Tricking, Treating... or just EATING

Image courtesy Sweet Cupcakes

Most people funnel all of their creative Halloween juices into coming up with snappy costumes. I, however, like to focus on the SNAX. You'll be excited to learn that Oliver and I are year-round Halloween candy consumers. A long time ago, we discovered that the aptly named "fun size" candies are perfect for post-dinner chocolate cravings. Who needs an entire candy bar? But if you do, just eat a few more of the fun size guys! (I've been known to consume more than my share.)

Our quaaludes jar is stocked, dude:


There are a plethora of topics to write about around Halloween – harvest-y tablescapes, snappy jack-o-lantern designs, poking fun at those (not so) sexy Sesame Street-inspired costumes –

Srsly?

...I'm going to stay focused on the food. Dessert, specifically. Eye candy. Literally. Get it? Check out some of my favorite tricked-out treats.

Everything Bakerella makes looks outrageous. My mouth waters every time she updates her blog. Those little spiders are hilarious – and, I imagine, not so easy to make.



Sweet Cupcakes has some cute spooky-themed ideas for Halloween sweets:


Amy Atlas never disappoints. Those ghostly little cake pops are so flippin' cute!



You can always count on Martha to produce perfect holiday treats:



Country Living has some deliciously clever ideas. Although I'm not sure how I feel about rodents on my baked goods, even if they're made of cake:





Not to be a Negatory Nellie, but Real Simple did a little feature on which Halloween candies are healthier. UMMMMMM.....way to take the fun out! I know obesity is problematic these days, but really? Is there a point in comparing the nutritional value of Reese's Peanut Butter Cups versus Snickers? (Snickers is a better choice, according to Real Simple, by the way.) Obviously, they're both "bad" for you. Everything in moderation, folks! I'm a firm believer that home-made treats are "healthier" than those you buy at the store, since they're likely not pumped with preservatives, corn syrup and a bevy of un-pronouceable ingredients. Baked goods aren't an acceptable giveaway to trick-or-treating tots, but they're certainly delish for having around the house!

Have a great Halloween weekend, everyone! xoxo