It was a dark and stormy night; eerie music was heard coming from the dining room. I gathered my courage and ventured out into the hallway, determined to finish our quest. As I boldly took one step in front of the other, I screamed when I saw a shadowy figure creeping slowly towards me…

One of my favorite Family Nights we do every year is our Halloween-themed night. The description above actually took place a year ago. My son, Zach, and my daughter, Emma thought it would be fun to turn our house into a haunted one, while the rest of us hunted for clues and solved a puzzle. My oldest son, Alec, chipped in by recording the creepy music that played in the background. It may or may not have been stormy, but I was definitely freaked out! We eventually finished the puzzle, despite my fears!

This year looks a little different since my family is spread out in different locations. Fortunately, we have technology and creativity on our side, so we plan on dressing up and playing a game over ZOOM. In the past, we have dressed up and enjoyed our traditional Halloween-themed meal consisting of a Spooky Calzone Snake, Boo Beverages, and Spectral Sweets for dessert-or as my family likes to call them-Ghost Truffles. Dinner is followed up with a Halloween-themed activity. Ideas we have tried in the past include scavenger hunts, watching A Nightmare Before Christmas, binge-watching old Scooby Doo episodes, or playing a game of Clue.

A few tips to consider:

1. You don’t have to spend much on costumes unless you choose to. We have purchased different pieces of our costumes from Goodwill and other second-hand stores, or if you are crafty, you can make your own.
2. Brainstorm ideas with your kids. If they are older, have them take the lead in planning.
3. Decorate your house to complete the mood you are going for. We have collected decorations over the years inexpensively, by using decorations people are getting rid of or that we find on sale.

Even if you don’t go anywhere for Halloween, you can make a memorable night at home. Plan a family night, dress up, and enjoy the following spooky treats:

Spooky Calzone Snake

Ingredients

• 2 packages of pre-made store-bought pizza dough, or click here for my favorite homemade pizza dough

Pizza Sauce

Ingredients

• 1 (15-16 oz) can of tomato sauce
• 1 (6 oz) can of tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• pinch of red pepper flakes
• pinch of salt
• 1 drop of Young Living Rosemary Vitality oil (optional)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 (4 ounce) package of sliced pepperoni
• ½ cup sliced fresh mushrooms
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon water

Directions

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

After your dough is done rising, punch down the dough and roll it out into a long, flat strip about 9 inches wide by 30 inches long. Spread pizza sauce on and layer on cheese, pepperoni, and mushrooms down the center of the dough strip, leaving about 1 inch on all sides for sealing. Pull edges of the dough together; pinch to seal and form a long, filled roll. Place the roll, seam side down, onto the parchment paper in a snakey “S” shape, and tuck the ends underneath to seal. Beat the egg in a bowl with 1 tablespoon of water, and brush the egg wash over the calzone.

Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, until the calzone is golden brown. Let cool for 5 minutes before cutting into individual slices. I use the above ingredients for my snake or click here for the original recipe. Original recipe from allrecipes.com

Spectral Sweets

Ingredients

• 15 chocolate sandwich cookies, such as Oreos
• 3 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract (optional)
• 12 ounces white chocolate

Directions

In a food processor, pulse chocolate sandwich cookies, cream cheese, and peppermint extract until smooth. Chill until firm. Shape into twelve 2-inch ghost shapes. Transfer to a wax paper-lined pan; chill until firm. Chop white chocolate. Microwave two-thirds of it at 50% power, stirring every 30 seconds, until smooth. Stir in the remaining chocolate to melt. Pour over ghosts, using a knife to evenly coat. Chill to set. Using a toothpick, poke holes for eyes and mouths. Recipe from Rachael Ray

Let me know in the comments if you tried one of these recipes and how it turned out!