Pumpkin Carving, Spooky Snacks, & More!
Mia Teal
E-Commerce Marketing Department
Halloween night is always exciting for the little ones. They get to dress up as anything or anyone, load their bags with more candy than they can possibly consume, and enjoy many laughs with friends. Oftentimes, the days leading up to Halloween are even more fun. We have some ideas for pumpkin carving and snack recipes that we want you to try! Keep reading if you dare…
Pumpkin carving is a great way to spend time with your family, friends, or partner. Friendly pumpkin carving competitions are also very common this time of year. Have you ever wondered why we carve pumpkins? Well, we researched this exact same thing and are here to give you answers!
While many may think that pumpkin carving began in the United States, that is actually false. Turnip carving (yes, turnips!) originated in England, Ireland, and Scotland. Carving turnips was a symbol of death and was used to scare neighbors. It was not until the 1800s when people from England and Ireland began immigrating to America that pumpkin carving began in the United States. Since there is such an abundance of pumpkins here this time of year, these groups of people began to carve pumpkins instead. Now when you carve your pumpkin for Halloween this year, you will know how this tradition started! Want to learn more? Check out this website Halloween History: Why We Carve Pumpkins
This Halloween, we want to inspire you to try some new treats that the family will love. Whether you want to make a new dessert with the kids, or if you have a Halloween party to attend, we have you covered. Check out some of our fun, easy-to-make Halloween recipes from our Pinterest page!
Reese’s Bats : Reese’s and Oreos? Who can say no to that! With only a few simple ingredients, these are sure to be a fan favorite!
Mini Mummy Pizzas: Try these Mini Mummy Pizzas for an appetizer at your next party! But beware, these will go fast!
Rice Krispie Treat Monsters: These super easy Halloween Rice Krispie Treat Monsters are the perfect snack for the kids or addition to your Halloween get together!
Jack-O’-Lantern Stuffed Peppers: These cute Halloween peppers are perfect for lunch or dinner! Even better, you can season the meat with any kind of spice. There is no right or wrong way to create these peppers.
Check out our YouTube page for more Halloween inspiration!
Have a happy and safe Halloween!
Written by Sara Rockman, Marketing Intern
One way to stay cool and hydrated in the summer heat? Infused water. Infused water is a great way to drink the recommend eight 8 oz. glasses a day, but without it being boring. Infused water is simply water flavored by fresh fruit, with the occasional herb or two thrown in. The fruit can either be put directly into the water or there are special bottles and pitchers made specifically for infusing. (These are nice because they help so you don’t accidentally drink a seed or unexpected chunk of fruit.) I usually like to make my infused water the night before so more flavor is absorbed (I also recommend this if you are a chronic user of the snooze button like myself, so you don’t have to rush in the morning), but for a more subtle taste it can be made the day you plan to drink it. If making it the day of, let the water sit for about 10 minutes either with ice or in the fridge before you drink it so the flavors have a chance to be absorbed. This step should also be taken if you are refilling your water bottle throughout the day. Towards the end of the day, there won’t be a very strong flavor, but the subtle flavor is still very refreshing!
As for what to put into your infused water, it’s pretty much open to what you like. I go from lemon and lime one day, to strawberry-kiwi, to mixed berry, whatever suits my mood (or more truthfully, whatever is in my fridge). One of my favorite infused water recipe is a strawberry-cucumber water, with basil. (I know it sounds like a really weird mix, but it’s very refreshing)! When choosing ingredients for your infused water pick fruits loaded with vitamins and antioxidants to help boost your metabolism and immune system. Plus, drinking lots of water whether infused or not is good for your skin and promotes weight loss! As an all-natural option, it keeps you both hydrated and healthy by cutting out unnecessary sugars and additives. Pinterest is a great place to find inspiration for different recipes. Submit your favorite infused water recipe in the comments and it could be featured on our Instagram and Pinterest! Whether you’re getting your bake on in the kitchen or attending a holiday party, we know the next few weekends are going to be jam packed. Make sure you schedule some time to just relax and enjoy the perks of the season, especially good food! Some of our bloggers have created awesome recipes and we’re highlighting a few below. To see more recipes and decorating ideas, visit our Pinterest board and follow #HolidayAdvantEdge on Twitter!
If you’re dreaming the warmer weather already, enter our Winter Getaway Sweepstakes for your chance to win $4500 in SOUTHWEST & Marriott Gift Cards!
This recipe for Portuguese Kale Soup from Fatherly Stuff would be perfect on a cold winter’s night!
This Kahlua Cream Trifle from I am THAT Lady would absolutely steal the show at your next holiday gathering!