Halloween Forum - Party Ideas. Experiences and Recipes

Pumpkin Pie Cake

maleficent — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 03:20:14 GMT

Pumpkin Pie Cake

1 29oz can pumpkin
1 12 oz can evaporated milk
3 eggs
1 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
4 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
1 yellow cake mix
3/4 cup butter melted
chopped walnuts (optional)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Mix well pumpkin, milk, eggs, sugar, salt and spice.
Pour mixture into a 9 X 13 baking dish.
Sprinkle DRY cake mix on top of pumpkin mixture.
Pour melted butter over the top of the cake mix.
Sprinkle with walnuts and bake.

350 degrees for 55 - 60 minutes.

Allow to cool and serve.

What to do with those Sugar Pumpkins?

TK421 — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 18:19:26 GMT

Making the Perfect Pumpkin Pie

I am a traditionalist and follow the long-practiced traditions of my family (at least, that's what I'd like to say).

My mother is still the Thanksgiving matriarch and every fall we look forward to her homemade pumpkin pies. She learned from her mother, who in turn learned from her mother, and so on back through the ages. It starts with a homemade crust from scratch. Made from all the things that were "good" for you 100 years ago: butter, white flour, eggs, sugar, etc. Her recipe makes the perfect, buttery, flaky crust that melts in your mouth and puts your salivary glands into overdrive (yup, there they go just typing about it!)

Then, the filling. This is where history has changed over the generations. What once was an all-day process of pulp puree from home-grown sugar pumpkins has given way to opening a can of Libby's Pumpkin Pie filling. This has just made things easier. On occasion, my mother will still purchase a sugar pumpkin or two from the store and do a filling that is half puree and half canned filling.

To the filling, you add evaporated milk. Nothing else will do. Not fat-free milk, not whole cream, not buttermilk, and certainly not some Soy substitution. If it was good enough for the frontiers and the depression, it's good enough now! take the puree add the evaporated milk, dark brown sugar, sugar, 2-3 egg yolks, and the right spices.

You can't forget the spices. Some people will tell you a dash of cinnamon and some "pumpkin spice" is all you need. I honestly pity these people and the injustice they're serving their tastebuds. You should include ground: Cinnamon, Ginger, Nutmeg, Cloves, and Cardamon. Some people will tell you to add lemon zest, or to cut out the ginger. When these people speak, be polite, but understand they just didn't have what you had growing up. Sometimes I like to pat them on the head and tell them, "you'll be okay, you can help with the whipped cream" before sending them out of the kitchen.

Put the pie in the oven, 400 degrees for about 50 minutes, and then take them out to cool. Tradition dictates you perform the "knife" test before removing them from the oven. If the knife comes out clean, then the pie is done and needs to cool. Best to elevate them and allow them to cool for 2+ hours. Now allowing a warm pumpkin pie to cool is a difficult thing. While not banned from the Geneva Convention, it's a difficult test of strength and will power. Of course, that's why they invented whipped cream!!

Making your own whipped cream is just as important as the crust and the filling. To cut corners now would just be crazy!! Get a carton of whipping cream and a bag of powdered sugar. There really aren't any measurements I can give you, as this is all based on years of being a witness to the splashing cream and clouds of sugar that puff out from the mixing bowl. What I can tell you is the experience is fun for kids and adults, and distracts you for about 15 minutes while the pies cool.

If you really need to know, I suggest you add two cups of whipping cream into a five quart mixing bowl (our family has KitchenAid mixers) and snap on the wire whisk. You turn the mixer up to medium/high and whip that cream! As you go, add powdered sugar. I wish I could tell you how much to add, but I just don't know. That's part of the fun, I think. Adding tablespoons of powdered sugar until the sweetness is just right. If you feel a need, you can also add some vanilla extract. Eventually, the powdered sugar and the cream whip together to create the perfect whipped cream topping. You know it's ready when the peaks stay up and anyone in the vicinity of the mixer has a thin layer of powdered sugar dusting their upper body.

