Halloween is here, and it is important to keep the spooky spirit alive this season. Even though Fla. does not get the classic fall weather, you can still participate in making Halloween snacks or setting up costumes. If you are looking for fun, yet simple ideas for costumes and recipes for Halloween, here are a few options. 

Costumes

Doctor or Nurse. 

With masks being mandatory out in public, it is wise to adjust your costume to something COVID-19 friendly. Dressing up as a doctor or nurse is a perfect way to accommodate this. For example, you can buy scrubs and wear your mask to appear as a surgeon. Those who enjoy more terrifying costumes can easily make a zombie-doctor costume by adding some fake blood and dark makeup. You can find this on www.amazon.com 

James Bond 

If you want to go as something more classic, this is a great idea for those who do not like to put much effort into a costume or wear makeup. If you are planning to do something indoors this Halloween, you would not have to worry about getting the costume dirty from going out. All you have to do is put on a suit and you are ready to go. 

Joker 

While there are many different adaptations of Joker, this is always a fun costume. This is a great choice, especially for those who like doing makeup. You will want to use a pale foundation as a base for your makeup, then use green or purple eyeshadow around the eyes, with a bold red smile stretching across your face using lipstick. You can also use scar wax to create the classic Glasgow smile the Joker occasionally adorns, with fake blood for an extra terrifying appearance. 

Mad Hatter 

This one is also for those who enjoy doing bold makeup looks. The Mad Hatter is a look that has various ways of being arranged. If you choose this costume, good items to include would be checkered patterned clothing with a vest and a mad hatter hat. For makeup, you can use pinks and blues around the eyes with some green accents. You can also buy colored hairspray at your local drugstore if you want to change your hair color for the evening. It washes out in the shower too. You can purchase a mad hatter hat on www.amazon.com 

For more Halloween costume ideas check out these online retailers: www.halloweenexpress.com and www.spirithalloween.com. 

Halloween treats 

For all Halloween treats, quantity and measurements vary depending on the desired amount. 

´Ghoul Berries´

For those who love sweet and fruity treats, this is a great option. These white-chocolate covered strawberries are perfect if you are looking for something cute and simple. 

You will need strawberries, white chocolate melting wafers, red food coloring and black gel frosting. 

Wash and dry the strawberries before you get started. Meltdown the chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl per instructions on the package. Take the strawberries and dip them into the bowl, rotating them around to coat the edges. Place the strawberries on a tray lined with wax paper. Refrigerate immediately for about 5-10 minutes. Take them out and using the black gel, make two eyes and a ghoulish mouth. Apply the red food coloring under the eyes. Keep refrigerated until ready to serve. 

´Mummy Bones´

If you are looking for something a little saltier, these dark-chocolate covered pretzels are the way to go. Decorated with white chocolate drizzle and candy eyes, this classic treat the perfect thing to make for the Halloween season. 

You will need pretzel rods, chocolate melting wafers, dark and white chocolate, candy eyes and red food coloring (optional). 

Lay a sheet of wax paper on a tray and line the pretzel rods up. Melt the dark chocolate wafers in a microwave-safe bowl per instructions on the package. Coat the pretzels with the melted chocolate by using a spatula and holding the pretzels over the bowl. Lay back down on the tray and let cool. 

After the pretzels have cooled, melt the white chocolate wafers in the microwave. Take a fork and dip it into the chocolate. Pick up the pretzel and rotate it under the fork, letting the melted chocolate drizzle over. Take the candy eyes and place them on the pretzel using the chocolate as glue. Let cool before serving. For a more frightful appearance, use red food coloring and dye the eyes red. 

´Cobweb cookies´ 

With the cobweb like design, this spooky treat is sure to draw attention. If you are looking to make something more detailed, this is the treat to make. 

You will need chocolate cookies, butter, marshmallows and black gel frosting. 

Bake the cookies per instruction if not already baked. Once the cookies have cooled, melt butter and marshmallows together in a microwave-safe bowl. Stay away from using too much butter, or else the consistency will be too liquidy to use. You want the consistency of the melted marshmallow to be stringy. You can use a fork or your fingers to spread the marshmallow over the cookie in a cob-web like design. Add a drop of black gel frosting onto the cookie, preferably where the marshmallow is for contrast. Use a fork or a toothpick to spread the frosting out to look like spider legs, and you are ready to serve.  

For more Halloween recipes, visit tasty.co/compilation/5-spooky-recipes-for-halloween.