By Caroline Qualey and
Mariclare Rethore
Contributing Writers

Let’s face it, no one wants tricks on Halloween. It’s all about the treats. From scary snacks to sweet treats, these Halloween how-tos are fun and easy.

With Halloween on the horizon, it’s time to break out all the seasonal favorites. But this year, why not spice things up with some of these devilishly delicious treats? Here are some roommate-approved recipes that are sure to satisfy even the most intangible ghost.

Witches’ Hat Cookies and Broomsticks

There are dozens of ways to make this Halloween classic, but the following recipe from Betty Crocker is sure to impress. Witches’ Hat cookies and broomsticks are quick and easy, you won’t spend more than 15 minutes on this ghoulishly good snack.

Ingredients

1 bag of Hershey’s kisses

1 package of fudge-striped shortbread cookies (thin mints or a flat chocolate cookie will do)

1 container of orange decorating icing

string cheese

pretzel rods

First, unwrap the Hershey’s kisses and attach 1 kiss to the bottom of each cookie with decorating icing. Next, pipe the orange decorating icing around the base of each chocolate to finish your witch hat.

For even more fun, scoop vanilla ice cream into a bowl and make a face with miniature chocolate chips or any other candy topping of your choice; top with a Witches’ Hat. Now quick, eat the witch before she melts!

To make the witch’s broom, take each half of string cheese and cut fringe into one side by peeling away different layers. Press one pretzel rod into the top of the string cheese so that the frayed end is facing down.

“They are adorable and delicious! Quite wicked if I do say so myself” Says Simmons sophomore and food enthusiast, Brianne Garner. She recommends that you try frosting in different colors in order to bring variety to the plate. Try orange, green, and purple!

Homemade Apple Cider in Apple Cups

Hot apple cider is the best drink for the fall season, and apple cider in apple cups makes for a clever and edible no-waste party necessity. These adorable apple cups from Pinterest are the perfect way to add a twist to a seasonal classic.

Ingredients

variety of apples (10 will get you about 32 oz of cider)

apple corer

fruit peeler

pumpkin carving utensils

strainer

First insert the apple corer into the middle of the apple to remove the stem and seeds. Then, use the peeler to clean out the inside of the apple, these will become your apples cups. Even out the edges of the apple using pumpkin carving tools and fill the cups with water to prevent the apples from browning. If you feel like adding a personal touch, feel free to dip the edges of each apple in caramel (sea salt if you want a salted caramel taste) and let harden in the fridge prior to serving. (Make sure it is not dipping caramel and that it will harden to avoid a mess.)

Michelle Lloyd’s recipe for organic apple cider featured on inhabitots.com is the perfect companion for your apple cups.

To make your homemade cider, peel the remaining apples and add them into a large pot. Cover apple peels with water and bringing to a hard boil. After the apples reach boiling, reduce to a simmer and cook for two hours.

Using a whisk, mash the apples into a pulp and let the mix cool before straining the cider into a bowl. Afterwards, you can add cinnamon or other spices of your choice to taste, reheat, and serve in your cider in your apple cups.

But you don’t always have to go out and find new ideas for a party. Sometimes, putting a spin on a classic is all you need. For example, if you are making candied apples, label them as staked hearts instead. Or use some Halloween cookie cutters and your favorite sugar cookie recipe to make gravestones or pumpkins and sandwich them with frosting.

Freezing toy eyeballs and doll limbs into ice cubes can make any drink festive. Or if you want a more grotesque spin on our ocular friends, you can always label those meatballs as roasted zombie eyes as well. Feel free to experiment.Here are some more ideas to get you and your friends into the Halloween spirit.

Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

When you’re carving your pumpkins, save the seeds. No Halloween party would be complete without these crunchy treats. This oh-so-easy roasted pumpkin seed recipe from Kraft is perfect every time. After you have collected all of your seeds, spread them on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 3 to 4 minutes. Don’t forget to keep an eye on your seeds while baking, they can burn easily.

Spooky S’mores

Forget the campfire, all these gooey snacks need is 30 seconds in the microwave. Better Homes and Gardens puts a spooky twist on this childhood favorite. To add Halloween flair, dip your melted marshmallows in black and orange nonpareils and swap out plain graham crackers for chocolate ones instead.

These fall favorites are a great way to make your Halloween party the event of the season. Whether you are crafting new recipes or adding a spooky twist to your old holiday favorites, great food is the perfect way to get everyone in the mood for some Halloween fun.