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	<title>My Sweetest Things &#187; Halloween</title>
	<atom:link href="http://www.mysweetthings.com/category/halloween/feed/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" />
	<link>http://www.mysweetthings.com</link>
	<description>Adventures in life. Photography, baking, gardening, and crafting.</description>
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		<title>Halloween Chocolate Covered Pretzels</title>
		<link>http://www.mysweetthings.com/2009/10/15/halloween-chocolate-covered-pretzels/</link>
		<comments>http://www.mysweetthings.com/2009/10/15/halloween-chocolate-covered-pretzels/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 15 Oct 2009 22:58:52 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Donna</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Halloween]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[candy molds]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[chocolate]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[pretzel]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.holzerian.com/dblog/?p=130</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[I simply love a chocolate covered pretzel! I make them for parties and they are a sweet simple treat. They are always gone by the end of the night! For Halloween this year I thought I would change things up. I bought candy molds, candy coloring,  chocolate and got busy! Here is how I did [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>I simply love a chocolate covered pretzel! I make them for parties and they are a sweet simple treat. They are always gone by the end of the night! For Halloween this year I thought I would change things up. I bought candy molds, candy coloring,  chocolate and got busy! Here is how I did it. Real Simple and a fun treat!</p>
<p><img class="alignleft" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_vhymwHBNa7c/Steeun0YOKI/AAAAAAAACgc/DEJ86o2EUqg/s576/IMG_5993.JPG" alt="" width="384" height="576" /></p>
<p>Items you will need:</p>
<p>Candy Molds &#8211; I picked mine up at Jo-Ann&#8217;s Craft Store.</p>
<p>Candy coloring in Halloween colors &#8211; Also picked up at Jo-Ann&#8217;s</p>
<p>White and Dark Chocolate &#8211; I used chocolate bark available at your local grocery store where the cake supplies are.</p>
<p>Pretzel Rods</p>
<p>Small painting brush &#8211; A watercolor brush worked well for me.</p>
<p>I bought Sprinkles but did not end up using them for this project.</p>
<p><img class="alignnone" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_vhymwHBNa7c/Steeu--21MI/AAAAAAAACgg/o8N-R-_ooI8/IMG_5995.JPG" alt="" width="640" height="427" /></p>
<p>I melted the white chocolate bark and added black food coloring.</p>
<p><img class="alignnone" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_vhymwHBNa7c/SteevGFqcQI/AAAAAAAACgk/94qCLSgb8Lg/IMG_5998.JPG" alt="" width="640" height="427" /></p>
<p>Mixed up some purple using the white chocolate bark again.</p>
<p><img class="alignnone" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_vhymwHBNa7c/SteevfaLAgI/AAAAAAAACgo/YyLZ0i43AgM/IMG_6002.JPG" alt="" width="640" height="427" /></p>
<p>Using the mold as a guide, paint the areas where you want to add the color. When you are done, set in the</p>
<p>refrigerator so the chocolate will harden. This takes only a few minutes.</p>
<p><img class="alignnone" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_vhymwHBNa7c/SteevbsLPXI/AAAAAAAACgs/s9ii7QhtrcU/IMG_6003.JPG" alt="" width="640" height="427" /></p>
<p>Take the molds out of the refrigerator and set to the side. Pour some chocolate on a paper plate and</p>
<p>roll the pretzel rod in the chocolate.</p>
<p><img class="alignnone" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_vhymwHBNa7c/SteewGUz41I/AAAAAAAACg0/ttM4QV2T99w/IMG_6007.JPG" alt="" width="640" height="427" /></p>
<p>You might find it easier to use a bowl and roll the chocolate in the bowl and pour chocolate over the pretzel.</p>
