Here are the first 2 projects from our SPELLBOUND SWEETS Halloween Table: the “Captive Candy” Treat Server starring an orange skeleton hand reaching out from a sugary grave, and “Wicked” Caramel Apples, which are simply homemade caramel apples with knobby twig “handles” for a “witch’s broom” effect. Both projects are easy & inexpensive!

Side note on the apples: I used these caramel apples in an early segment on the local morning news, then re-set the entire table at home for a photo shoot much later the same day. Amidst all the hectic-ness, I forgot to return the apples to the fridge in between the segment & the photo shoot (oops!), so the caramel started to puddle downward off the apples before we actually started taking the pictures! Silver lining: at least this is a good reminder to keep your homemade caramel apples chilled until right before the party starts! P.S. They still tasted great after the shoot. :)

CAPTIVE CANDY TREAT SERVER

A fun way to serve candy on a Halloween party table or to greet trick-or-treaters at the door!

MATERIALS:

• Wooden Box – or any square or rectangular container.
• Skeleton Hand – This one is part of a $5 Halloween Salad Server Set from Target!
• Floral Foam Bricks
• Halloween Candy – I used the new MILKY WAY® Brand Simply Caramel in Fun Size, along with MILKY WAY Brand Midnight® Minis.
• Printable Banner & Label from the {free} HWTM Spellbound Sweets collection.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Line the container with floral foam bricks (I used 2 for this container), making sure the fit is snug and leaving some room below the rim for the candy. Insert the skeleton hand into the center of the foam, also making sure the fit is snug so it stands up straight. Use small pieces of foam to help fill in any gaps around the arm & tighten the fit if necessary.

Cut the banner & label out by hand, leaving a small white border around the outside edge when trimming. Use Glue Dots or double-stick tape to attach the smaller scroll banner to the hand and the larger label to the front of the container. Last but not least, cover the foam with Fun Size MILKY WAY® Brand Simply Caramel or your own favorite Halloween candy!

WICKED CARAMEL APPLES

Homemade caramel apples with knobby twig “handles” instead of traditional wood craft sticks for a “bewitched” Halloween twist! These are displayed on DIY pedestals made from glass cylinder vases covered in striped Halloween Tights (purchased at Target). Each pair of tights was $5 and provided enough material to cover several vases. For a similar idea with a “Ghoulish Glam” twist, check out this post.

Ingredients:

• 6 small apples
• 1 (14 oz) package individually wrapped caramels, unwrapped
• 2 tablespoons milk

Instructions:

Cut twigs or small branches down to equal lengths to serve as your apple “stems”. Remove the real from each apple and replace with a twig, making sure the grip is secure. Line a baking sheet with wax paper and coat with nonstick cooking spray.

Place caramels and milk in a microwave safe bowl. Microwave approximately 2 minutes stirring once. Continue to microwave at 1 minute intervals until caramel is smooth. Allow to cool briefly.

Roll each apple quickly in caramel sauce until well coated. Dip in nuts or other toppings if desired. Place on prepared sheet and chill in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes to set.

Put the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Cook in the microwave for 30 second intervals, stirring between each interval, until melted and smooth. Drizzle over the top of the apples. Return them to the refrigerator until ready to serve.