Halloween Leftovers: Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Bread

I have some leftover Halloween pictures to share. Which makes sense because we fill up October with so many Halloween events, it takes forever to get through them all. 

My kids started the day off with a festive open-faced Monster Breakfast Sandwich. 

And then we accompanied Thatkid to school for his Halloween parade and flash-mob dance.

Thatbaby's preschool has a no costume rule, but do pajama day instead.  He wore some fun new Halloween pajamas for the occasion.

They do have a Halloween party, so he made "Make a Monster" kits for all his friends and brought them in.

After school we went to a Halloween party at the home of one of Thatkid's classmates.

And then we all headed out to trick or treat!

The neighborhood we went to was new to us, but had some great decorations.

The kids came home with quite the haul!

Not only did I have leftover Halloween pictures, we also had leftover Halloween candy.  Due to some poor communication, both Thatboy and I had picked up Halloween candy to hand out.  Plus I had picked up a bag of Reeses Peanut Butter cups for us.  So we had....a lot of peanut butter cups.  I was trying to think of ways to use them up, and I could have thrown them into brownies or cookies, but really, we already had so much candy, I wanted to make something a little less dessert-y.  I tried to think of what went well with peanut butter and chocolate and I came up with bananas.  Really, such a no brainer when you think about it.  Chocolate chip banana bread is already a thing, and peanut butter seems like a natural addition.

I always have frozen bananas on hand, and defrosted frozen bananas make the BEST mashed bananas for banana bread.  My family agrees.  We ate this entire loaf in 2 days!  No leftovers here!

Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Bread

1 1/2 cups flour

1 tsp baking powder

1 tsp baking soda

1 stick butter

1 cup dark brown sugar

3 eggs

3 bananas, mashed

1/3 cup sour cream

1 cup peanut butter cups, chopped

1. Preheat oven to 325.  Spray a loaf pan with baking spray.  Combine flour, baking powder, and baking soda in a medium sized bowl.
2. Beat the butter in an electric mixer until soft and fluffy.  
3. Add sugar to butter and continue to mix.
4. Add eggs, one at a time.
5. Mix in mashed bananas and sour cream.
6. Add the dry ingredients on low speed, continue mixing until just combined.
7.  Stir the peanut butter cups into the batter and pour into the prepared pan.  Bake for 75 minutes, or until cooked through.
8. Cool in the pan for 10 to 15 minutes before turning onto a rack and allowing to completely cool.

Pumpkin Everything: Pumpkin Butter

With the intense fall heat we've been having, and given our experience with getting pumpkins too early in the month, we decided to hold off on all pumpkin-ing until the week of Halloween.

First stop, the pumpkin patch!

We still have the rule that you can't get a pumpkin that you can't carry.  And my kids couldn't be more different about that.  Thatbaby likes little ones, veering away from anything that even looks heavy.

Thatkid, on the other hand, is always going for broke, trying to get the largest pumpkin he can physically hold.  Thatboy even tried to institute a new rule that you had to make it all the way to the wheelbarrow with your pumpkin, but Thatkid was up on that game too.

Once we had our pumpkins, we headed to the other things the patch has to offer.  We skipped the hay ride this year, because it was already hot and sticky.  We didn't want to sit in the hot sun, getting even hotter, and getting stuck by straw.

We did get lost in the corn maze.

And Thatbaby always loves the petting zoo portion of the pumpkin patch.

This year they even opened up the sunflower for "u-cut" sunflowers at $1 a stem.

Monday night, we got to work turning our pumpkins into works of art.

And then Tuesday night we headed to Plan 9 for their annual pumpkin carving contest.  As usual, Thatboy and Thatkid collaborated on the idea.  Thatkid came up with the idea, and Thatboy worked on different designs, until they both agreed.  Then Thatboy did the actual carving.

This year however, we invited Thatkid's friends and Thatkid helped his friend with his design.

Then Thatkid cheered his heart out so that his friend ended up taking second place!  Poor Thatboy.

With all that pumpkin fun, I really wanted to use the pumpkins to make pumpkin butter.  It's fairly well known about my love of all things pumpkin flavored, and in fact, my friends teased me for not picking up pumpkin butter with my annual Trader Joes pumpkin haul.  But pumpkin butter is one of those things that's so easy to make.  And while I didn't get around to making it with real pumpkin this year, canned pumpkin puree is one of the reasons this is so easy!  I love it thrown on top of toast, bagels, or english muffins, used in a turkey sandwich, and it works great as a cinnamon roll filler!