<p><img class="alignnone" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_vhymwHBNa7c/SteevokA_WI/AAAAAAAACgw/Buf1q1kC4CY/s576/IMG_6004.JPG" alt="" width="384" height="576" /></p>
<p>Place the dipped pretzel in the mold then use a small spoon to drizzle</p>
<p>more chocolate in the spaces left in the mold. Press down lightly to set.</p>
<p><img class="alignnone" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_vhymwHBNa7c/Steewa3tMQI/AAAAAAAACg4/tnSRg4zzV-s/IMG_6008.JPG" alt="" width="640" height="427" /></p>
<p>You might want to take a toothpick and run it around to remove the extra chocolate on the sides. When you pull them</p>
<p>out of the mold the image will be cleaner. Place the molds in the refrigerator for a few minutes to set.</p>
<p>I did not use the toothpick trick so I ended up with extra chocolate on the sides so I used a small paring</p>
<p>knife to sculpt the chocolate. It worked just fine. Take a look!</p>
<p><img class="alignnone" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_vhymwHBNa7c/Steewh7GeyI/AAAAAAAACg8/YAfex3hnvtY/s576/IMG_6041.JPG" alt="" width="384" height="576" /></p>
<p><img class="alignnone" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_vhymwHBNa7c/Steew5biTqI/AAAAAAAAChA/khFFr5zv60A/s576/IMG_6042.JPG" alt="" width="384" height="576" /></p>
<p><img class="alignnone" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_vhymwHBNa7c/SteexUKGp-I/AAAAAAAAChE/ama7X5-gmUU/s576/IMG_6043.JPG" alt="" width="384" height="576" /></p>
<p>Success! This was my first attempt working with candy molds and</p>
<p>I really enjoyed it. It is time consuming but worth it! You can make</p>
<p>these a few days ahead of your party. I keep mine sealed in a tupperware</p>
<p>container on the counter.  Enjoy!</p>
<p>It&#8217;s all good.</p>
<p>~Donna</p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Marshmallow Witches</title>
		<link>http://www.mysweetthings.com/2009/10/13/marshmallow-witches/</link>
		<comments>http://www.mysweetthings.com/2009/10/13/marshmallow-witches/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 14 Oct 2009 01:40:49 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Donna</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Halloween]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.holzerian.com/dblog/?p=125</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[In my search for Halloween treats, I came across the website tasteofhome. They have terrific, creative recipes! I saw this recipe for Marshmallow Witches. They are the cutest things and so fun to make! I no longer have small children running around the house but my grown sons can appreciate all the goodness in these. [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>In my search for Halloween treats, I came across the website <a href="http://www.tasteofhome.com" target="_blank">tasteofhome</a>. They have terrific, creative recipes! I saw this recipe for Marshmallow Witches. They are the cutest things and so fun to make! I no longer have small children running around the house but my grown sons can appreciate all the goodness in these. Peanut butter cups,  chocolate kisses, butter cream icing, coconut and marshmallow all in one bundle! Take a peak at how it&#8217;s done. So simple!</p>
<p><img class="alignnone" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_vhymwHBNa7c/StUbEvQeZUI/AAAAAAAACfY/wjZoSlG0aTY/IMG_6018.JPG" alt="" width="640" height="427" /></p>
<p>All the yummy things you need to put these together!</p>
<p>Adapted from <a href="http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/Marshmallow-Witches" target="_blank">tasteofhome</a></p>
<p>1/2 cup Vanilla Frosting</p>
<p>36 miniature semisweet chocolate chips</p>
<p>12 large marshmallows</p>
<p>black, orange and green food coloring</p>
<p>1/4 cup coconut</p>
<p>12 chocolate wafers &#8211; I used chocolate creme cookies like Oreos.</p>
<p>12 miniature peanut butter cups</p>
<p>12 milk chocolate kisses</p>