After that, you sit down and enjoy your slice of pumpkin pie with homemade whipped cream. You enjoy the company around you, the laughter, the smiles, the toothy grins of children taking bites that are too big, and you give thanks again for all that you have.

Our Halloween party: the Carnal Carnival (a link to pictures included!)

jodie2526 — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 16:32:41 GMT

Hey everyone! So, every year we throw a Post-Halloween party (this was our 4th). This year we made it on Nov. Friday the 13th, because it just made sense to! It's an awesome idea having an after-Halloween party b/c we get so much stuff on sale + people are excited to wear their costume one more time. It's so much fun.

This year our theme was a Carnal Carnival. We really went all out for this one, and it was our first time doing an actual theme. I posted a link for you to view the pictures, but the pictures don't do the party justice at all. The decorations, costumes, people and atmosphere was just amazing. It was our best party to date, and we had 70-90 people attend. I didn't realize it was that many until I started counting everyone in the pictures. I didn't know about half of them so I couldn't tag them all on Facebook, but about 32 of my Facebook friends are in the pictures. But, there are 4 people who I can think of right now who I never got a picture of :( Plus there are a bunch of my friends in pictures who don't even have Facebook. Anyway, it was an awesome night. A lot of people who RSVP'd as "attending" (which was 46) didn't even come. We had about 60-70 "maybes" and I guess several of them showed up, so it all evened out. A lot of people brought friends as well and there were some surprise visits, so the turnout was great!

We got comments all night on the decorations, drinks, the turnout, music, etc. It was sad that all the work we put into it only lasted from 9pm-3am, but it was a blast anyway. Our house got trashed, but it was worth it. One of our decorations is missing... which is weird, but maybe it'll turn up.

All in all the party was a huge success! I just wanted to share our party experience with everyone and post pictures! :)

This is the public link to view our party pictures. Anyone can view them, even if you're not on Facebook:
Jodie Cain's Photos - Post Halloween Halloween Bash IV! | Facebook

halloween foods as part of thanksgiving.

Nyxy — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 08:31:54 GMT

Forgive me if this is a copy, I did a search but couldn't find my question.

Has anyone else collected those halloween recipe booklets and not had a chance to use any of the recipes?

Has anyone ever slipped some of those into Thanksgiving dinner? Like Witch Fingers as a side instead of breaksticks or rolls?
Just curious.

~Nyxy

Geddes Manor 2009

Freddiecat — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 17:37:29 GMT

Our fifth annual Halloween party was held on Halloween night. Despite numerous no shows due to the flu we still had nearly 40 people which is a large group for us. We had to cancel most of the outdoor games and decorations due to wet weather, but overall this was the best party yet! The party started at 6pm and the first guests showed up at 6:02. Last folks left with their kids at about 11:30. Guests ranged in age from 20 months to over 70 years.

What worked:

-We expanded the amount of indoor space to almost double due to the larger guest numbers and bad weather. The increased decorating time nearly gave me a breakdown, but was worth it!

-Movie/tv room for the younger kids: We had kid friendly
Halloween shows playing in one of the upstairs bedrooms. Gave the younger kids a place to take a break, eat candy, and have a great cowboy showdown.

-Photo door: This got lots of attention and was so easy. We covered the front door with black plastic and stuck photos from the past 4 parties all over it. We also posted the "Rules of the Manor" there--a brief set of guest instructions for those not familiar with our place. The theme for next year's party, Zombies,was also posted. Heard more than one person planning for next year!

-Painting: Normally we have a pumpkin carving contest, but since the party was on Halloween we figured everyone who wanted a carved pumpkin for the season would have done one already. Instead we made plaster of paris halloween molds ahead of time (cats, pumpkins, bugs, tombstones, etc. Easy and not expensive) and provided paints. The kids really got into this!

-The pinata was a huge hit again. The kids were asking about it all night and actually chanting "Pinata, pinata" out in the yard.