Pumpkin Butter

1 cup canned pumpkin puree

1/4 cup sugar

1/4 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup apple cider

1 tsp cinnamon

1/2 tsp nutmeg

1/2 tsp ginger

1/4 tsp cloves

juice of 1/2 lemon

1. Combine all the ingredients in a saucepan over medium heat.  Bring to a simmer, and let simmer for about 35 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool completely before using.  

7 Reasons to Visit Hal-Glow-Een at the San Diego Zoo: Pumpkin Macaroni and Cheese

Every year we try to incorporate one new Halloween event into our calendar.  Sometimes they end up being keepers (like the Gingerbread house building we did last year) and other years we decide that we don't need to make it a yearly event.  This year our new event was Hal-Glow-Een at the zoo.   For three weekends in October the zoo, which normally closes at 5pm, stays open late for Halloween festivities.  Prior to us going I could find very little information about the event.  What does it entail?  Is it worth it?  If you're considering making this a family event for next Halloween, here are some good tips to keep in mind.

#1: Music and Dancing

 Hal-Glow-Een is made up of several different areas throughout the zoo with activities at each area.  And a lot of the activities involve music and/or dancing.  We started the evening out with the Skeleton Band, who played a bunch of kid friendly Halloween music that got both my kids up and on their feet grooving.  

We also stopped by Dusty Keys, who, along with his skeleton friend, played Halloween songs on the organ, told jokes, and generally kept the kids entertained.  

Special tip: Dusty Keys is located at the Boardwalk Beer Garden if the grownups want to grab a drink while the kids watch the show.  

And of course, the bubble dance party which goes on all night.  There are black lights, bubbles, and fun music for your favorite little dancer.

Special tip: In addition to the bubbles put on by the dj, they sell light up bubble wands which of course every kid wants.  So be prepared ahead of time to either buy one or tell your child "no" a million times.  

#2: Fun Shows

In addition to the musicians, there are also non-musical shows.  At several times and locations throughout the zoo there are "Animal Encounters,"  a chance to get a closer look at some very cool animals.  Thatbaby made us stop each time we passed one. 

There's also The Spooky Review which features aerialists, acrobats, and jugglers.  We happened upon it early in the evening, but I'm betting it would be even more fun at night when the performers neon costumes glowed.

The kids loved Dr. Zoolittle, which had a ton of crowd participation.  There was magic, bug eating, and a cupcake walk where 3 kids win cupcakes. 

Special tip: Both the Spooky Review and Dr. Zoolittle are located beside restaurants, so they make a great place to stop and grab dinner while you watch the show.

#3: Python Path

Most of the animals don't take part in the Hal-Glow-Een festivities.  With the exception of the reptiles in the reptile house.  Glow in the dark reptiles adorned the wall as we wandered through looking at different snakes, lizards, and frogs.

#4: See the Zoo at Night

Since the zoo normally closes at 5pm, you get to see a side of the zoo that few experience.  Some of the animals are more active as the weather cools down.  Others who may hide during the day come out and sleep in the open at night.  

Special tip: The zoo is really dark at night.  Most of us were using cell phone flashlights to get around.  I recommend either starting at Africa Rocks (which is the easiest to get lost in the dark) or bringing a light source with you.  Glow wands, sticks, and jewelry are definitely helpful.

#5: Boo Crew

Do your kids love costumed characters?  Street performers?  Both? Well Hal-Glow-Een has them! It's pretty cool to see the Boo Crew wandering around and interacting with kids.

#6: Food and Drink Specials

Almost every restaurant had specials for Hal-Glow-Een.  Like spooky straws for your drinks.  Or cotton candy shaped like candy corn with a light up stick.   The zoo doesn't usually run seasonal food specials, so if you like the idea, this is the time to get it!

#7: You Can't Do It All

There's so much to do at Hal-Glow-Een, there were a ton of events we didn't get to.  Other musicians, shows, and even glow in the dark hula hoops.  So if none of the events I wrote about appeal to you, maybe one of the others will!

