Happy Halloween!

*Disclaimer - This blog post has way too many pictures! But it's Halloween!! And I couldn't resist showing some of Autumn's glory...

So, today is my favorite holiday! I love dressing up, being silly, eating candy, and most of all, I love fall flavors! Halloween is a time to indulge in your inner-child, which is great, because it's the one day of the year that my usual behaviors are acceptable. That's right. I consult my inner-child daily and regret nothing. Nothing!

But onto the fun! I bought two tubs of candy corn - original and those tiny pumpkin 'mallow bites that are more addicting than Fritos. Just saying. And after a weekend of uncontrollably snacking on candy corn and crack pumpkins, I decided to use will power. Just kidding, I had to throw them away. Just kidding, I baked with them.

Okay - let's get down to business. You want to see the goods! I know it! Let's celebrate the sweet nectar of the gods by pouring them over espresso brownies. Yeah? Okay, glad we're all on board there!

The following night, I indulged my senses and drank a delicious beer. I'm a tried and true Shipyard Pumpkinhead fiend, but Shlafly's Pumpkin Ale is a VERY close second. I paired this with my chewy, pumpkin chocolate chip cookies. Oh my!

And of course, there was pumpkin carving! Like I could resist this... I drained the meat of the pumpkin, used the liquid in a sauce pan with some brown sugar, and made pumpkin syrup for my coffee. I'm giving you a run for your money, Starbucks!

Now, onto what I think might be my favorite. Speaking of inner-child, I bought a new (not-for-kids) toy! I bought myself a kitchen torch, and I am addicted. Addicted. It looks kind of like a laser beam!

This bad boy was first used to create my pumpkin cupcakes with toasted marshmallow frosting. And yes, they were a HUGE hit!

Last, but certainly not least, I whipped up a quick classic. I couldn't resist making these Rice Krispie Treats with candy corn sprinkled in. They were just too cute! Who else is hopped up on sugar right now!!?!?

And of course, what's Halloween without a good, solid costume? Naturally, we had a few. Here I am on Saturday night watching My So-Called Band with Justin (Where's Waldo?). I'm Carmen Sandiego. And together, we were the Elusive Couple.

 And for our Bo Dog. He was a t-rex. He looks unhappy in the first photo, but he really got to liking the costume after a while!! We dressed up with him today and handed out candy at Justin's office,  cj Advertising!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!