How to Make Creepy Eyeballs Halloween Brew – Kids Friendly Party Recipe 鬼異眼球萬聖節特飲

Will you be hosting a Halloween party this year?  If you do, you’ve got to check out this Creepy Eyeballs Halloween Brew Recipe 鬼異眼球萬聖節特飲!  When I tested out this recipe with my kids, they were so excited and had so much fun with it!  Yes, this is a kids friendly recipe.  But if you want to turn it into a cocktail for the grown ups, you can add 1/2 a cup of liqueur of your choice, such as vodka, tequila, or gin.  Or, simply substitute the club soda with some sparkling wine.  It’ll be just as delicious!



This recipe is so easy to prepare!  If you haven’t watch the tutorial yet, you’ve got to check it out now.  Not only you’ll see how simple this recipe is, but you'll also get to check out the special guest who demonstrated the tutorial for us.  Since I made this recipe just for my family, I kept it to a rather small portion.  If you are serving this at a party, you might want to multiply the recipe to accommodate the number of guests that you have. 



In today’s recipe, I added some dry ice for the smoky and spooky effect.  It’s so much fun to use and it’s simply amazing.  It totally transformed the drink and took it to a whole new level.  The dry ice is actually easier to obtain and more affordable than I thought.  I was wondering and googling where to buy the dry ice.  Turned out, it was available in several local supermarkets near me.   If you plan on using dry ice in your drinks, I suggest that you call your local markets to make sure they have it in stock before driving there.



I kept the dry ice in an insulated ice chest as suggested by the packaging (do not keep in the freezer or a closed environment as the dry ice will release carbon dioxide when it “melts”.)  I highly recommend that you get it right before or a couple of hours before the party if you plan to use it.   And make sure you follow the safety instructions on the package.



Ever wonder what dry ice is made out of?  Dry ice is the solid form of carbon dioxide.  It sublimates at –109.3F.  With its extremely cold temperature, we need to handle it with cautions and never touch the dry ice with your bare hands as you might get frostbite!  I was wearing gloves and using tongs when I had to add the dry ice to my drinks.  Don’t worry, the dry ice is totally safe!  Because of its heavier weight, the dry ice immediately dropped to the bottom of the glass/punch bowl.  Just make sure to sip your drink slowly so the dry ice is all melted by the time you finish your drink.  And it mostly will.  And please refrain yourself from getting the dry ice inside your mouth because it can burn your skin/mouth! 
 


Moving on to anther ingredient of this drink, the creepy eyeballs!  They are made out of canned lychees filled with fresh blueberries.  Lychee is one of my favorite tropical fruit to enjoy (check out this lychee martini recipe that I shared in the past and see how they look when they're fresh).  With a little bit of grenadine syrup added to the lychees, they sure looked like bloody eyeballs!  I’ll list the ingredients used at the end of the post for your convenience.



I hope you enjoyed today’s fun and easy recipe!  Leave me a comment if you have questions or if you’ve tried the recipe.  I would love to hear from you.  Remember, Eat, Drink, and Be Happy!  Stay tuned for more fun recipe next week!  Wish you all a happy and safe Halloween! 

Ingredients and Tools Used:
Grenadine Syrup (Click here for more information)
Cranberry Juice (Click here for more information)
Club Soda (Click here for more information)
Halloween Beaker Glasses (Click here for more information)
Halloween Glass Flask (Click here for more information)
Large Slant Cut Glass Bowl (Click here for more information)
Stainless-Steel Tongs (Click here for more information)
Insulated Foam Box (Click here for more information)


Disclaimers
Please follow manufacturer and safety instructions when handling dry ice.


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Kid’s Bento Lunch Boxes Ideas

One of my favorite activities of the day is packing cute bento lunch boxes for my Kiddos.  As soon as October started, I’ve been making the lunch boxes with Halloween theme.  These lunch boxes are fun and festive.  It’s a way for me to send some love for the kiddos while they are at school.  The picture above is a spaghetti lunch box with Hello Kitty wearing a witch’s hat.  Kitty is made out of a slice of Muenster cheese.  The decorations are seaweed and soy wrappers.  The little pumpkin is a slice of carrot decorated with cut out seaweed. 



I love the Frankenstein bento as well.  It’s made out of a slice of Muenster cheese topped with a piece of green soy wrapper.  Click here to check out the package of soy wrapper that I used.  (I’ll list the tools and other ingredients at the end of this post for your reference as well.)   I absolutely love the soy wrappers as they are so colorful and easy to use.  Best of all, they are made with natural ingredients such as spinach, turmeric, and paprika to obtain those gorgeous bright colors. 