Know Before You Go:

• Hours: Weekends in October, 5-9pm.
• Admission: Included with the price of zoo admission for adults ($56).  Since the zoo participates in "Kids Free in October" this event is free for kids.
• Membership: Packages vary.  An annual pass is $174 for 2 adults and includes access to the zoo, Safari park, and special events at both locations. 
• See Plan Your Visit on the San Diego Zoo Website for more information

Since Halloween is now over, I'm sharing my favorite "Halloween" recipes that are really great for the whole fall.  Like pumpkin macaroni and cheese.  Fall is my favorite time of year for comfort foods like this.  Comfort foods involving pumpkin.  Really, there's nothing better.  And while savory pumpkin dishes can be hit or miss, this macaroni and cheese hits all the right notes.  It's not overwhelmingly pumpkin spice, instead the pumpkin helps to make the sauce creamy and thick.  And with all the cheese in it, its a surefire winner with small kids.  I didn't even mention the pumpkin addition to mine and my kids devoured it.

Pumpkin Macaroni and Cheese

1lb macaroni or other pasta (I used the pumpkin shapes from Trader Joes)

3 Tbsp butter

3 Tbsp flour

2 cups milk

1 cup pureed pumpkin

1 tsp dijon mustard

1/4 tsp garlic powder

1/4 tsp onion powder

1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded

1/2 cup mozzarella

1/4 cup parmsean

1. Cook pasta according to package directions.  Drain and set aside.
2. In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
3. Add in the flour and stir until it becomes a paste.  Cook for another minute or two until the paste starts to bubble.
4. Slowly stir in the milk, and continue stirring until smooth.  Cook for 3-5 minutes until the mixture starts to thicken.
5. Reduce heat to low and stir in pumpkin, mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt and pepper to taste.
6. Remove from heat and stir in cheese.  Continue stirring until all the cheese is melted and incorporated.
7. Stir in the pasta and serve.

Halloween Houses: Best Ever Buttercream

One of the kids' favorite Halloween events from last year was when the local bakery did a gingerbread house workshop.  A spooky, scary, Halloween gingerbread house workshop.  So naturally, this year, they wanted to do it again.

Like last year, Thatboy and I helped a lot with the actual construction of the house, then followed their vision for decoration.

Thatbaby stuck with his usual modus operandi of putting as much candy as humanly possible on his house.  He had a little more of a design plan this year, wanting to put snakes and body parts all over the yard.

Thatkid wanted to make his house anthropomorphic, putting faces on both sides.  But also, lots of dead bodies all around the house.  Both kids told us that their houses were where people came to die.

They were both very please with how their houses turned out.

I love helping the kids with things like this, but I admit, I'm also totally jealous.  I wanna sit and nicely decorate a gingerbread house.  It feels like it would be so soothing and relaxing without 2 kids hanging on your shoulders.  Instead, I have to use my creative juices on other forms of decorating.  Like when Thatkid's aftercare asked for parents to bring in things for a Halloween party.  I saw these batty cupcakes in a magazine and figured I could recreate them.  Also - not super relaxing with the kids touching, breaking and asking when they'd be ready every few minutes.  The basic idea is easy enough to figure out yourself (rolos, oreos, and candy eyeballs).  I've already shared a great chocolate cupcake recipe.  But I found a new buttercream frosting recipe for Thatkid's mirror glaze cake for his birthday.  I love it because it's just a couple of ingredients - so easy.  And it takes coloring like a champ, making it great for creative designs.

Best Ever Buttercream (adapted from preppykitchen.com)

2 sticks of butter

16 oz confectioners sugar

1/4 tsp salt

1. Cream the butter in an electric stand mixer until fluffy (3-5 minutes)
2. Add half of the sugar and continue to mix until combined.
3. Add the rest of the sugar and continue to mix.
4. Add in the salt and mix just until combined.
5. Color whatever color you wish to use for your cake, cupcakes, or stomach.

Legoland's Brick Or Treat: Witch Hat Cookies

It's that time of year again, time for us to dig into as much Halloween fun as we can find.  As usual, this means starting the holiday off with a BOO at Legoland's Brick or Treat.

Brick or Treat happens every Saturday in October, so this coming Saturday is the last night of the event.  It's an additional add on to your regular ticket (or membership for most levels), but well worth it.  It's so much fun to get dressed up and run around the park in the dark, with the bonus of collecting candy and treats!

