recipe:

Double Chocolate Covered Peppermint Popcorn

- prep time: 10 min.

- bake time: 25 min.

Makes: 24 servings of 1/2 cup each

What you need:

- 1/2 tsp. salt divided

- 3 bags of microwave popcorn

- 4 oz. Baker's semi-sweet chocolate

- 1/2 cup (1stick) of butter

- 40-50 Jet-Puffed mini peppermint mallows marshmallows

 

Make it:
- heat oven to 275 degrees
- sprinkle 1/4 tsp. salt over popcorn in large bowl, toss to coat and set aside.
 - melt chocolate and butter in medium saucepan on low heat, stirring frequently.
- add marshmallows, stir until completely melted. Remove from heat; stir in remaining 1/4 tsp. salt. Pour over popcorn, toss to coat. Spread onto greased baking sheet.
- bake 20-25 minutes or until crisp, stir after 15 minutes.
- cool on wax paper.
- using chocolate melts (chocolate wafers) melt as directed and drizzle over popcorn for added color/flacor
- add any additional candies/sprinkles. (for this we added sixlets and M&Ms) 

Doesn't this look amazing? I'm tellin ya, if you are a popcorn lover, you are in soooooo much trouble as this is addicting! So who's gonna make some soon? 

Have you made any awesome treats with popcorn? 
Let me know what you've tried as I'd love to know . . .  

Are you loving the "eye candy" here? Then join me over on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter or check out more designs in my Etsy shop! 

 
I would love for you to connect with me by email or become a blog follower too! {on the right sidebar}  Looking forward to seeing you again! :)

Recipe :: Easy Marshmallow Pops

Happy (almost) Valentines Day!

Today I wanted to share this simple & super easy recipe with all of you. I realize that most people probably have made marshmallow pops before but if you haven't, you must, as you will see just how easy they can be to make. I volunteered to bring these in for my daughter's classroom party at school and they are always a hit! The kids munched them right up! PLUS how could they not, by making them so festive looking literally makes them irresistible! ;)

 

Here's is what you will need to make these Easy Marshmallow Pops:

- grab a bag of Kraft Jet-Puffed marshmallows
- a pack of lollipop sticks

- a couple different bags of the chocolate melts for dipping (I used red & light pink)

- a variety of sprinkles / candies 

 

1. The first thing you will want to do is melt the dipping chocolate according to the directions on the package until it is nice and smooth. Next dip an end of the stick into the chocolate, then insert into a marshmallow. This step serves as the 'glue' for keeping the marshmallows on the sticks when dipping. Then arrange them on something to set/dry. I like using my cooling rack as it has these inserts that keeps them standing up pretty nice. They should dry quickly so it won't take too long.

2.Once first layer is dry, do another one to get the two-tone effect & then sprinkle on your candies or whatever it is you would like to decorate them with.

3. The final step, and this is optional, is adorning the sticks with some washi tape to dress it up a little and you are all set. Place on cake stand & serve. Super easy right?

What desserts have you made lately? Anything with marshmallows? 
Let me know what you are baking up this week . . . 

Are you loving the "eye candy" here? 

Then join me over on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter & Instagram so you never miss out on an exclusive deal or any behind the scenes photos! 

Check out my designs, artwork & decor in my Etsy shop! 
Looking forward to seeing you again! :)

DIY :: How To Make Marshmallow Chalk

Hopefully you all have had the chance to check out my latest collection: the "CREATE" collection. If not make sure to check it out for my idea on how to create an Art Party Picnic using the collection.



I promised MORE info from the Art Party Picnic on the marshmallow "chalk" that you see pictured here, so here we go. When I decided what the theme would be, I knew I wanted to incorporate some fun food "art" into the party. I decided on marshmallow "chalk" as I knew it HAD to be easy & quick. Plus since the kids were going to be using chalk to draw during the Art Party, I thought this would be a FAB idea!

 

So how do you make this crazy box of "chalk"? This was one of those projects that I thought would take LESS time than it actually did but that's ok. You never come up with something great (or not) until you give it a try!

I basically just used a bag of mini marshmallows & some water. Yup, I said water. I divided the marshmallows by color & then dipped an end into a small bowl of water to get it to stick to the next. Was this the best method of doing this? Probably not, but I figured when marshmallows get wet, they get sticky so I thought I had something. Not sure if I made it too hard on myself or not - lol. It does take a few seconds of holding it in place for them to start "sticking together" but I eventually got there. (sorry I didn't take pics of the step-by-step but it's pretty easy)

I think now after-the-fact, that it may have been MUCH quicker & easier to "adhere" them together with a drop of CandiQuik since it's used as the 'glue' on so many other baking items.

Never-the-less, we had marshmallow "chalk" & the kids thought it was great! It's all about making sure the kids are having fun - right? ;)

Overall I would do it again. I thought it turned out pretty cute! 

Have you ever made a "creative" edible item just to go with the theme of a party? Would love to hear of your ideas & whether you thought it was a good idea or not in the end. Please share below . . . 

Are you loving the "eye candy" here? 

Then join me over on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter & Instagram so you never miss out on an exclusive deal or any behind the scenes photos!

Check out my designs, artwork & decor in my Etsy shop! 