<p><img class="alignleft" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_vhymwHBNa7c/StUbE5wmXLI/AAAAAAAACfg/WJspmZZkZAY/IMG_6020.JPG" alt="" width="640" height="427" /></p>
<p>Place coconut in plastic bag, add food coloring and squish around. You might need to add a drop of water</p>
<p>to help mix. I used green candy coloring and did not need to add water.</p>
<p><img class="alignleft" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_vhymwHBNa7c/StUbFJR9DBI/AAAAAAAACfk/zbypWLe_kaY/IMG_6022.JPG" alt="" width="640" height="451" /></p>
<p>Take half the buttercream icing and add the orange food coloring. You will use this to decorate the hat.</p>
<p><img class="alignleft" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_vhymwHBNa7c/StUbFUo_8II/AAAAAAAACfo/EK7e0JIg7AM/IMG_6026.JPG" alt="" width="640" height="427" /></p>
<p>Dab the mini chips into the frosting. Two for the eyes and one for the nose. I used a small brush for this.</p>
<p><img class="alignnone" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_vhymwHBNa7c/StUbFq10acI/AAAAAAAACfs/pR4y3pGKSn4/IMG_6027.JPG" alt="" width="640" height="427" /></p>
<p>Spread frosting on both sides of marshmallow, press coconut hair into the frosting.</p>
<p><img class="alignnone" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_vhymwHBNa7c/StUbF9J5eGI/AAAAAAAACfw/wrwyyRIvIXU/s576/IMG_6028.JPG" alt="" width="384" height="576" /></p>
<p>Mix up some black frosting and you will need the cookie, peanut butter cup</p>
<p>and kiss for the hat. I separated the sandwich cookie and only used one half</p>
<p>for the hat.</p>
<p><img class="alignnone" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_vhymwHBNa7c/StUbGFIeQwI/AAAAAAAACf0/cn_63x0RFs8/IMG_6031.JPG" alt="" width="640" height="427" /></p>
<p>Add a dab of black frosting in the middle of the cookie, place the peanut butter cup on top, then another dab</p>
<p>of black frosting and add the kiss. Now you have a hat!</p>
<p><img class="alignnone" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_vhymwHBNa7c/StUbGO7FfTI/AAAAAAAACf4/qr2H0Hjil4A/IMG_6032.JPG" alt="" width="640" height="427" /></p>
<p>I used a small star tip to add the decor around the hat. The frosting was on the thin side and next time</p>
<p>around I will make it just a tad bit thicker for a better hold.</p>
<p><img class="alignnone" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_vhymwHBNa7c/StUbGql0X_I/AAAAAAAACf8/85THUr4Egq4/IMG_6036.JPG" alt="" width="640" height="427" /></p>
<p>Add a dab of icing to the top of the marshmallow and add your hat. All done! I put them in the fridge for a bit</p>
<p>to set. Too Cute! Enjoy!</p>
<p>It&#8217;s all good.</p>
<p>~Donna</p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<item>
		<title>Halloween Jack-o-Lanterns</title>
		<link>http://www.mysweetthings.com/2009/09/29/halloween-jack-o-lanterns/</link>
		<comments>http://www.mysweetthings.com/2009/09/29/halloween-jack-o-lanterns/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 29 Sep 2009 23:34:14 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Donna</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Halloween]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Jack-o-lanterns]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.holzerian.com/dblog/?p=116</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The weather is changing and fall is here! My favorite time of the year! Halloween is coming right up and I was feeling crafty and I came across this cute project courtesy of Martha Stewart. I am a fan of Mason Jars and use them for all sorts of home projects so I pulled them [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The weather is changing and fall is here! My favorite time of the year! Halloween is coming right up and I was feeling crafty and I came across <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/article/jar-o-lanterns?autonomy_kw=jack%20o%20lanterns" target="_blank">this</a> cute project courtesy of Martha Stewart. I am a fan of Mason Jars and use them for all sorts of home projects so I pulled them out and got to work.</p>