-Panna Cotta brain: Was going to do a cheese ball type dip in the brain mold but there was a last minute change due to ingredient availability. Instead went with the Panna Cotta brain Halloween Party Food: Fun, Gross, and Scary Halloween Finger Foods. GROSS! My sister made it and couldn't bring herself to eat it after hearing the "slurp, plop" of the demolding. :D Lots of "Ewws" and guests backing away from the table when they were offered a serving. Actually was quite tasty.

-Homemade peanut butter filled chocolate mice: Once again lots of "Ewws" and kids asking "Those are chocolate mice aren't they?" Not hard to make, but time consuming. Would do them again, but not at 4am the day of the party.

-More help: More people helping the day of really saved my sanity this year.

What didn't work:

-Some of the kids are getting older and we're going to need to make some adjustments.
-Forgot to turn on multiple lights/props. Need to make a list.
-Once again didn't have time to do my makeup to my satisfaction.
-Forgot to put out garbage cans and can/bottle box. Again.
-Never get enough pictures and lots of them we did get are blurry. (New camera, wrong settings. Grrr.)
-Kids getting old enough that the adults aren't babysitting all night--need some games/activities for the parents.
-Didn't have time to make the Eerie Eyeballs. Was going to be our first try. Still have the ingredients and bought the truffle molds. Think I might whip up a batch for Thanksgiving at Mom's. :p
-Huge amount of leftover food. I always over-food, would rather have too much than run out, but this was ridiculous.
-Disappointed that only had minimal outdoor decorations and had to cancel the big outdoor game in the woods. Realize the guests didn't know about all the plans, but I did. October weather in Iowa....

We had a fabulous time and are already plotting for bigger and better next year!

photos are of me and my hubby, the Mummy's Crypt (classic horror movie monsters this year's theme), the wolf on the porch (made from a christmas deer)--morning after party and the tombstone behind him fell overnight, the giant spider in the living room.

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Halloween Party Video 2009

kenswift — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 05:29:44 GMT

Check out my Video from this years Halloween Party!

YouTube - Quarantine Halloween Party 2009

(I just uploaded it so if it doesnt show, give it a few minutes)

Check out my other videos for Halloween stuff including this years invite!

Let's see your invitations

Brother Grim — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 02:15:53 GMT

I'm interested in seeing the invitations or at least the graphics you send out to entice your crowds....

Here's mine

Best way to store wilton sprinkles?

Deadna — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 05:54:57 GMT

I got good deals on Wilton sprinkle decorating sets for cookies or candy..now where is the best place to store them and how long can I expect them to keep? Thanks!

First Halloween Party A Success

natalyn — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 14:41:04 GMT

First, I want to say that I am so happy that I came across this website. I have gotten so many excellent ideas... Thank you to all of you who contribute.

I had my first Halloween party on Saturday, October 24th. I scheduled it for that day because I have friends who still have TOT at home.

I have always wanted to have a Halloween party. I had everything planned for a party in 2008 and then we were visited by Hurricane Ike so things had to be postponed.

I decorated my front yard like a cemetary and the inside of my house was decorated to the hilt thanks to my mother. I am very lucky to have one of those mothers who can make a wet paper napkin look like it came out of better homes and gardens. In the back yard where the party was actually held we had a tent, beer pong table, fire ring, washers and yankee golf. I also set up tables with cards and dominoes. Luckily I had perfect weather.

I had about 85 people show up with only about 7 of them that were not in costume. I never expected that many people in costume. I had a costume contest for the Best Guy and Best Girl with a gift bag of goodies that included a $25 resaurant gift card. If I had know that I would of had that many people in costume, I would of made more categories. The Best Guy went to a peguin and the Best Girl went to the Queen of Hearts.

We played "Spooky Name That Tune" and "Horror Movie Trivia". I gave away a basket of goodies for the winners because you could either play alone or on a team. Both games were a hit. The group of people that I hang out with are extremely competitive so I would recommend having a tie-breakers.