Here’s a simple one with ghosts and a broom stick.  Click here to check out the video tutorial on how to make the witch’s broom and the little ghosts were made out of mozzarella cheese balls decorated with cut out seaweeds.







The picture above is a bowl of Miso Noodle Soup that I made for my Hubby.  I’m sure we can all use some sunshine.  I feel happy just by looking at the cute face on the egg.



Have you heard of Gudetama?  It’s a Japanese cartoon character of an lazy egg (see picture above).  Click here to check out their Facebook page for some funny videos.  My kids and I always enjoy watching them together!



This little girl with spaghetti hair is one of my favorite.  It’s simple and adorable!






The little chick above is made with smoked salmon filled egg, check out this video for the tutorial and recipe.







My kids’ all time favorite got to be these piggy ham and cheese sandwiches along with Minions (see picture below)!  These lunch boxes are inspired by The Despicable Me 3 movie that we watched over the summer. The Minions are hard boiled eggs soaked in water and turmeric for the yellow color.  The decorations are cut out seaweeds.  I hope you enjoy today’s bento compilations and lunch box ideas!  If you have any questions, suggestions, or recipe requests, feel free to leave me a comment below. 

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Tools and Ingredients Used for Bento Boxes:
Bento Box 1 (Click here for more information)
Bento Box 2 (Click here for more information)
Hello Kitty Shape Cutter (Click here for more information)
Sandwich Cutters (Click here for more information)
Seaweed (Click here for more information)
Soy Wrappers (Click here for more information)
Bento Picks 1 (Click here for more information)
Bento Picks 2 (Click here for more information)
Bento Picks 3 (Click here for more information)
Food Decorating Tweezers (Click here for more information)
Kitchen Scissors (Click here for more information)
Turmeric (Click here for more information)

How to Make Witch's Fingers Shortbread Cookies - Halloween Recipe 女巫手指餅乾 - 萬聖節食譜

Do you like Halloween?  To be honest, it’s not my favorite holiday of the year.  However, I do enjoy creating fun treats and scary snacks for friends and family.   It’s one of the occasions where I can let my creativity runs wild!



Today, I’m sharing these creepy Witch’s Fingers Shortbread Cookies with you.  This recipe is my classic go-to shortbread recipe, as I've shared here in the past.   It’s actually quite easy to shape them into “fingers” form.  The details and decorations couldn’t be any easier to add on as well.  Be sure to watch the video tutorial on my YouTube channel for all the details and tips.



When I serve these Witch’s Fingers, my Little Boy likes to dip them in strawberry preserves for a bloody effect!  My Baby Girl is a bit less graphic, she chose a mud puddle, a.k.a chocolate sauce as her dipping option!  Either way, these cookies are super fun to eat and just as finger licking good as-is.



These Witch’s Fingers are perfect for Halloween Party.  Last year, I packed them up to share with some school friends and they were a big hit!  You can make them a day or two in advance and store them in an air-tight container.  They stay fresh for at least 5 to 6 days if you store them well without direct sunlight.



How’s your Halloween planning so far?  Do you or your kids dress up?  It’s was such a surprised that my Kiddos have decided so early on what/who they want to be this Halloween.  It’s even more surprising to me that I’ve their costumes already prepared!  They only need a few final touches here and there and that’s it.  Yes, this year's costumes are partially handmade.  But luckily, nothing too complicated.  Phew…. just a side note, I’m just happy that the kiddos are not into scary costumes, at least not yet! 



I hope you enjoyed today's recipe and tutorial.  Stay tuned for another fun and easy Halloween treat next week!  BOO!




Tools and Ingredients Used:
Valrhona Unsweetened Cocoa Powder (Click here for more information)
Sliced Almonds (Click here for more information)
Organic Vanilla Extract (Click here for more information)
Kerrygold Salted Butter (Click here for more information)
Measuring Spoons Set (Click here for more information)
Silicone Pastry Brush (Click here for more information)
Stand Mixer (Click here for more information)
Cooling Racks (Click here for more information)
Rolling Mat (Click here for more information)
Baking Sheets (Click here for more information)



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Witch’s Broom Cheese Snacks—A fun and healthy Halloween Treat, no Trick

Did you see my “magic trick” in this video?   If not, please click on my video tutorial above and check it out. 



