what I used: (adjust some of the quantities based on how many you need to make – I made about 35 with this recipe)

-1 big box of Rice Krispies (18oz) and 1 smaller one ( i think it was 9oz)

-2 bags of mini marshmallows

- 1 stick of butter

-red and yellow food coloring (to make orange), and green food coloring for the leaves

-chocolate twizzlers

-black gel icing

-spray oil (for my hands so it would be easier to work with the mixture)

What to do: (I made the pumpkins in 2 batches because I didn’t have a big enough pot for everything)

Melt 3 tbsp butter and 4 cups of marshmallows.  Once it has melted, take it off the heat and add a drop or 2 of the food coloring.  When you get the ORANGE color that you want, then you add the rice krispies.  (note: I put in a little more yellow to get it to be more orange-y, but do this slowly because the dyes are very strong and you don’t need much to get the right color).  Mix the rice krispies and marshmallow mixture up really well.  Then transfer it to a baking sheet lined with wax paper.  If you want, spray your hands a little with some baking spray, and when the mixture has cooled down you can start forming the pumpkins.  Depending on how many you need to make, adjust the sizing of your pumpkins to maximize the recipe.  Also, try and make a little indentation on the top of the pumpkin for the stem.

After you’ve rolled the pumpkins, cut the twizzlers and add to to the top of the pumpkin.  

For the leaves:  

I followed the rice krispy recipe above, but made it green instead of orange.  I also halved the recipe because you surely won’t need mucht to make leaves.  Then just take pieces and shape them into little leaves and attach next to the licorice stem.

For the face:

Use the black gel icing and decorate any way you please!

 You can really get creative with this and add more colors, make into lollipops by sticking a popsicle stick on the bottom, use different candies for the face and stem, etc.  But this version was quick and easy and I didn’t have to purchase too many ingredients that would wind up going to waste.  In fact, I still had some leftover green rice krispies and marshmallows that I was able to make “Frankenstine’s”!   The possibilities are endless with the Rice Krispy Treats that these are my new favorite things to make for every occasion!

Enjoy and Happy Halloween!!!

I have to mention though that probably because of the unusually warm weather for beginning of October, there were swarms of people with the same idea as us to go apple picking.  Getting off the mountain was a bit of a bear, but now looking back at the pictures it was still a great day and most importantly great memories for the kids.

coke and mia

Diggs not able to wait to actually pick the apple off the tree before trying to take a bite

Mig in an apple tree

Nick and his 1st apple picking

view of the mountain traffic

On September 26th, a month’s worth of rainfall poured down on Manila in just a matter of a few hours, resulting in many lives lost and irreplaceable damage done for thousands of people.  My family here (in the States) are so thankful that our loved ones at “home” were safe from harm and did not get hit with the devastation that many could not escape.  But still, watching on television our own people hurt by such disaster we were feeling helpless and wanting to do something to help in some way. In response, one of our cousins in Manila forwarded us this information and here I forward it on to you.  Please take the time to reach out.  Every little effort can make a difference in rebuilding what so many have lost.  

http://www.kapusofoundation.com/health

And check out this blogger’s site – it’s FILLED with information.  Much more informative than I could ever be on the subject : Donating to Manila from Abroad.

A few of us at work have started a collection for clothing to be sent to the Philippines and our co-workers have responded so generously so quickly that it reminds me that people are good and kind and selfless. 

And as my dad has put it, even through such hard times, a good thing is we learn to help others ; and as my mom says,  this could be the opportunity to clean out our closets, simplify our needs, and just give.   

Everything happens for a reason…

Happy Birthday dad and thank you for giving in to us always…even on your day.