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The tradition of Halloween goes back to ancient times and blends these old traditions with today's modern traditions. Food has always been a part of the Halloween tradition, whether it was pagans giving food to appease ghosts or Christians giving food to the poor. Today apples, pumpkins, and sweet treats all add to the Halloween festivities.

Here are a few Halloween "traditions" with a matching recipe:

1) Lighting Haystacks - Thousands of years ago Celtic priests built large bonfires or burning haystacks to their deities. In recent times, Americans light bonfires to celebrate the Autumn harvest.

Halloween Haystacks

1 cup chocolate chips
1 cup peanut butter chips
2 cups marshmallows
2 cups chow mein noodles

In a small saucepan, melt chips over low to medium heat, stirring until completely melted. Add marshmallows and stir. Next add chow mein noodles and stir until well coated. With a large spoon, drop haystack mixture onto a large cookie sheet covered with wax paper. Refrigerate one hour or until firm.

Makes about 3 dozen haystacks.

2) Bobbing for Apples - The Roman goddess of fruit was symbolized by the apple, which probably explains the tradition of bobbing for apples that developed during Halloween. Whatever the origin, Halloween isn't the same without apples.

Bobbing for Apples Punch

6 cups apple juice, chilled
1/4 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
1/2 cup lime juice
2 cinnamon sticks
12 small red apples

Combine ingredients in a large punch bowl or black cauldron. Serve chilled with apples floating in the punch.

3) Ghosts and Goblins - Halloween traditions began with the concept of the night when the dead or "ghosts" wander the earth.

Gooey Ghosts

1/3 cup butter
6 cups marshmallows
1 teaspoon vanilla
8 cups cereal of your choice
white icing
chocolate chips

In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Next add marshmallows and stir until smooth. Stir in vanilla. Pour into a mixing bowl and stir in cereal until well coated. Place the mixing bowl over a pan of boiling water.

Wear rubber gloves and shape by hand the marshmallow cereal mixture into ghost shapes a few inches long and place on baking tray covered with wax paper. Let ghosts cool for about 30 minutes until firm. Spread white icing on top and put chocolate chips for eyes, nose, and mouth.

Click here for more Halloween recipes.

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However you celebrate Halloween this year, I hope you have a safe and happy holiday that incorporates a few of these ancient (and modern) traditions.

Happy Halloween and Happy Kid Cooking!