I sure hope that I know a magic trick or two.  But there really isn’t any short cut or magical way to make these Witch’s Brooms Cheese Snacks, unless you have a couple little handy helpers at home, like me.  Yes, that’s how the Kiddos like to call themselves these days.  These Witch’s Brooms are actually quite easy and fun to make.  With so many sweet treats around this time of the year, I think it’s pretty nice to prepare a savory treat for a change.  Plus, these are pretty simple and healthy snacks to enjoy.



The first time that I encountered these Witch’s Brooms was last October.  One cold and creepy night when I wondered into the forest alone…..Okay, just kidding.  I was just checking to see if you’re pay attention!  It was when I attended my Son’s Halloween Party.  One of the Room Parents prepared these fun and whimsical treats for the whole class.  I immediately fell in love with them and the Kids enjoyed them a lot as well.  So, I decided to share the video tutorial and recipe with you early this year so you can make some at home, just in time for Halloween.  And guess what, I’ll be preparing these fun little treats for my Daughter’s Halloween Party at school this year. 



If you’re making these for a party, I suggest that you prepare everything but  to add the pretzel sticks right before serving.  I noticed that pretzels will get soggy after several hours in the fridge.  I don’t think anyone would appreciate a soggy pretzel stick, unless your intension is to trick someone.      



Are you guys ready for Halloween yet?  I am surprisingly well prepared this year.  My Kids already picked out their costumes back in September, can you believe that?!  What are you or your kids going to dress up in this year?  Do you prefer cute or creepy costumes?  Please share in the comment below.  I can’t wait to hear from you.  Wish you all have a wonderful and Happy Halloween!






Props and Ingredients:

Organic String Cheese (Please click here for more information)
Pretzel Sticks (Please click here for more information)

“Popping” Candy Pops—For Halloween—with Pictorial

Boo….are you ready for Halloween?  Honestly, I’m not quite ready.  But I guess my kids are, as well as some of my neighbors (a few blocks down the streets).   My kids already told me what they want to be this year.  And the other day when I drove by the neighborhood, I saw some houses already “fully” decorated for Halloween.  “Fully” means from roof top to the front yard.  Oh yeah, very festive.  When I saw that, I realized it’s time to post some Halloween crafts and recipes on my blog.  I’ve been wanted to get my hands on making some candy pops for a while.  And what better occasion than Halloween to indulge in some chocolates and candies, right?



Besides, I think one or two chocolate pops for my kids can “buy me some time” before I have to go costumes shopping with them.  I don’t know, I’m definitely a procrastinator in costumes shopping.  Are you?  Or are you the type who can’t wait for Halloween to be here?  Or even better, make your kids costumes yourself?  I always wish I know how to do that.  But you know me, I’m not crafty like that.



The other day I stopped by the market and saw these mini pumpkins (see picture below) and they were just so adorable not to bring some home.  So I did and thought it would be fun to have a little crafting fun with my kids.  So, I drew the Jack O Lantern's face on one so the kids can look at it as an example.  Then I let them each draw their own.



Boo…and this this what happened (see picture below).  hahaha…..I bet they both don’t have any crafting nor artistic genes in them, because I didn’t have any to pass on to them!  Sorry kiddos, Mama’s bad.  At least, my Baby Girl said it was fun.  On the other hand, my Little Boy kept “complaining” it’s too slippery to draw on the pumpkin.  So, can you guess who did the one on the left and who did the one on the right?



Anyhow, let’s get back to these super fun Popping Candy Pops!  I’m so glad the kids enjoyed these pops, at least.  I used some dark chocolate and white chocolate for these pops.  The orange ones were made with orange candy melts though. 



What made them “Popping” Candy Pops?  The Pop Rocks popping candies inside! So, when you bite into one, they start popping and cracking in your mouth.  Fun huh?  These Popping Candy Pops are definitely a treat and a trick all in one.  I wish I can show you my hubby’s face when he bite into one of these.  Sorry, I’m forbidden to post that video here on the blog. 



Want to learn how to make these Popping Candy Pops?  Come with me to the kitchen!

1) You need a candy mold, any shape that you like.  I picked a Halloween theme one, obviously.

2) Need some candy pop sticks.  Just make sure you get the length that fits into your mold.  They come in different sizes.

3) Some Pop Rocks popping candies.  I got Strawberry and Green Apple flavor ones.  Love those colors too. 