Brick or Treat starts at 5pm and goes until 9pm, so after years of experience, we know not to get to the park too early.  It's a long day for kids.  We usually head over after nap time.  Which also helps the little guy not turn into an actual monster.  Once we get into the park we usually ride a few rides before changing into our costumes.

Costumes are not required for this event, but they make everything so much more fun, don't you think?  

The entire park is decorated in fun Halloween decor that is perfect for kids - not too spooky.  Even spooky elements like spiders take on an air of fun when they're jamming to rock music.  There are seasonal specialty foods offered, although we always end up at the pizza and pasta buffet - a good deal for refillable drinks and a place to fill up on something other than candy.

There are so many different events during the night.  Dance parties, shows, stilt walkers and entertainers, people who go around with bubble carts.  The kids usually enter the costume contest, which is always emcee'd  by the best performer who interviews all the kids and is so quick witted.  This year the kids opted not to participate in the contest so they could have more time for rides.   And we rode lots of rides this year.  While most of the rides aren't done any differently for Halloween, it's fun to ride them in costume, or get to ride them at night when it's dark.  The one exception is the "Coast Cruise" which is revamped as the "Ghost Cruise" with corny Halloween jokes instead of corny regular jokes.

In addition to the costumes, shows, and rides, the big draw for Brick or Treat is, obviously, the Treat part.  There are treat stations set up all over the park.  The treats handed out are things that don't melt - things like granola bars, apple sauce, jolly ranchers, sour straws, lollipops, starburst, laffy taffy, and there's always a collectible lego brick and a lego magazine. 

We always end up closing down the park, so our pro tip is to bring pajamas for the kids to change into for the ride home.  They always fall asleep during the drive, which is nice for Thatboy and I.  Because they're not the only ones exhausted!

Know Before You Go

Hours:  5-9pm

Admission: $64, parking is not included and costs $18 on the weekend

Packages: Packages available to add on a day at Legoland, 2 day admission, or even a hotel stay.

See Brick or Treat Tickets on Legoland's website for more information.

In honor of our classic monster costumes, I wanted to make a classic monster cookie.  I've been seeing witch hat cookies all over the internet.  I grew up with these, called peanut butter blossoms, which my mom made every Christmas.  It's weird to see them rebranded as Halloween cookies.  Especially when they don't even look like witch hats - have you ever seen a two toned witch hat?  I felt like I could improve upon the idea very easily.  Take away the peanut butter base and sub in something darker.  My original thought was a chocolate crack cookie, but then I was thumbing through my Maida Heatter cookie book and found something even better.  She calls them "Down East Chocolate Cookies" - an almond chocolate cookie with no flour, so they spread into a nice, flat circle.  But also, because of the use of almond paste, instead of flour they have the most wonderful, dense, chewy quality.  I've seen them described as the texture of a tootsie roll, and that's not far off.  So delightfully decadent, dark, and sinful they make the perfect Halloween treat.  No tricks.

Witch Hat Cookies (Adapted from Maida Heatter's Down East Chocolate Cookies)

1 1/2 oz unsweetened chocolate

3 oz unsalted butter

3/4 cup granulated sugar

1/8 tsp salt

3 1/2 oz almond paste

1 egg

1/2 tsp almond extract

24 Hershey kisses, unwrapped

1. Place the chocolate and butter in the top of a large double boiler, uncovered, over warm water on moderate heat.  Stir frequently until melted.
2. Add the sugar and salt and stir to mix. 
3. Add the almond paste and stir until the almond paste is completely blended.
4. Remove the top of the double boiler from the heat and whisk in the egg and almond extract until smooth.  Let the mixture cool, then place in the freezer for 30 minutes.
5. Preheat oven to 300.  Place aluminum foil on a cookie sheets with only one raised side.  Drop batter by rounded teaspoons-ful onto the cookie sheet.  Do not place more than 6 on each cookie sheet because they will spread.  Bake for 21 minutes reversing sheets top to bottom and front to back during baking to ensure even baking.
6. Remove from oven and let them cool for one minute, before putting the kisses in the middle of the cookies.  Let cool completely on the foil.  When completely cool, peel the foil away from the backs of the cookies.