When trick-or-treating first became popular in the United States in the 1800s, more children played mischievous pranks than asked for candy. By the 1950s, though, the focus had switched to good old family fun, with sugar-hyped children dressed in costumes.

The candy-collecting tradition spread from the United States to Canada, Australia, and Western Europe, where more and more little goblins now trick-or-treat. In parts of England, children carry lanterns called punkies (which look like jack-o’-lanterns) and parade through the town on the last Thursday of October. In Ireland, rural neighborhoods light bonfires, and children play snap apple, in which they try to take a bite from apples that are hung by strings from a tree or a door frame.

Our weatherman says rain may arrive just in time for Halloween and trick or treating tomorrow! As a matter of fact, it’s raining now! If rain is forecast where you live you may want to keep your little ghosts and goblins inside and surprise them with some homemade Halloween treats.

Caramel Fruit Dip
1 package (8 oz,) softened cream cheese
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 tsp Watkins Vanilla
1/2 tsp. Watkins Caramel Extract

Using an electric mixer, combine softened cream cheese, brown sugar and extracts. Use as a dip for apple or pear slices.

Watkins Crab Spread
1 package (8 oz.) cream cheese
2 tbsp. Watkins Crab Snack and Dip Seasoning
1 tsp. Watkins Minced Green Onion
1 can (6 oz.) crabmeat, drained
Watkins Omelet and Soufflé Seasoning

Beat 1 package (8 oz.) softened cream cheese until light and fluffy. Stir in Crab Snack nnd Dip Seasoning, Green Onion, and crabmeat. Roll into a bell, then coat with Omelet and Soufflé Seasoning. Serve with crackers, cocktail rye bread or celery sticks

Chesapeake Appetizer Spread
1- 8 oz. package Cream Cheese
1/4 cup Sour Cream
3 tbsp. Mayonnaise
1 1/2 tbsp. Watkins Crab Snack and Dip Mix
1 tbsp. Watkins Onion Flakes
1/4 tsp. Watkins Garlic Powder Granules
Dash Watkins Cayenne Pepper
6 oz. Crab Meat – if canned, rinse and drain; if frozen, thaw (or imitation, works very well)
1/2 Cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese
Watkins Paprika

In medium bowl, combine first 7 ingredients; mix well. Add crab meat. Place mixture in shallow serving dish, such as a decorative pie plate, and bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes. Take out of oven and sprinkle with cheese and Paprika. Return to oven and bake until bubbly (about 15 minutes). Let stand 5 minutes. Serve hot with assorted crackers, bread sticks or toasted baguette slices. Makes 10 servings.

Honey Glazed Snack Mix
4 cups corn cereal squares
1-1/2 cups mini-pretzel twists
1 cup walnut or pecan halves
1/3 cup butter or margarine
1/4 cup honey
1 tsp Watkins Cinnamon
1 tsp. Watkins Butter Extract
1 tsp. Watkins Caramel Extract

Combine cereal, pretzels, and nuts in large bowl. In small saucepan, melt butter over low heat; stir in honey and remaining ingredients. Pour over cereal mixture; toss gently to coat. Spread on 15×10-inch jellyroll pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally until glazed. Cool slightly; spread on waxed paper. Cool completely. Store in tightly covered containers.

More Halloween recipes in previous blog posts.

Happy Halloween!

Eleisia Whitney has a Watkins Home Business. She enjoys cooking and baking with Watkins extracts, spices, herbs, and sauces for healthy meals. Eleisia publishes a Watkins Newsletter called Around the Kitchen Table, that brings you recipes, cooking and health tips, and contests for free Watkins products.
Read the current issue at http://www.everydaynecessities.com/october15-08newsletter.htm
Visit her at http://www.everydaynecessities.com and http://www.WatkinsOnline.com/eleisiawhitney

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