4) You need to melt some chocolate.  I used white chocolate chips (that’s what I have on hand),  dark chocolate (chopped), and orange candy melts.  Since we’re making quite a small amount, I melt them in the microwave instead of a double boiler.  Simple heat on high and stop to stir every 30 seconds until all chocolate are melted.



5) Since I only have 1 mold, I make these pops in batches.  With the white chocolate first.  Place a small amount of melted white chocolate in the cavities of the candy mold. Place the candy stick in the middle of the mold.

6) and 7) Spoon about 1/4 teaspoon of popping candy into the middle of the melted chocolate.

8) Cover with more melted chocolate to fill the cavity of the candy mold.  I used a toothpick to help spread the chocolate for a better coverage.  Place in the fridge for 15 to 30 minutes, or until chocolate harden.  Remove from mold and enjoy.



Easy right?  I think I love the dark chocolate ones the best.  These are so much fun and so decadent.  The white chocolate are pretty good too as the tartness from the popping candy inside contrast really well with the sweetness of the white chocolate.  You can definitely wrap these up in individual treat bags and give them out too.



What plans do you have for Halloween, if you are celebrating?  Do you usually take the kids to trick or treat in the neighborhood?  Do you go all out in decorating your house?  Or do you rather visit your neighbors and admire their works?  (I’m more of the later one, hehe…)  Whatever your plans are going to be, I wish you and your family a safe and Happy Halloween!  Stay sweet!

Mickey And Minnie Mummy Cupcakes

Boo….Are you ready for Halloween?  Honestly, I wasn’t ready at all until my Mother-in-law took the kids out for Halloween costumes shopping last weekend.  Many of the more popular costumes were either sold out or didn’t have the size for my kids.  I didn’t know people get ready so early when there were more than 3 weeks before Halloween arrives.  With that said, I guess I better get ready and swing into Halloween mood earlier this year as well.  I was planning to dress my kids as Mickey and Minnie Mouse since they are big fans of the mouse.  Unfortunately, I didn’t get those outfits this year.  So, here are some Mickey and Minnie Mummy Cupcakes for the kiddos.  These mummy cupcakes are so much fun to make and for sure will get you into Halloween mood.  Here’s what you need:



1) Prepare some Chocolate cupcakes, of course.  I used this recipe here.  You can use your favorite chocolate cupcake recipe or even boxed cake mix for these.
2) Chocolate Nonpareil Candies for Mickey and Minnie’s ears.
3) Light color Buttercream or frosting.  I used my favorite Meyer Lemon Buttercream recipe here.
4) Chocolate Covered Raisins for Mickey and Minnie’s eyes.
5) Marshmallows
6) Powdered sugar for rolling the marshmallows
7) Heart Shaped Confetti for Minnie’s Bowtie



Here are the steps:

1) Lightly dust a clean surface and your rolling pin with powdered sugar.  With a dusted rolling pin, flatten the marshmallows.  You’ll need about 3 marshmallows for each cupcake.
2) With a kitchen scissors, cut the rolled marshmallows into strips.
3) Frost the cupcakes with a thin layer of Buttercream or frosting. The frosting acts as adhesive for the marshmallow strips and chocolate candies.
4) Place a pair of the chocolate covered raisins on the upper one third of the cupcakes as eyes.
5) Press a pair of chocolate nonpareil candies, white side down, onto the top of the cupcakes as ears.  Refrain myself yourself from eating all the chocolate candies before your project is done. 
6) Place the marshmallow strips at an angle over the frosted cupcakes, leaving the eyes exposed.  Gently press the marshmallow strips so they’ll stick onto the frosting.  Trip off excess marshmallow strips around the cupcakes.



See how simple and easy that was?  I really love this mummy cupcake project.  Fun factor: 80 out of 100.  Spooky factor: 60 out of 100.  60 is pretty much my kids’ standard.  They were wondering why Mickey and Minnie were all bundled up!  After a brief explanation (not too sure if my kids were really listening), the cupcakes mysteriously disappeared.    Spooky, huh?



Cute factor: 100 out of 100.  I’m not a fan for the mouse (guess that’s because I see them too often around the house), but I have to say, these mummy cupcakes are super adorable.  Hope you like them too and maybe make some with your kids this Halloween.  My little girl sure enjoyed the time with me in the kitchen today.  She indulged a few Minnie's ears and Mickey's eyes here and there while having fun rolling out marshmallows with me.