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I ended up making fingers & toes last Halloween. They really did look real!

Ingredients

• 24 blanched almonds, halved lengthwise
• Red food coloring, optional
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 scant tablespoon active dry yeast (one ¼-ounce package)
• 5 ½ to 6 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for work surface
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 2 tablespoons baking soda
• 1 large egg
• Salt
• Vegetable-oil cooking spray

Directions

Place a small amount of food coloring in a shallow bowl, and, using a paintbrush, color the rounded side of each split almond; set aside to dry (This goes faster than it sounds!).

Pour 2 cups warm water (110°F) into a large bowl. Add sugar; stir to dissolve. Sprinkle with yeast, and let stand until yeast begins to bubble, about 5-10 minutes.

Stir 1 cup flour into yeast until combined. Beat in salt; add 3 ½ cups flour until combined. When you can’t incorporate any more flour turn the dough out onto the counter and begin to knead it. Gradually knead and add ½ cup flour. Knead for 10 minutes or until the dough is smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky , add up to 1 cup more flour but be careful not to overdo it!

Coat a large bowl with cooking spray. Transfer dough to bowl, turning dough to coat with oil. Cover with plastic wrap; let rest in a warm spot to rise until doubled in size, about 1 hour.

Heat oven to 450°F. Heat 3 quarts water to boil in a 6-quart saucepan over high heat; reduce to a simmer. Add baking soda. Lightly coat two baking sheets with cooking spray. Divide dough into quarters. Work with one quarter at a time, and cover remaining dough with plastic wrap. Divide the first quarter into twelve pieces. On a lightly floured work surface, roll each piece back and forth with your palm into a long finger shape, about 3 to 4 inches. Pinch dough in two places to form knuckles. When all twelve fingers are formed, transfer to simmering water. Poach for 1 minute. Using a slotted spoon, transfer fingers to baking sheet. Repeat with remaining dough, blanching each set of 12 fingers before making more.

Beat egg with 1 tablespoon water. Brush pretzel fingers with egg wash. Using a sharp knife, lightly score each knuckle about three times. Sprinkle with salt. Position almond nails; push into dough to attach. Bake until golden brown, 12 to 15 minutes. Let cool on wire rack. Fingers are best eaten the same day; or store, covered, up to 2 days at room temperature.

Makes 48 fingers (more toes)

While I was living in Austin I lived with a roomie who had an annual pumpkin carving party tradition. We would invite people over for a BYOP (Bring your own pumpkin) BBQ and everyone would carve their own pumpkin. It was always really fun to see what designs people chose for their pumpkins. Last year, I brought the tradition to Gainesville and held my own party complete with Halloween themed food. Since Halloween is coming up I thought I’d post a few of the dishes I made in case you are on the hunt for Halloween food!

Ingredients

• 1 block extra-sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded
• ½ package cream cheese, softened
• ½ (4 oz) container chive-and-onion cream cheese
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• ¼ teaspoon ground red pepper
• 1 broccoli stalk
• Red and green apple wedges

Directions

Combine Cheddar cheese and next 4 ingredients in a bowl until blended. Cover and chill 4 hours or until mixture is firm enough to be shaped.

Shape mixture into a ball to resemble a pumpkin. Smooth entire outer surface with a frosting spatula or table knife. Make vertical grooves in ball, if desired, using fingertips.

Cut florets from broccoli stalk, and reserve for another use. Cut stalk to resemble a pumpkin stem, and press into top of cheese ball. Serve cheese ball with apple wedges.