Thursday, October 11, 2012

Countdown to Samhain - Day 11

   So we all know we decorate (or at least most people) a tree at Christmas whether that be a real one or fake one.  But has it ever crossed your mind to do a Halloween/Samhain Tree?  :)

 
 
   There's not really a set of instructions to follow for this one - just go with what you like! I did a mini version of this using one of those pop out trees you find at Walmart for Christmas. I spray painted it black first and decorate with little Halloween charms and garland.
 
   I'm not sure where to find a larger Christmas-tree version of a black tree so if anyone does, please share!  I would start with a strand or two of Halloween lights in orange or purple or those cool candy corn ones and then go from there. Try some fall or halloween pics from the craft section of Walmart or Michael's - the ones you'd normally see in a wreath for your front door. They may even carry halloween ornaments specifically for a tree also. Try books about Halloween or ones that have spooky stories (Poe comes to mind), dolls, witches hats - anything you can think of that represents Halloween or Samhain to you and yours!
 
   Today's Shortbread Candy Corn Kissed Brownie Recipe comes from Pickey Palate and they look AWESOME! I love brownies, love candy corn (it's not really Halloween without it) and putting it all together with shortbread sounds delicious!  Recipe is below. If you make them, please let us know how they come out!
 
Shortbread Candy Corn Kissed Brownies
Makes 12 Brownies
 
1 family size brownie mix (9×13 inch size)
2 sticks softened butter
1/2 Cup granulated sugar
2 Tablespoons packed brown sugar
1 3/4 Cup flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 bag Candy Corn Kisses, or any flavor you like, unwrapped


1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Prepare brownie mix according to package directions, set batter aside. In a stand mixer, beat butter and sugars until creamy and light. Slowly add flour and salt until combined.

2. Press shortbread dough into a 11×7 inch baking dish lined with foil and sprayed with cooking spray. Top shortbread dough with 50 kisses then pour brownie batter evenly over top of kisses. Bake for 50-60 minutes or until toothpick comes clean from center. Let cool completely before cutting into squares.

3.  Place remaining kisses in double broiler to melt. Spread melted chocolate over brownies, sprinkle if desired and serve.