Looking forward to seeing you again! :)

REAL PARTY :: Art Party Picnic

Today I am sharing an idea I came up with right before the kids went back to school. I wanted to "create" a party that could be used for a variety of themes & that you could put your own spin on!  

I can see this theme used for an art party - ANY time of year. Possibly even a birthday party. That's just it! This theme has the potential to be used in sooooo many ways - which is why I kept it a 'generic' theme so you can have a little celebration ANY time of year. You will find it's filled with BRIGHT colors & fun patterns. 

When planning the details of this party, I had come across some adorable party items from Target & decided to switch up my design just enough to where everything would coordinate together just perfect!

I also wanted this party to incorporate a few things. I wanted to use the wildly popular "chalkboard" somehow, I wanted it to incorporate "art" of some kind and the MOST important thing - to incorporate a PICNIC!

Knowing it was going to be outside, I knew I wanted to keep things simple & fun & let the kids enjoy one last "hurrah" before going back to school.

So I bring you the "CREATE" collection interpreted into an
"Art Party Picnic"!

:: the ACTIVITY ::

 

Since we were going to have the picnic party in the park, my daughter & I scouted out the perfect spot, days before & discovered this little gem of a table right in the middle of the park - it was a table & four chairs made out of concrete & was just "their size" . . . seemed perfect to have the kids draw "nature" with their blackboards & chalk to "create" their masterpieces!

:: DIY TIP:: 

I made the blackboard canvases myself - super easy & super cheap!

To make 4 chalkboards:

 - purchase 2 heavy foam core boards & cut in half

- paint one side with chalkboard paint (I did 2 coats to be sure)

- then I added neon duck tape to the edges to give them some character!

They were sturdy enough for them to draw on time & time again & I know all the kids LOVED taking them home along with their dessert cups of colored chalk! If you need a good "how to" check out this post on how to make the chalkboards for this party!

:: the PICNIC ::

  

The thing I loved about planning this art party picnic was keeping everything SIMPLE! Not every party has to be all fancy - this one took about 20 minutes to set up both areas! I had to make it quick as the kids were very anxious so I planned for simple, mostly store-bought food that could be set up quickly. I will confess though that the white bench I set the food on, I did a 'mock' set-up at home to ensure everything would fit & I brought the right items to hold everything. lol

I used a tablecloth for the picnic blanket & my sister brought a couple matching blankets for the kids to sit on - worked just fine!

These adorable gable boxes I found in the party section at Target & matched perfectly. They housed the kids lunch in them. I just added a green ribbon & a topper to it to match the theme. The dessert cups were also picked up at Target & I used them to hold the grapes (also added a topper to them). The stripe storage containers in the back of the food table were in the Dollar Spot section at Target & I just placed a plate on top to hold the goodies. Super easy!

The hot pink & aqua drink pails also came from the Dollar Spot at Target - these are always great to have for parties since they are so versatile! I just painted a spot on the front with chalkboard paint & wrote the kids names on them. Again super easy & FUN!

The kids got to snack on Jell-O, fresh grapes, Oreos, Skittles, fruit slices & then I made these marshmallow pops. Super quick - I used the jumbo marshmallows, dipped the top in melted chocolate & then sprinkled crushed mint Oreos on top! 

Is that "chalk marshmallows"? Why YES, yes it is. I wanted to do something a little creative & tried to make edible chalk marshmallows. More info in this post on how to make "marshmallow chalk".

Keeping the menu simple is key! PB & J sandwiches, cheese dip & pretzel sticks, & a fun candy bracelet was found in their lunch boxes!

The kids LOVED the push-up pops - which had the mini marshmallows in them. These kids are so fun!

:: the DECOR ::

  

This collection keeps decor simple providing just what you would need for a quick & simple party or celebration to "create".
- 4x6 signs, toppers and paper pack

 

:: the PHOTO SHOOT ::

  

This park has the most beautiful settings, so of course we took advantage of it while we were there. These kids are so close - they are cousins & I just adore them ALL! The two in the front are twins & their older sister is the one on the left in the white shirt standing next to my daughter. AND the best part - they are a BLAST to have as models for my business or to have parties with! LOVE them!!! 

I think this is probably my FAVORITE shot from the day! Not sure what Sam is doing in the front but I think he is channeling some 'Saturday Night Fever' - that kid is a trip!

  

Another fun idea that I have used in a lot of my parties are these wooden conversation bubbles I picked up from Pick Your Plum awhile ago. You guessed it - I just painted them with the chalkboard paint & I can re-use them again & again. They are great for using as photo booth props too!
Since they were all getting ready to start school in a matter of a couple days - we wrote what grades they would be going into. Good mementos to have!

Last shot of the day - love kids just being kids. Warms the heart. ;)

Like I said, this collection is now available in the shop. You can pick up your "CREATE" collection too so you can come up with some creative reasons to celebrate life. 
Some fun ideas for this collection:
- a birthday, a sleep-over, art party, sewing party, baking party, classroom party, a picnic . . . .whatever the reason, just plan a day & get out there and  . . .
CREATE!

Thanks for being a fan & I would love to hear what you think of the latest addition to my shop! Please leave your comment below. 
Have a great day! xoxo 

Are you loving the "eye candy" here? 

Then join me over on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter & Instagram or

check out my designs, artwork & decor in my Etsy shop! 
 
Looking forward to seeing you again! :)