A Few Short Cuts » halloween

“Snack”urday: Peanut Butter Eyeballs

Amanda @ A Few Short Cuts — Sat, 29 Oct 2011 00:20:33 +0000

I saw these and I couldn’t resist! We needed a creepy treat for Halloween this year and this is it! Peanut Butter Eyeballs! These were super easy! My kids helped. In fact, they made them which was so much fun to watch and then we had a little spooky fun with the camera.

It is so much fun just to goof off with the kids! Spend an evening this weekend making these Peanut Butter Eyeballs. They are so much fun! Don’t forget to try out these other great Halloween Treats!

Peanut Butter Eyeballs

Type: dessert

By: Amanda@AFewShortCuts.com

Prep Time: 15 mins

Total Time: 15 mins

Serves: 24 eyes

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups creamy peanut butter
3 cups powdered sugar
1/2 cup (1 stick) softened butter
white bark coating or white chocolate for melting
M&Ms
Red Food coloring

Directions

In a large bowl beat together the peanut butter, butter, and powdered sugar.
Form into eyeball size balls with hands and put on a waxed paper lined baking sheet in the fridge to cool.
While cooling melt white chocolate or bark to dip the eyeballs in.
Dip Peanut Butter balls into white chocolate and place back on baking sheet.
Place an M&M in the center and return to fridge to set.
You can also use a toothpick and red food coloring to add “veins” to the eyes.
Serve to your little ghouls and goblins

Google Recipe View Microformatting by Easy Recipe

Mix the peanut butter, butter, and powdered sugar together in a large bowl.

Form the peanut butter mix into eyeball sized balls and place on a wax paper lined baking sheet. Refrigerate until set.

While cooling melt down some white chocolate to coat the balls. Dip to coat and then place back on the baking sheet. Top with an M&M and place back in the fridge to set.

use red food coloring to make veins if desired.

Halloween Recipe Roundup

Amanda @ A Few Short Cuts — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 00:05:14 +0000

Halloween is next Monday…which is hard to believe! If you are looking for some fun Halloween Recipes check out these. They are some of your favorites at my house!

$10 off $75 BuyCostumes.com Purchase & Free Shipping

Amanda @ A Few Short Cuts — Sun, 23 Oct 2011 18:00:43 +0000

If you are a procrastinator like me you will be glad to know that you still have time to order your kids Halloween costumes!

BuyCostumes.com is offering $10 off $75 or more purchase with code buyc10 plus get free 2 day shipping with your shoprunner account.

What is ShopRunner? You can get free 2 day shipping at many different online stores. Sign up today for a free 30 day trial. If you shop online a lot or are planning to for the holidays you don’t want to miss this!

“Snack”urday: Candy Corn Cookies

Amanda @ A Few Short Cuts — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 23:26:59 +0000

I love Halloween, Fall, and all things Autumny. However, you can ask anyone who really knows me, and they will tell you that my weakness this time of year is Candy Corn. I can’t help myself. I will buy one bag, cause who doesn’t buy at least one bag. Then that first bag disappears…who knows where it goes. And then there is another bag purchased. Now, this has become worse since they have started releasing coupons for these honey sweet triangles. I have restrained myself the past 2 trips to the store and have not bought a bag….I promise!

So since I have been good, I decided to do my ode to candy corn this week and make candy corn cookies. I typically make big cookies but these little candy corn cookies are a perfect snack size. If you just want a quick nibble of something sweet these will do the trick. Plus, they are so festive!

Candy Corn Cookies

Type: Dessert

By: Amanda @ AFewShortCuts.com

Prep Time: 10 mins

Cook Time: 10 mins

Total Time: 20 mins

Ingredients

1 Batch of Prepared Sugar Cookie Dough (Homemade or Packaged is fine)
Orange Food Coloring
2 tsp Cocoa Powder

Directions

Prepare the sugar cookie dough.
Divide the Sugar Cookie dough into 1/3.
Mix the cocoa powder into 1/3 of the dough
Mix a few drops of orange coloring into the second third of the dough
Leave the final third plain.
Line a loaf pan with waxed paper.
Begin to layer the cookie dough into the loaf pan by pressing in each color until it covers the bottom of the pan.
Refrigerate for at least 2 hours. or if you are inpatient like me…freeze for 20 mins.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Remove dough from pan with waxed paper and slice into sections. Then cut each section into triangles.
Place on a parchment lined cookie sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes or until golden.

