HUMMUS SKULL PLATTER & PRETZEL MUMMIES…Quick & Easy Halloween Treats

Entertaining during the holidays doesn’t mean you have to go to a lot of trouble. Sure you can throw a party or host a formal dinner, which will require more time and money, or simply invite friends over for cocktails, games, and munchies. If we’re having a large number of people over I will ask guests to bring a treat to share, which I find people are happy to do, especially when you’re offering your home to host in.

Even when guests bring something to share, I typically have an appetizer ready for anyone arriving hungry and a little something sweet. Something preferably gluten-free and vegan so everyone can enjoy.

 

HUMMUS SKULL PLATTER WITH VEGGIES –

Prep Time: 20 minutes          Serves: 8

On a large platter, spread 1 family size container (17.6 ounce) hummus in the shape of a skull. (About 10 inches long and 8 inches across the cheek area.) For eyes, use 2 thin red beet slices topped with 2 thin radish slices and the end slices from a pitted black olive. Create eyelashes with halved pitted black olive slices. For the nose, use a thin beet slice cut into a heart shape. Make a mouth from sliced almonds and a piece of chive or green onion. Use sliced mini sweet peppers, sliced cucumbers and sliced baby carrots for other features and as decoration. Arrange more of these vegetables plus halved radishes around skull for dipping.

MUMMY PRETZEL RODS –

Active Time: 30 minutes       Total Time: 1 hour        Serves: 16

Ingredients:

2 10-ounce packages white candy melts (like Wilton) melted

16 pretzel rods *

32 candy eyeballs (like Wilton)

Directions:

Place melted candy in tall glass. Dip pretzels into candy; tap against edge of a bowl to smooth and shake off excess. Let sit on wax paper about 15 minutes. Reheat remaining candy melts. Transfer to zip-top bag; snip corner. Holding each pretzel over bowl, pipe on “bandages.” Add eyes. Let sit 15 minutes.

• Gluten free pretzel rods are available at most grocery stores.