All about pumpkins

It's that time of year when pumpkins are everywhere.  I know when most of you think of pumpkins you think about carving them for Halloween or making pumpkin pie for Thanksgiving. Well, I just found an article on Buzzfeed that amazed me with all of the different cocktails, meals and desserts you can make with pumpkin.  Of course, I have to share it.  Take a look at this link for some great recipes.  

101 Pumpkin recipes

Do you have any favorite pumpkin recipes to share?  I would love to hear about all of your tasty treats!

Until next time...

Cheers!

Halloween entertaining from Live on the Couch

This morning I had a blast with John, Lisa and Jodi talking about Halloween entertaining "Live from the Couch" on CBS, WLNY.  For those of you not in the New York area, here is a link to the clip.  Enjoy and Cheers!

Shawn Rabideau on Live from the Couch

The history of candy corn

Did you know that October 30 is National Candy Corn Day?  It makes sense that it is the day before Halloween.

I love candy corn and just found this great article on one of my favorite websites, kitchendaily.com, about the history of candy corn.  In the spirit of Halloween I want to share it with you.  

The History of Candy Corn

Happy Halloween and...

Cheers!

The Pumpkin Keg!

I absolutely love the idea of doing a pumpkin keg.  I found the idea on Celebrations.com,  it's perfect for any fall party including Halloween!

It's simple:

Carefully cut a hole in the top of a pumpkin, remove all seeds (reserve for toasting in the oven) and membrane making sure the entire inside of the pumpkin is clean.

Carefully cut a hole in the lower portion of the pumpkin and insert the spout (find it here on Amazon.com). Be careful to cut the hole small enough so that the spigot has a tight fit to prevent any leak.

Pour in your favorite fall beer or cider.  And enjoy! (please drink responsibly)

To keep the beer or cider cold place a zip - lock bag filled with ice in the pumpkin with your beer or cider.

Be sure to keep the kids away from this one... If you want, you can make one for just for the kids with their favorite punch or soda. Just mark one pumpkin "adults" and the other "kids".

This is sure to be a hit at your next party.

Cheers!

Candy Corn Jell-O Shots

While not consider the best to serve at a black tie affair I do think Jell-O shots can be a fun addition to a party.  With Halloween just around the corner I thought it would be fun to share a candy corn Jell-O shot that I created as the perfect treat for your Halloween party. 

Here are the easy directions:

- 1 package lemon flavored Jell-O
- 1 package orange flavored Jell-O
- Regular vodka
- Whipped cream

Prepare the lemon flavored Jell-O using 1 1/2 cups water and 1/2 cup vodka.  Bring the water to a boil, then add in the Jell-O and vodka.  Stir until well mixed then pour into small glasses (I use clear votive holders since they are the perfect size).  One Rabido I would like to share is to spray the inside of the glass lightly with Pam so the Jell-O comes out of the glass easily. Also, Rabidon't have these in a place where kids have open access to them.  Fill the glasses just under half way, refrigerate until set.  Then prepare the orange Jell-O using the same directions as the lemon, filling the glasses but leaving room at the top to add whipped cream.  Just before you are ready to serve the Jell-O shots add the whipped cream for the finishing touch.

The result is a tasty treat your guests will love.  As we get closer to Halloween I will be sharing more fun food, drink and decorating tips.  

Cheers!

Looking for some fun cocktail and appetizer recipes for Halloween?

Halloween is such a fun, festive holiday that is perfect for a great party.  Of course every party needs creative, tasty cocktails and fun food.  I have been busy testing some great new recipes that I will be sharing this week Thursday on Better TV and next Monday on VH1's Morning Buzz.  I am sure you will love some of the fun recipes that will give a kick to your Halloween Party.

As a prelude I would like to share a new Fall cocktail that I really love.  It is a Salted Caramel Apple Cocktail and is ghoulishly addictive!

Ingredients:

1/2 ounce Vanilla Vodka

1 ounce Salted Caramel Vodka

5 ounces Apple Cider

Directions:

- Fill a large glass with ice

- Add the Vanilla and Salted Carmel Vodka

- Top with Apple Cider

- Stir

- Enjoy!

This is such a simple and tasty Fall cocktail.  I know it has been a hit with my friends!

Be sure to check your local listings for the airtimes of Better TV and VH1 Morning Buzz for many more great cocktail and food recipes.

Happy Halloween and.......

Cheers

Halloween Tips and Tricks!

Halloween is just around the corner and if you have not already planned out your spooky festivities don't fret! I have some easy, fun, and inexpensive tips and tricks on Celebrations.com that will help you make your Halloween bash a hit! Check them out here!

photo courtesy of celebrations.com

Cheers!
Shawn