Google Recipe View Microformatting by Easy Recipe

I used Betty Crocker Sugar Cookie Pouches. I mixed following the directions.

I mixed in the Cocoa Powder to 1/3 of the dough. And hand mixed in the yellow food coloring to the other 1/3. My kids ran off with the red. So I couldn’t make orange.

Layer the dough into a wax paper lined loaf pan.

And refrigerate for atleast 2 hours.

Remove dough from pan and slice into 1/4 inch thick slices.

Then cut into triangles.

Place on parchment lined baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes.

Serve or store in an airtight container! YUM!

Halloween Food & Fun Live Chat Tonight 10/20 at 8PM EST

Amanda @ A Few Short Cuts — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 23:00:00 +0000

Join me tonight (10/20) at 8 PM EST For a live chat all about Halloween. We will be talking recipes, crafts and more.

Live chats are a great way to chit chat and ask questions from the comfort of your own home. No fancy equipment…no video. Just a typing back and forth. They aren’t scary at all so tuck those kiddos in and come share your halloween fun and learn some new ideas!

Just click here at 8 PM EST and the chat will turn live.

$10 off $75 BuyCostumes.com Purchase & Free Shipping

Amanda @ A Few Short Cuts — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 21:00:00 +0000

If you are a procrastinator like me you will be glad to know that you still have time to order your kids Halloween costumes!

BuyCostumes.com is offering $10 off $75 or more purchase with code buyc10 plus get free 2 day shipping with your shoprunner account.

Free Jell-o Halloween Brain Mold

Amanda @ A Few Short Cuts — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 20:00:53 +0000

Here is a fun Halloween Freebie! Right now you can score a FREE Jell-O Halloween Brain Mold. (You do have to pay shipping and handled at the cost of $2.95)

To score your mold, go to coupons.com and click the “foods” category. Look for the FREE Jell-O Halloween Brain Mold deal pictured above and click on it to request your mold.

BuyCostumes.com: Buy 1 Get 1 25% Off

Amanda @ A Few Short Cuts — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 21:00:12 +0000

My kids are already chattering about what they are going to be for Halloween. So far we have been animals, Phineas & Ferb, & the Green Giant. LOL If you are looking for costumes too…check out this deal!

BuyCostumes.com has an offer right now where you can get 30% off clearance when you use coupon code: EXTRA30 at checkout! Code is good only through 10/9!

They have some great deals right now including both the Sea Otter and the Meercat for only $9.99!!

Plus, if you go through ShopRunner, you can get free 2 day shipping. Not signed up with ShopRunner yet, you can get a free 30 Trial by signing up here.

50% Off Baby Halloween Costumes at Old Navy & Free Shipping

Amanda @ A Few Short Cuts — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 16:00:00 +0000

Wow! Here is a fabulous deal if you still need a halloween costume for you little one! Today’s Shop at Home Wild Deal is 50% off Baby Halloween Costumes at Old Navy and free shipping!

Here is how…

Click over to Shop at Home and click through to old navy to shop.
Deal applies to costumes priced at $18.71 (originally $24.94)
Use coupon code ONGET15 for a 15% discount
Free Shipping applies to orders of $50 or More
Get the Cash Back Reward in your account in 30 days or less!

Plus if you are new to shop at home you will get a $5 Bonus in your account!

Disney Store: 25% off Accessories & Free Shipping on Costumes PLUS 10% Cash Back

Amanda @ A Few Short Cuts — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 19:00:00 +0000

Disney is offering 25% off accessories and Free Shipping on any costume purchase with code COSTUMESHIP – no minimum . To make this deal even sweeter, Shop at Home is offering 10% cash back today only!

