Halloween Treats

By Christy Rost, October 2005

Doors creak, chains rattle, and soulful moans fill the air on Halloween night, at least at our home. As Halloween approaches, I set the stage for a spine-tingling, fun experience for all the trick-or-treaters who venture up the driveway to our front door in search of sweet holiday treats.

The children’s safety is tops on my list on Halloween night, and since our street is rather dark, I line our circular driveway with a large collection of lanterns and ceramic jack-o-lanterns fitted with votive candles. They cheerfully light the way along the circular driveway to our front door, preventing falls while providing a festive glow.

An audiotape emits moans, screams, creaking hinges, and woeful organ music from a hidden location, and acts like a magnet to draw trick-or-treaters to our door in search of thrills they can share with their friends. In years past, our two sons got into the act and provided some scary moments for trick-or-treaters and their parents. Nowadays, my husband, Randy and I use recorded music, cobwebs, hanging bats, orange lights in the trees, a thick fog by the door, costumes, and an eerie sense of humor when we greet Halloween visitors.

Whether you’re planning a party or making homemade treats for the children on your block, this month’s featured Halloween recipes will be loved by kids of all ages. Add cobwebs, flickering lights, and some creepy music, and you have all the makings of a bewitching Halloween night.