Spooktacular Halloween

Poodle and Howling Wolves ~ pumpkins carved by Sally Rae

Halloween night is full of amusement, friends, neighbors and most definitely fun. It is a time to indulge in a few sweets, dress up in costumes and fill the night air with laughter ...maybe even some fireworks. It is a great time to decorate, carve pumpkins, to eat and celebrate. Spooky food preparation for your Halloween gathering should be easy and fun. 'Graveyard Pudding' is a super-fast, fun cooking activity to do with the kids. You can make the pudding from scratch with your favorite recipe or use instant pudding mix. For the candy, sprinkles, chocolate cookie crumbs and other decorations, I shop at the Bulk Barn in Courtenay. I love the fact that I can buy small amounts, only what I need with no left-overs. If you have not yet been to The Bulk Barn, it is a must see especially if you enjoy cake decorating. Locally you can find them at 3175 Cliffe Avenue, Courtenay BC. Give this spooky Halloween dessert a try, it is suitable for kids and adults alike. 

Spooky Graveyard Pudding

Graveyard Pudding  
  ~makes enough to serve 18 little ghosts and goblins~

2 pkg. JELL-O instant chocolate pudding      
3-1/2 cups cold milk
1-1/2 cups fresh whipping cream  (*see note)
1-1/2 tsp. pure vanilla extract
3-4 Tbsp. confectioner's sugar
1-1/4 cups chocolate cookie crumbs
Assorted decorations; oblong vanilla sandwich cookies, decorating gel or icing, candy pumpkins, gummy worms, gummy rats, candy corn etc. 

With an electric mixer, whip the fresh cream with vanilla and icing sugar to firm peaks, set aside. In a large bowl, beat the pudding mixes and milk with a wire whisk or electric mixer for 2 minutes. Let stand for about 5 minutes. 
Stir into the chocolate pudding; 1/2 cup chocolate cookie crumbs and 2 cups of the sweet, whipped cream. Spread pudding mixture into a 9x13-inch dish. Sprinkle with remaining cookie crumbs. Refrigerate for 1 hour.
Meanwhile, decorate the sandwich cookies with decorator gel or icing to resemble tombstones.
Just before serving, insert the decorated cookies into the dessert, add candies. Drop large spoons of whipped cream onto the dessert to resemble ghosts.

*NOTE: you can substitute a 12oz. tub of COOL WHIP topping for the fresh whipped cream. Remember to defrost it ahead of time!

Enjoy a safe and spooky Halloween! Next week more about chocolate, till then...
Bon Appetit!

Photos and food preparation by Sally Rae