They have tons of great deals right now! Head over and check them out!

Mamasource: $40 Power Capes Voucher for $20

Amanda @ A Few Short Cuts — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 14:00:00 +0000

Here is a great deal for the dress up bin or for Halloween! Today at Mamasource get $40 Power Capes Voucher for $20! My kids love playing super heroes! These look like so much fun!

BuyCostumes.com: Buy 1 Get 1 25% Off

Amanda @ A Few Short Cuts — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 17:30:00 +0000

BuyCostumes.com is currently offering Buy 1 GET 1 25% off, simply use coupon code BOGO25 at checkout for the discount. There are tons of clearance items available, like this adorable Fuzzy Lamb Infant Costume that is only $6.99. Shipping starts at $4.99.

You can lots of clearance items at the clearance/red sale section, just click on the SALE on top and then click on Kids Costume to find them! Sort the price low-to-high to find the best deals!

Thanks Smart Couponing!

Free Jell-o Halloween Brain Mold

Amanda @ A Few Short Cuts — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 15:00:00 +0000

Here is a fun Halloween Freebie! Right now you can score a FREE Jell-O Halloween Brain Mold. (You do have to pay shipping and handled at the cost of $2.95)

To score your mold, go to coupons.com and click the “foods” category. Look for the FREE Jell-O Halloween Brain Mold deal pictured above and click on it to request your mold.

Halloween Costumes at Zulily

Amanda @ A Few Short Cuts — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 18:00:00 +0000

SO CUTE! There are some adorable Kid’s Costume Deals on Zulily today!

There are VERY cute costumes like the little Minnie Mouse for only $29.99, or the Woody from Toy Story Accessory Set for only $13.99!!!

Get some new discount costumes for dress up or get ready for Halloween!

“Snack”urday: Halloween Brownie Pops & (GFCF Version)

Amanda @ A Few Short Cuts — Sat, 30 Oct 2010 03:26:18 +0000

Ok I have been hiding this recipe in my arsenal since I got back from General Mills last time! These were a huge hit at Baking with Betty, and I knew they would be perfect for Halloween!

Now, I am going to tell you that I asked at Betty Crocker Kitchens if these could be made with Gluten Free Brownie Mix. I was told no. Hmmm…Why not? ~Side Note~ People, I am a rule breaker by nature. Don’t tell me I can’t do something, because I will figure it out myself. So, what does your favorite blogger do? Makes Brownie Pops with Betty Crocker Gluten Free Brownie Mix of course!

How did they turn out? You be the judge! All of the brownie pops pictured in my post are Gluten Free. You could also make this with a regular Brownie mix and they are just as delicious. I am just trying to give you options!

Also, if you need these to be dairy free, and you are worried about the chocolate. Use Ghirardelli Semi Sweet Chocolate Chips. They are dairy free and you can find them at the everyday supermarket! They are the only ones I use! YUM!

Halloween Brownie Pops

Halloween Brownie Pops Prinable Version

· 1 Box Brownie Mix ( I used Gluten Free)

· Ingredients called for on the brownie box

· Wooden craft sticks

· 1 Bag semi-sweet chocolate chips

· 1 ½ tablespoons shortening

· Sprinkles decorations etc

Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Line pan with aluminum foil. Make brownies according to package directions. Allow to cool completely for 1 hour.

Place brownies in the freezer for 30 minutes. Remove brownies from pan by lifting foil; peel foil from sides of brownies. Cut brownies into rectangular bars (numbers will vary depending on size). Don’t cut too big or they will be hard to work with.

Gently insert craft stick into end of each bar. Place on cookie sheet and freeze 30 minutes.

In small microwavable bowl, microwave chocolate chips and shortening uncovers on high about 1 minute; stir until smooth. If necessary, microwave additional 5 seconds at a time.

Dip top 1/3 to ½ of each brownie into chocolate; sprinkle with candy sprinkles.

Lay flat on waxed paper or foil to dry.

Yes, I am the crazy mom who took the time to stick these in a Pumpkin, but check out how cool that would be for a party!