<p><img class="alignnone" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_vhymwHBNa7c/SsKKrQu0BKI/AAAAAAAACZE/lE3qkOT0c3Q/IMG_5550.JPG" alt="" width="640" height="427" /></p>
<p>Project Items</p>
<p>Acrylic Paint in Orange and Black &#8211; I ended up using a Sharpie Paint Pen for the Black</p>
<p>Paint Brush or Sponge Brush</p>
<p>Clean Glass Jar</p>
<p>Copper Wire &#8211; I use #20 since I will hang these and it&#8217;s sturdy</p>
<p>Needle nose pliers</p>
<p>Orange and Black Beads &#8211; Optional but I like the Sparkle!</p>
<p>Sand</p>
<p>Small Candle</p>
<p><img class="alignnone" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_vhymwHBNa7c/SsKKrpb3GKI/AAAAAAAACZI/wM8MuxRr8Zc/IMG_5556.JPG" alt="" width="427" height="640" /></p>
<p>Paint the inside of the jar. I found it dried very quickly.</p>
<p><img class="alignnone" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_vhymwHBNa7c/SsKKrhvPQAI/AAAAAAAACZM/_lyYaFbVPGA/IMG_5558.JPG" alt="" width="427" height="640" /></p>
<p>This is the Paint Sharpie I used to paint the face. It dried quickly as well and</p>
<p>I found it easy to use. You can use a template for the face but I went free style</p>
<p>as you can see&#8230;.I may use a template for the next one!</p>
<p><img class="alignnone" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_vhymwHBNa7c/SsKKr96cOXI/AAAAAAAACZQ/T3Xbvpixpb8/IMG_5564.JPG" alt="" width="640" height="427" /></p>
<p>These are glass beads I bought to add some sparkle! It&#8217;s all about the sparkle!</p>
<p><img class="alignnone" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_vhymwHBNa7c/SsKKsGFoV-I/AAAAAAAACZU/reTRD0OpOoU/IMG_5566.JPG" alt="" width="640" height="427" /></p>
<p>I wrapped the copper wire around the jar to measure the cut. Copper wire comes in many colors but I</p>
<p>choose black. I also bought some orange wire as well but settled on the black.</p>
<p><img class="alignnone" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_vhymwHBNa7c/SsKKsRYhg-I/AAAAAAAACZY/ipK_pk-adG0/IMG_5572.JPG" alt="" width="640" height="427" /></p>
<p>I added a few small beads along the wire base. I bent the wire just a little so the beads would not move around.</p>
<p><img class="alignnone" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_vhymwHBNa7c/SsKKsgCYDKI/AAAAAAAACZc/0PnU1wycOKQ/blog%20hanger.jpg" alt="" width="427" height="640" /></p>
<p>I measured the wire hanging loop for the cut. I wanted to hang these on</p>
<p>Shepards Hooks so I gave them some length.</p>
<p><img class="alignnone" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_vhymwHBNa7c/SsKKs1lPaeI/AAAAAAAACZk/uG-gW0NfITE/blog%20all%20done.jpg" alt="" width="427" height="640" /></p>
<p>Here is the finished product!</p>
<p><img class="alignnone" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_vhymwHBNa7c/SsKKs2f3h5I/AAAAAAAACZg/4LxlkYNzqKE/IMG_5584.JPG" alt="" width="427" height="640" /></p>
<p>Hanging outside on the back deck! I added some sand to the bottom</p>
<p>of the jar and placed a candle inside. I was happy with the results!</p>
<p><img class="alignnone" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_vhymwHBNa7c/SsKKtF2DJ6I/AAAAAAAACZo/fLPBdqhwi64/IMG_5594.JPG" alt="" width="640" height="427" /></p>
<p>Behind the scenes photo! My lighting in the kitchen is terrible. Even though I have that lovely window,</p>
<p>I also have tons of tall trees outside. The lamps are a huge help and very cost friendly. $7 at the Home Depot!</p>
<p>Anyhoo, Thanks to Martha Stewart to helping me get my craft on. Once again <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/article/jar-o-lanterns?autonomy_kw=jack%20o%20lanterns" target="_blank">here </a>is the link to the original</p>
<p>project.  Be Creative!</p>
<p>It&#8217;s all good!</p>
<p>~Donna</p>
]]></content:encoded>
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