Halloween - Where are your kids this year? By Diane

It's that time of year when the world goes mad and the nights call early and the coldness reaches parts we almost forgot about. On the 31st October children dress up and we all allow them to behave quite oddly and go all American.

I've never really approved of it myself, letting the young knock on strangers' doors and scream TRICK OR TREAT. We all read the newspapers and are aware of the dangers that surround us in this modern and confusing world we live in. Our children are most at risk, knocking on unknown doors, so for years and years I have tried to find acceptable alternatives … The shops are full of witches and devils masks, blood capsules and broomsticks and any other expensive bits of rubbish they can get away with. Gone are the days of a very cheap black bin liner, face paints and a home made hat. Kids are never satisfied.

If your children insist on 'trick or treating' then either go along with them (they will hate that) or make sure it is with an organised group and only go to doors were you know the people who live there. In recent years I have tried to organise discos at the local community centre or better still, have a wild party at home. Here are some very successful tips:- 1. Make a List 2. Go to the joke shop in the Arcade in Hull and buy a few bits to dress the house - cobwebs are very effective. Black balloons and cheap incense sticks create the smell and look of Halloween night. Buy some rubber bats, snakes and spiders to hang from the ceiling or tress - wherever you decide to have your party. 3. Music is another must as this can create the best atmosphere of all...

Then, when the scene is set it is time to prepare the Halloween food (better known as Monster Munch). There are plenty of ideas for this and it's cheap and simple. One of the best delicious specials is creepy crawly jelly - you will need green or red jelly mix and just before you place it in to the fridge for setting, drop in a handful of jelly snakes, witches heads and any other penny sweets you can find at this time of year. When set and dished up this is a halloween delight.

Also try Ghoulie Cake. This is so easy! Buy a small sponge cake and make black or green icing. Spread this gunge on top of cake and then place either red blood icing on top or use Halloween penny sweets to put on the top. How about Ginger Ghost Cookies? Just find a ginger bread recipe and instead of men cut ghost shapes. continued below.

Halloween - Where are your kids this year? continued By Diane

After making your table look and taste scrumptious you could then start to cut out your pumpkins or turnips so they look the part too! It's far more fun having halloween at home - the kids love to help prepare this ghoulish feast and the best thing of all is YOU know where they are - safe and sound!

Have a good halloween and if you have any safety tips or even any creative ideas that can make a halloween evening into a safe and fantastic spooky night then please send an email to Halloween@thisisull.com

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