**These could be decorated for any occasion! Think about using white chocolate or peanut butter chips instead of chocolate chips. You can be creative as you want!**

Check out this one! I use gluten free stick pretzels and marshmallows to make eyes coming out of the top. A couple mini M&Ms and it is a cute little monster!

Oh, one more. This mummy face was made with just a regular size marshmallow that I cute with scissors and then stuck a couple sprinkle for eyes, neat huh?!

You can find the rest of my Halloween Treats Here!

Happy Halloween!

Halloween Restaurant Roundup

Amanda @ A Few Short Cuts — Fri, 29 Oct 2010 16:00:00 +0000

Kai over at Smart Couponing has a great list of Halloween restaurant deals including free kids meals for the little ones in costume! Have a fabulous weekend, eat great food and enjoy your little ones!

Abuelo’s

FREE Kids meal for kids age 12 and younger who are dressed in a costume on Sunday, October 31.
Limit two (2) free kids meals for each adult entrée purchased.
Click HERE for more details.

P.F. Chang’s

25% off Halloween discount for P.F. Chang’s Online order
Click HERE for more details.

Chipotle

Halloween Offer: $2.00 Burrito, Bowl, Salad, or Tacos!
Dress up as a processed food and head over to participating Chipotle on 10/31/10 between 6pm and closing time and you’ll receive a burrito, bowl, salad, or order of tacos for only $2.00!
Click HERE for more details.

Chili’s

FREE kid’s meal with the purchase of a regular entree.
Click HERE to print the coupon.

Mimi Cafe

Click HERE to print a coupon good for Free 4-pack muffins on October 28
Click HERE to print a coupon good for 20% off on October 29
Click HERE to print a coupon good for Kids Eat Free with adult entree purchase on October 30
Click HERE to print a coupon good for Free 4-pack muffins with $10+ carryout order on October 31

T.G.I. Friday’s

FREE Appetizer on Friday and Saturday (10/29-10/30) for anyone wearing a costume. Choose from Mozzarella Sticks, Pot Stickers or Crispy Green Bean Fries.
Free Kids Meal on Sunday 10/31 for any child in costume accompanied by one paid adult entree
Click HERE for more details.

IHOP

FREE Scary Face Pancake for kids 12 and under on 10/29
Click HERE for more details.

Souplantation & Sweet Tomatoes

FREE Kids meal for kids age 12 & under in costume on Saturday 10/30 and Sunday 10/31 with purchase of a regular adult meal.
Click HERE for more details.

Boston Market

FREE Kids Meal with Any Adult Meal Purchase (valid 10/28 – 10/31)
$5 off any $20 online order (Exp. 11/9)
$1 off Individual Meal (Exp. 11/21)
$2 off $10 Purchase (Exp. 11/21)
$4 off $20 Purchase (Exp. 11/21)
Click HERE to print the coupons

Halloween Treats for Kids

Amanda @ A Few Short Cuts — Fri, 29 Oct 2010 00:00:00 +0000

I wanted to roundup all of my Halloween treats so you can get your list together for the grocery store. Pull out “It’s the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown”. make up some treats, grab a board game and have a fabulous Halloween party with your kiddos. You will be glad you did!

Witches Corn	Blue Slime	Chocolate Vampire Crepes with Strawberry Cream Filling
Monster Mouths	Frog Bog	Crunchy & Smooshy Bugs

Have a Cute Kid? Win $1000 From Gilt

Amanda @ A Few Short Cuts — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 19:41:12 +0000

This is a sponsored post provided to me by the Mom Bloggers Club.

Does your child(ren) have a super cute Halloween Costume? I know I have some really creative readers. I am sure one of us can win this prize! Take a picture and submit it for your chance to win $1000 from Gilt.com!

Just head over to the Gilt Facebook Page and Click the Contest tab to enter. Post a picture of your kid in his or her outfit to enter for a chance to win $1,000 Gilt Credit. You can submit photos from October 22nd to November 8th. The 10 most popular entries—as voted on by Gilt Children fans until November 19—will become finalists.

