It’s never too early to tap into your children’s excitement about the best holiday ever. (Halloween, of course!) For a fun activity this fall, try these easy marshmallow recipes perfect for even the littlest gourmet goblins.

pumpkin jack-o-lanterns (pictured above)

1 10 oz. bag of marshmallows
2 T . margarine or butter
5 c. Rice Krispies
2 T . maple syrup
1 t. cinnamon
1/4 t. ground clove
1/2 t. nutmeg
Drop of orange food coloring
Black/chocolate icing

1. In a microwave safe bowl, combine marshmallows, butter and syrup. In 30-second intervals, with a quick stir between each, microwave until marshmallows are melted. Stir in spices and food coloring. Mix in cereal, stir until evenly coated with marshmallow cream.
2. Roll into baseball-size balls. Dip some cashews into melted chocolate, and let harden. Stick one chocolate-covered cashew into the top of each crispy treat ball. Decorate each ball with a jack-o-lantern face using black icing.

sf-kids-monster-mouths

apple monster mouths

20 very moist pitted dates (if not moist and sticky, soak dates in warm water for 10 minutes and drain)
Granny Smith apple
Cocoa powder
1. Add dates to food processor. Pulse on low until small bits remain. Stream in 3 to 4 T. hot water until paste consistency, scraping sides periodically.
2. Cut a Granny Smith apple into wedges. Spread each with date butter, being careful to plan a ‘top’ and a ‘bottom’ for each mouth. Line mini marshmallows along one date-buttered apple and top with another. Dust exposed side of top apple with cocoa powder.

Recipes adapted from Dandies Marshmallows.