Halloween has to be one of the most exciting family times in the year – when else does the whole family get to dress up and indulge in some spooky treats. Queen of homemade, Kirstie Allsopp, tells us what she is dressing up as this year and provides some fun ideas for the scariest night of the year.
1. What is your favourite treat for the kids at Halloween?
Well there’s no doubt that Toffee Apples are my all time favourite treat on Halloween night – they are completely timeless and I remember my mother making them for me when I was a child. The tangy taste of apple combined with sweet toffee is quite irresistible – plus they are much easier to make than you would think.
Try my recipe (see under Family Recipes on Celebrating Mums), which is made with Nestlé Carnation Condensed Milk to create a smooth and creamy toffee flavour and glossy finish. I can guarantee that those little trick and treaters will love these delights as they really do have the Halloween wow factor.
2. Do you make homemade treats for the children doing the rounds on Halloween night and if so, what are you planning on making this year?
It’s easy to go to the supermarket to pick up some sweet treats – there’s so much on offer around Halloween.
But for the best fun, get your mixing bowl out and conjure up something yourself – plus, it’s a great Halloween activity for the kids to join in with too.
My kids absolutely adored my Chocolate Skeleton biscuits last year. These little moreish chocolate bourbon biscuits come together to make a spooky skeleton shape – a great centre piece for any party. I add Nestlé Carnation Condensed Milk to my mixture as it makes sure the biscuits are crunchy but just a tiny bit gooey in the middle – yum!
3. What are your recommendations for a homemade Halloween for food and costumes?
Dressing up is what Halloween is all about- transforming yourself into a witch is always easy, simply dig out some old black clothes, add a few rips, some green makeup and grab a broomstick. Its amazing what you can do with some old sheets too – they make great ghost or mummy outfits.
Food wise, everything that is served has to look a little bit scary, but equally taste delicious! Make sandwiches a little creepy by cutting out bread with a witch or ghost shaped pastry cutter, decorate with ketchup or a blood coloured salsa dip.
My family also loves a non alcoholic punch – a simple cranberry juice can easily be disguised as a blood thirsty squash. Or serve slimy green jellies, if you can find a Halloween themed mould then even better.
4. What will you be doing this Halloween?
We’re having a small party for friends and family – to start it off we’ll have a pumpkin carving competition – it’s amazing how creative you can get! We’ll then place the pumpkins around the living room with candles inside – great Halloween decorations.
Once the kids arrive, we’ll go out in groups to do some trick and treating before heading home for dinner and entertainment. We love games like apple dunking but this year, I’m also going to organise a spooky treasure hunt – there will be clues hidden around the house for the younger guests to find – and a spooky prize for the winner.
