If you’re anything like my kids you are looking at online stores in search for that Halloween outfit no one else will be able to find in stores. My son doesn’t want to be recognized by anyone so the only think anyone will be able to see this year is his eyes.

Halloween can be a fun time for kids – and their parents. In fact, safety concerns have even led some neighborhoods to come together to create a special evening in one location.

This includes things like bobbing for apples, costume contest and perhaps a hay ride or haunted house, but as seen in the picture above there are tools available to help you in the kitchen to create a ghoulish, yet tasty treat for your kids and their friends (the picture above is a heart and brain Jell-o mold).

The Main Course

Lori Barrett offered her readers the opportunity to get creative with a brain mold like the one used in the first photo, yet used to create a main dish. One year Lori tried, “Mushroom soup, cream cheese and shrimp, along with some unflavored gelatin and lemon juice and Tabasco sauce,” to create a delicious cheese ball that apparently continues to be part of their Halloween tradition. (She’s also tried a vegetarian version).

Bring on the Mummies

Kids love pigs in a blanket. Maybe it’s the fluffy blanket of dough or the hearty, yet tasty dog inside. Why not take their love for the dog and give it a totally Halloween twist. Take small, thin strips of dough and wrap the dog up like a mummy (just look at the picture). Bake it like you would a regular pig in a blanket and then add a face using mustard. Dead ‘dogs’ never tasted so good.

And for Dessert

A couple of ideas come in the form of these three photos.

Brownies, cupcakes, pies? each can be altered to depict the fun of this annual event. If you will be having guests over this can provide you with lots of kitchen time with your kids to help create exceptionally creepy food along with memories that will last long after the last bit of brain Jell-O is slurped.

Recipes?

The truth is you already have some great recipes in your arsenal all you need is to think of creative ways to make existing recipes Halloween friendly. In fact the use of these ideas could make Halloween more of a family and friend get together than it currently is. Enjoy the unusual and engage your family in the smiles associated with this holiday.

Get Your Kids Involved

Have your kids pick up a stirring spoon, spatula and help. Give them sprinkles, icing and whatever they need to make the brownies and cupcakes as much of a Halloween flair as possible. If this is a time for your kids then make sure they are involved in a big way.

Have them help you determine a guest list and offer ideas on what will be on the menu. Have them come up with unusual names for the food you will be serving. The end result should be memorable – and well received.