Celebrating Halloween

We've been doing some fun things for Halloween.  

First we've made some of these monster eyeballs.  The idea came from Bee in our Bonnet. They made theirs with Costco cream puffs, I made mine with cake balls. They were so yummy. We've given some to friends,

and used them on a cake for school. My daughter and I made this beast together for the schools cake decorating contest.  She is the one who insisted we add the red veins. 

This is my sons cake.  We make a variation of this spider cake every year. This was the first year we've used fondant and circus peanuts for feet.  It usually looks more harry and chocolaty.  

We use this pan for the body and a cupcake for the head. 

He was very proud.  Check out that apron.  He really wanted to wear an apron and didn't mind all the frills. I had a hard time not laughing every time I looked at him. Working one on one with the kids to make cakes for their carnival, has become one of my favorite traditions.  

Last week I did a display of body parts at our church party. It's become a fun tradition as well. I've had to mix things up to keep the kids on their toes. 

I did it in a dark room with a strobe light. I like the effect of old dishes covered in black cloth.  I would hold the cloth so it wouldn't fall as people reached their hands in.

Here is what we've used:

Teeth- corn kernels or almonds. 

Bones- carrots peeled to be smooth, but I also liked the idea of using wet pretzel sticks. 

Skin- tortillas

Guts- pasta or pumpkin guts

Tongue- banana peel

Brain- steamed cauliflower

Heart - tomato

Eyes- peeled grapes

My favorite was the tongue.  Everyone freaked out when they touched it. Do you have any ideas for next year?

For years we've eaten chili and mummy hot dogs on Halloween before trick or treating.  Last year I made a Meatloaf Monster hands.  I only have pictures of them before they went into the oven.  I can't remember where I got this idea and I can't find it. If anyone knows I would love to give credit. 

Since Halloween is on Sunday this year and they were such a hit last year we doing it again. I like to serve them with a mashed potato and yam mixture.  The orange potatoes look cool and are super yummy. You could also use sweet potato fries. 

What are you doing for Halloween?