Once you submit your photo enlist your friends and family to vote!

1. Invite friends to participate in the contest
2. Post your vote to your Facebook wall my selecting “share on my wall” when you vote for your favorite photo.
3. Let your friends know that you can vote for each entry once per
day — so submit your entry early and vote often!

A panel of Gilt Groupe judges will then select five winners based on the overall quality of the photo and the costume, announcing the results by November 26 on the Gilt Children page and Twitter account. Each of the winners will receive a $1000 credit for use on Gilt.com.

Tide You Over Tuesday: Chocolate Vampire Crepes w/strawberry Cream Filling

Amanda @ A Few Short Cuts — Tue, 26 Oct 2010 01:48:53 +0000

Here I sat earlier today knowing that I wanted to bring you a Halloween Recipe, but not quite sure what it would be. I asked my 9 year old daughter what she thought. Anything that doesn’t have cream cheese. She is allergic to milk and it absolutely drives her crazy when I make something with cream cheese.

After searching, I found this crepe recipe using Bisquick, and being the innovative cook I am I thought I could use the Gluten Free Bisquick, or atleast try. Then we got the creative juices flowing and decided to turn them into chocolate crepes, and make them look like bats. Oh, I was excited now.

After several lessons on what a bat was supposed to look like, thanks Animal Planet! I think we have the perfect Vampire Bat breakfast, or dessert for your little ghouls and goblins. By the way, the Gluten Free Bisquick did work! It worked so well, these will be on our Halloween Breakfast menu for years to come. I may make some for other days of the year just cause they are so yummy!

Sorry honey! I did fill them with homemade strawberry cream cheese, but I will use her Tofutti Cream Cheese and strawberry jam for hers. I think she will like it. We will find out in the morning.

Vampire Crepes with Strawberry Cream Filling

Vampire Crepes with Strawberry Cream Filling Printable Version

Crepes· ½ Cup Bisquick (original or gluten Free)

· 1 tbsp Sugar

· ½ Cup Milk ( You can use Almond or Soy)

· 1 Tbsp Butter or Margarine (melted)

· 2 eggs (well beaten)

· 1 TBSP cocoa powder

Filling· 1 8oz package Cream Cheese (softened)

· ¼ cup sugar

· 1 cup strawberries (thawed frozen is fine)

Decorations· 2 red hots for eyes

· 2 white chocolate chips for fangs

· 2 raisins for ears

· Strawberry syrup for blood

Directions

In a small bowl, beat Bisquick mix, sugar, ½ cup milk, the melted butter, and eggs with whisk or fork until blended.

Grease 6 or 7 inch nonstick skillet with shortening; heat over medium heat until bubbly.

For each crepe pour 2-3 Tbsp batter into skillet; immediately rotate skillet until batter covers bottom.

Cook the crepe for about 30 seconds to a minute or until edges darken.

Run a wide spatula around edge to loosen; turn and cook other side until done; another 30 seconds.

Stack the crêpes as your remove them from skillet. Placing waxed paper between each; keep covered.

In a small bowl beat together cream cheese sugar and strawberries. I used a hand mixer for this.

To assemble spoon about 2 Heaping Tablespoons of the cream cheese in the center of the crepe. Roll up, but not to tightly. Decorate with the candies, and raisins to make it look like a bat.

Makes about 10 crepes depending on size.

Que this really cute 6 year old boy who said, “ Are the cramps ready yet?” See what happens when you try to cook something fancy for your kids. One day, I will teach them…one day!

Looking for more great breakfast ideas! You know where to find them! In my breakfast tab of course!

I linked up at

40% off Costumes at the Disney Store + Free Shipping (Ends Today)

Amanda @ A Few Short Cuts — Thu, 21 Oct 2010 15:30:07 +0000

Oh, I love this deal. Now I can snag a couple extra costumes for the dress up bin for super cheap! Yay for clearance!

Get ready for Halloween, get 40% off select costumes and accessories at Disney Store. Plus, get Free Shipping on your orders by using promo code: DRESSUP.

This offer is valid from 10/18 through 10/21.