TNJN Kitchen: Creative Halloween party treats
Katy Hill creates two fun and cheap recipes that will help turn your Halloween party into a “Monster Mash” filled with yummy treats.
Halloween has finally arrived. This time of year brings creepy costumes, lots of candy and of course parties. The best Halloween parties to attend are always the ones that “go all out” with fun party snacks.
However, as college students, we tend to find the cheapest way out of things until we make it back home for the holidays. This includes our pitiful DIY costumes and Dollar Tree decorations.
I have composed two super easy and CHEAP Halloween recipes that are perfect to bring to a party or to serve at your own monster mash. Add a glass of apple cider and a bowl of candy to impress all your friends with these creative and creepy snack ideas!
Monster Marshmallow Pumpkin Treats
What you need:
- 3 tbsp. butter
- ½ tsp. pure vanilla extract
- 5 ½ cups mini marshmallows
- 6 cups rice krispies
- Orange food coloring (red and yellow combined)
- Mini tootsie rolls
- Optional- candies, chocolate icing, Nutella, or sprinkles to decorate
Directions:
In a large pot, melt and slightly brown the butter over medium heat. Add marshmallows and vanilla extract and continuously stir until marshmallows are completely melted. Add in the food coloring until the desired color is made. Pour in rice cereal and stir until completely combined. Take the pot off the heat and let sit until cool enough to handle. Spray hands with cooking spray mold the cereal mixture into desired shape. Add the tootsie rolls on top for a stem and decorate however you please!
Tips
- Try adding cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice to the marshmallow mixture for an added flavor.
- Instead of orange, color the treats green or purple and create mini monsters.
- No food coloring? Shape into little white ghosts and add candy eyes.
Creepy Caramel Apple Slices
What you need:
- Apples (green and/or red)
- Caramel candies
- Water
- Lollipop or popsicle sticks
- Cinnamon
- Optional- sprinkles, nuts, and candies to dip and decorate
Directions:
Cut apples into individual slices and insert a stick into each one. Follow directions on caramel candy package to melt (add candies and water into pot and stir over low heat). Chop nuts and candies and place into separate bowls. Once caramel has melted, dip the apples and cover with any topping you like.
Tips
- Like traditional caramel apples? Follow the recipe but don’t cut into slices.
- Try topping with salt or espresso powder for a more gourmet take.
- Separate each ingredient into bowls and create a fondue station.
Edited by Jessica Carr
Assistant Arts and Culture editor, Katy Hill, is new to the journalism world. She began as an Exercise Science major before transferring to UT her junior year. After taking a media writing elective, she quickly found that she loved writing and switched to a Public Relations major. Her passion for blogging and local culture inspired her to begin her journey at Tennessee Journalist. Within her first year, she went from a 175 student completing a project to an assistant editor. She hopes to one day travel the world with her future pugs as a travel and food writer. When Katy is not writing, you can find her watching Food Network, playing soccer, or sitting at a local coffee shop.
