So it's Halloween, and by some confluence of universal forces you've been elected to host your neighborhood ghosts and goblins for a night of fun that doesn't involve knocking on strangers' doors and demanding candy.

Now, don't think just because your little guests aren't out trick-or-treating that they won't have sweet tooth cravings the size of Frankenstein. However, instead of just setting out bowls of prewrapped candy and letting them have at it, whip up some simple but tasty treats that will have them remembering your Halloween party long into next year.

Rice Krispy Treats

I'll bet that sometime in the last few months you've grabbed up one of those blue foil packages at the register at your local convenience store and scarfed down a wedge of sugary, crunchy goodness on the way home. But do you remember how much better they tasted freshly made? I'll bet you don't remember the last time you made them!

Now, I know we food pros aren't supposed to use brand names in our recipes, but let's face it: these are RICE KRISPY treats, not "puffed rice cereal" treats. Get over it.

Ingredients

The secret to making these is preparation. Have your 13 x 9 x 2-inch pan all greased and ready, and use a LARGE saucepan. You haven't had fun until you've tried to transfer a wad of molten marshmallow from one pan to another because you realize you started too small.

Over low heat, melt butter, then add marshmallows and stir frequently until melted. Remove from heat.

Stir in cereal until coated. Press into greased pan using spatula or waxed paper. Cut into squares when cool.

Variations

Rice Krispy Treats are perhaps the ultimate blank slate. You can make them with Cocoa Krispies. You can add small amounts of almond, vanilla or whatever extract you like to the marshmallows. You can add food coloring. Even peanut butter and chocolate syrup can find their ways in.

Then there are the mix-ins. You name it, it can go in ... chocolate chips, raisins, cinnamon red hots, M&Ms and toffee bar bits are all good choices, but let your mind wander.

If you take the squares out of the pan while they're still slightly warm and pliable, you can do all manner of creative things. Push licorice sticks in for arms and legs, top with a gumball or hard candy, and make "Killer Robot Krispy Treats." Shape them into amorphous blobs, add two chocolate chips for eyeholes, and make "Ghost Krispy Treats."

Got a favorite Rice Krispy Treat modification? Let me know!

Creepy Cookies

One great way to satisfy the kids' sweet cravings and let them have fun, too, is to get them in on the making! With this sugar cookie recipe, you can let the kids do as much or as little of the baking as you wish, then set up cookie-decorating stations with tubes of icing, sprinkles, and any other sugary bits that come to mind. This time of year, Halloween-themed cookie cutter sets are everywhere, so make a few batches of ghosts, bats, pumpkins and black cats.

Ingredients

Directions

Preheat oven to 350° Fahrenheit. Lightly grease cookie sheets.

Mix the sugar, shortening, egg, vanilla and almond extract until creamy. Mix in the flour, baking soda and cream of tartar.

Make several small balls of dough. Roll out dough to about ¼ inch thick. Cut into desired shapes with well-floured cookie cutters. If desired, press candies, raisins, nuts or sprinkles into cookies. Place cookies onto the prepared sheets.

Bake for eight to 10 minutes, depending upon whether you like hard or soft cookies. Remove cookies and let cool on a rack.

I recommend setting up one decorating station for every two or three kids. You don't want a whole roomful clamoring over one set of decorations. If you're of a mind, have a little decorating contest ... but make sure everyone gets SOME sort of prize. It's Halloween, after all!

Catbox Cookies

Of course, no party is complete without some sort of centerpiece, and Halloween is the time when you can feel free to let the dark side of your cooking creativity have free rein. To make the "cat box" for these gross-but-tasty treats, use a box of Grape-Nuts or other barley cereal. Be sure and "garnish" with plenty of gummi flies, worms, and any other disgusting edibles you can think of. I've seen ramen noodles, peanuts and raisins used to gross effect.

Ingredients

In a medium bowl, microwave the honey until it bubbles, about 1 minute. Stir in the molasses, butter and egg. Beat until smooth. Stir in the flour, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves until combined. Then add the "realistic" additions of your choice such as coconut, ramen, chocolate chips, or peanuts. Chill dough until firm.

Preheat oven to 350° Fahrenheit. Roll dough into logs about ¾ inch in diameter. Cut into pieces the approximate length of cat doots. Roll logs lightly in the Grape-Nuts, place on an ungreased cookie sheet, and bake for 12 minutes in the preheated oven.

To add realism, spend a couple of bucks for a plastic cat box and line it with the Grape-Nuts. Add garnishes.

Your Halloween party treats don't have to be intricate or show off your four-star chef's skills. Keep them simple and entertaining, and get the kids involved as much as possible!

Got a comment? Question? Recipe to share? Drop me a line anytime!