Savory Spooky Sandwiches

Cut a package of hotdogs into thin strips. Lay strips out on a paper towel and microwave for about 1 minute. The hotdog strips will curl with the heat. Toss with ketchup for a bloody touch. Drop a little green food coloring into drained sauerkraut for a slimy looking but yummy side to your spooky sandwiches. Serve the spooky hotdog strips on a regular hotdog bun or try creating an even creepier sandwich.

Purchase a premade breadstick dough at your grocery store. Separate the breadsticks per the regular instructions and lay on cookie sheet. Slice pepperoni rounds into quarters. Use pepperoni pieces on one end of each breadstick, fitting the rounded edge out. Bake breadsticks as directed. Split while still warm along the length of the bread stick, but do not disturb the pepperoni. Once the breadstick is almost cool, stuff with the creepy hotdog worms. Now you have creepy witches finger sandwiches.

Another food idea for your Halloween table is deviled eyes. Hard boil one dozen eggs, cool and peel. Cut each egg in half lengthwise and remove the cooked yolks into a mixing bowl. Set aside whites for presentation. Follow your favorite devilled egg recipe or simply add two tablespoons mayonnaise, one teaspoon prepared mustard or Dijon, 1/3 teaspoon paprika, and salt/pepper to taste to prepare the yolk mixture. Return the spiced yolk mixture gently to the egg white halves. To make these eyes really pop - spread out three or four thin strings of pimiento for a red, bloodshot look. Use a slice of black olive for the center of the eye and use two small slices of green olive to form a pupil similar to a cat. Let the black olive show through.

Another super idea is creating popcorn bone hands. Purchase a box of non-powdered - plastic not latex - food preparation gloves. Pop a large container of your favorite flavor of popcorn and let cool. Take a glove and place a piece of candy corn in each finger. Work popcorn into the remainder of the fingers and palm of the glove - keeping the candy corn on the tip of each finger. When the palm of the glove is full, tie off this improvised treat bag with a fun ribbon. These make for healthier, portable snacks that have very little candy but lots of personality.

Devious Dessert

Now that you have the sandwiches, the deviled eyes and the bones for a proper witches feast, what about dessert? Graveyard cupcakes are always a big hit. Make your favorite chocolate or blond cupcakes and let them cool. Cut each cupcake in half across the center to create a top and a bottom for your sandwich. Spread whipped topping with red food coloring on the bottom and top with gummy worms, chopped licorice whips, gummy bugs or seasonal gummy candies. Pile on a few black and orange sprinkles then top with the other cupcake half. Spear each cupcake with a Halloween swizzle stick or stick candy…or wrap with candy Nerd ropes.

Create a fun Halloween table using color and texture with hints of the spooky or creepy to enhance your spooky menu. Background music with screams, moans and favorite movie songs is a great enhancement for any ghoulish party. Enjoy!