Halloween Treats!

Looking for some Halloween snacks to make this weekend? Look no further!

One of my designers had a pumpkin carving party this week - below are the recipes she used for pumpkin sugar cookies, pumpkin dip, a pumpkin cheese ball, and what she calls Trick or Treating Trail Mix!

Enjoy!

Pumpkin Sugar Cookies

When you are decorating sugar cookies, it is best to start from scratch - it's not that hard, I promise!!

1 c. butter, 1 c. powdered sugar, 1 egg - beaten, 1 1/2 t. almond extract, 1 t. vanilla, 1 t. salt, 2 1/2 c. sifted flour

Cream butter, add powdered sugar. Blend in beaten egg, almond extract, vanilla, salt and flour. Chill dough until firm - at least 30 min. Roll into 1/4 inch thickness on a well-floured surface. Cut with cookie cutters, place on greased cookie sheets. Bake at 375 for 8-10 minutes. Cookies should not brown. Let cool completely before frosting. This recipe will yield 40 cookies (less if using large cookie cutters!)

Royal Icing is great for decorating - I would suggest doubling this recipe -

4 c. powdered sugar - sifted, 2 Tbsp. meringue powder, 5 Tbsp. water

Combine all ingredients in the bowl of a stand mixer with a paddle attachment. Mix on low until icing loses it's sheen - 7 to 10 min. Transfer icing into air-tight containers. Add food coloring and go crazy! Add a little water to make the icing looser, or a little powdered sugar to make it stiffer. These recipes and a great tutorial for royal icing can be found at Annie's Eats.

For the party favors, Audrey made little bags that included a cookie with the first initial of each child's name!

Pumpkin Dip

8 oz block of cream cheese - softened, 2 c. powdered sugar, 15 oz can of pumpkin pie filling, 1 t. ground cinnamon, 1/2 t. ground ginger.

Beat cream cheese and sugar on medium until smooth. Add pie filling and spices and mix well. Cover and chill for 8 hours. Best served with apple slices and ginger snaps. This recipe is from Southern Living - 2001.

The Great White Pumpkin Cheese Ball

2 (10 oz) blocks of extra-sharp white cheddar cheese - shredded, 8 oz block of cream cheese - softened, 8 oz goat cheese log - softened, 1/2 t. pepper, braided pretzel & grape vine/leaf for decor.

Stir together cheeses and pepper - shape into a ball. Use a knife to smooth the edges and make vertical grooves to look like a pumpkin. Use pretzel for the stem. Best served with crackers and assorted veggies. This recipe is also from Southern Living - 2009.

Trick or Treating Trail Mix

Audrey's mix above is made of dry roasted peanuts, candy corn, and dried cranberries - but you can add any of your favorites to the mix. I think pumpkin seeds would be a wonderful addition!

And here is a new picture of Audrey's pup - just because she is so very cute :)