I had the "Tempt Your Fate" with the fates in ballons mounted on a board that you would have to pop. I had goodie bags for the good fates and the bad fates got candy and an onion horoscope.

I also had a pumpkin carving contest with prizes for Best Original and Best Pattern. I just included on the invitation to Bring Your Own Pumpkin (already carved). The winners for each category got a gift pumpkin with carving tools, candy, etc. I had a good turn out plus used the pumpkins for outside decorations.

The food was great and enjoyed by all. It is a good sign when there are not many leftovers after the party.

My dad took pictures and unfortunately his computer got a virus so they were all lost. So, I got the idea to open up a photobucket account that my guests could upload their pictures. I sent out "thank you" notes along with all of the information to access the account. Once I get them organized, I will post them online for anyone who is interested.

There isn't much that I would change about the party. I had a few close friends "critique" the party and didn't get any negative feedback. Except that I needed some kind of microphone when we were playing the games.

I would really like my party to be an annual event, but as you all know it is very time consuming and can be expensive. I have started to think about themes, what I could do to make it bigger and/or better, etc. I have seriously considered making the party an every other year event.

Thank you again for all of you that contribute to this website.

2nd Annual Frightfest

tinaterror — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 23:57:13 GMT

Hi everyone! I'm new to the forum but now I can't see myself spending my time anywhere else. This was our 2nd Halloween party and it went pretty well thanks to all the ideas and prop help posted. I was afraid i'd fall under the curse some were having with no guests showing up. We did have around 40 or so people and no rain! Again, this year we were getting dressed and setting up til the last second and didn't get to eat any of the food. Next year, I think maybe we want to be the guests for a change.

Here's a link to our party pics : photobucket/tinatre Oh, I'm day of the dead girl and other half is Beeker.

Pictures by tinatre - Photobucket

My first Halloween Party

JonnF3 — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 22:34:15 GMT

Well, we are still cleaning up from our first ever Halloween party. IT WAS A BLAST!! I cant thank my friends enough for their support. The costumes were great, the food was amazing, but the people were the best. Here are a few pictures:

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Our Halloween Wedding 2009

Iffy49 — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 21:46:14 GMT

Katrina and I got married on Halloween. It was a perfect day. Everything went virtually to plan, and my bride looked beautiful.

Link to photos....Wedding 2009 pictures by Iffy49 - Photobucket

If you got married on Halloween, please post your pics/videos.

Good luck for the future to all 2009 Halloween Brides and Grooms

Looking for a good Cider Recipe.

UnOrthodOx — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 01:47:43 GMT

One of my more bizaar hobbies for Christmas time is to try out new recipes.

Specifically, I attempt to resurrect some recipe's my Grandmother threw out, as they were either too difficult to make, or one could no longer find the ingredients for. Spaghetti that takes 10 hours, mixes that no longer have ingredients, bizaar spices you have to be lucky to find online, etc.

And, whilst I was sorting through my Grandmothers garbage pile, I come across a rather strange cider recipe that is currently incomplete (got a few thousand cards left so might find the other half, eventually, but it involves grapes and oranges, juice your own, etc...). And, while I would love to modernize THIS, the key parts of the recipe (after all the juicing) is missing.

That got me to thinking I would like to do a really GOOD cider recipe this year. I figured what better place to ask than the good folks here?

Time is not much of an object, obviously. Recipes that take all day are fine, doesn't need to be just toss everything in a crock pot, but I'm not opposed to that, either. So, lay it on me. What ya got?

tonight's party

Halloween_Mom — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 05:53:32 GMT

We had a blast! Had about 70 teenagers show up. Perfect weather...Best one yet!!

Posted pics to profile under Party 09 if anyone wants to go view them.

Oh Lady of Chamberwell Manor ...

MsMeeple — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 22:07:05 GMT

How did your haunted hotel turn out? I'm dying for a report WITH pics!

MsM