Some people think that the greatest parts about Halloween are the candy and costumes...but I'm not so sure. Some of my fondest Halloween memories are of helping my mom make "gross-out" treats in the kitchen, and surprisingly enough, making spooky and gross-looking treats has become a bit trendy! This article has a few easy recipes that will not only entertain your kids while they help you make them, but it will also give them quite a bit to brag about at school the next day! These recipes are fairly simple, but keep an open mind and don't be afraid to get creative with them.

Brain Cakes

Cupcakes (store-bought or homemade)
Food Coloring
White or Yellow Frosting
Pastry Bag or Sandwich Bag

First, you will need to color the frosting to reach a brain-ish hue. A dull salmon-color is ideal! If you have a pastry bag, go ahead and put the frosting inside and select a medium-grade pastry tip (you don't want the brainy part to look too thick or too thin). If you don't have a pastry bag, a sandwich bag will do. In one corner of the bag, snip just a bit off the tip of the corner—this is what you will push the frosting through. Go ahead and fill the bag up with frosting. On the cupcake, make wavy, brain-like lines from top to bottom, but be sure to leave a small separation in the center (this makes it look like two halves of a brain). Allow the frosting to set and serve!

Cocktail Toes

Lil Smokies (or other preferred cocktail weenie)
Flour Tortillas
Barbecue Sauce or Ketchup
Toothpicks

Cut the tortillas into 4-inch long strips, about 1/2 an inch wide. Heat them just slightly in the microwave so they soften up. Wrap each tortilla around a 'lil smokie, about half way up. Secure the tortilla with a toothpick. Place the "toes" on a cookie sheet and bake at 350 degrees F for about 8 - 10 minutes. Oh the un-wrapped ends of the "toes," dab a bit of barbecue sauce or ketchup—this will be the toenail. Don't forget to remove the toothpicks before you serve them!

Mini Mummies

Mini Bagels
Pizza Sauce
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
Green Olives (with the pimento)

Slice the bagels in half (and toast, if preferred). Spread a bit of pizza sauce on each half. Arrange the mozzarella cheese bits on the bagel to give the appearance of a mummy's wrappings. Be sure to leave a gap near the top for the eyes. Slice each olive about three or four times—the flat pieces work the best. Put two olive slices down on each bagel in the gap left for the eyes. Bake at 350 degrees F for about 10 minutes (or until cheese is melted).