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Fall Fun
What does October mean to me, but of course, Halloween! And we all know Halloween means candy, apples, fun and scary attractions, with costumes for the kids and adults that are young at heart. For family fun Medina County offers two corn mazes for the family to enjoy.
Mapleside Farms in Brunswick has the “Wild Animal Adventure Corn Maze”. As a rookie zoo keeper, you must go on an expedition to study the “Big Five” most popular wild animals-the tiger, the giraffe, the elephant, the lion and the zebra. While wandering through the maze there will be projects to complete to be rewarded at the end of your journey. The maze is open Friday nights and Saturday and Sundays through November 1st. Every Friday and Saturday night will be flashlight nights at the maze from dusk until 10pm. Bring your own flashlight to enjoy the maze in the dark. For further information and admission, check their web site www.mapleside.com.
Beriswill’s Farm in Valley City also has a corn maze for your enjoyment. It is designed for the Liverpool Township Bicentennial. The corn maze is open 11am-6pm the 24th, 25th and 31st. Flashlight nights in the corn maze are from 7pm-10pm. For further information and admission, check their web site www.beriswillfarm.com.
For those who like to be scared, Medina County has three haunted attractions. First, for the young kids, Spring Mist Farms has the Haunted Vineyard for ages 6 to 10, October 23rd, 24th and 25th, Friday and Saturday 6pm-9pm, Sunday 6pm-8pm. For further information and admission, check their web site www.springmistfarms.com.
For the past 17 years, the older kids and adults have been haunted and scared at the Nightmare in the Wilderness at The Apple Cabin on St. Rt. 42 north of Lodi. It starts with a 1/2 mile hayride where you will be dropped off at the entrance to a thrilling experience of a lifetime. They are open Friday and Saturday nights through October 31st from 7:30pm until midnight weather permitting. For further information and admission, check their web site www.nightmareinthewilderness.com.
With Halloween almost upon us, now is the time to get your outdoor fall home decorating finished. For pumpkins, gourds, corn stalks, bails of straw and fall flowers, visit one of Medina County’s great greenhouses or garden centers for all your supplies. You can be the best decorated home on your block. Bring the kids and take a hayride and/or have them pick their own pumpkins for carving. Other Halloween events throughout the County are as follows:
October
21 Fall Arrangement Class, Still Meadow Farm, Seville, call 330.769.3793 for information.
22 Scare on the Square, Downtown Wadsworth, costume contest at the Strand Theatre, 330.335.9301.
23 October Fest, Skyview Lodge, Brunswick, 7pm-midnight, admission, 330.225.8345.
Pumpkin Carving Fest, Nature Center, Brunswick, 6-7pm, fee, call 330.273.8000 to register.
23-25 The Haunted Vineyard, Spring Mist Farms, Brunswick Hills, Fri-Sat 6-9pm, Sun 6-8pm, ages 1-10, admission, 330.225.3565.
Hayrides, Richardson Farms, Medina, Fri-Sat 10am-11pm, Sun 11am-10pm, call 330.722.4029 for reservations after 6pm.
23-31 Roadside Farm Market, Still Meadow Farm, Seville, call 330.769.3793 for information.
Hayrides to Pumpkin Patch, Boyert’s Greenhouse, Medina, call 330.725.3509 for details.
Taste of Summer Farm Market, Skyview Lodge, Brunswick, 8am-dusk, call 330.225.8345 for information.
24 Halloween Monster Bash, Medina Community Rec Ctr, Medina, 1-4pm, haunted house, crafts and more, admission, 330.721.6900.
Sharon Women’s Club Fall Fest, Sharon Elementary School, Sharon Center, 9am-4pm, 330.334.4538.
Halloween Hunt, 9170 Norwalk Rd, Litchfield, 11am, ages 3-8, 330.635.8249.
Halloween Party, Brunswick Rec Ctr, call 330.273.8000 for details.
Pumpkin Decorating Contest, Lodi Library, 1pm, ages 11+, call 330.948.1885 to register.
Annual Farmers Market, Trinity United Church of Christ, Wadsworth, 9am-12:30pm, 330.334.2536.
24,25 Pumpkin Junction, Lodi Station Outlets, Burbank, Sat Noon-6pm, Sun Noon-4pm, 330.948.9929.
Hayrides, The Apple Cabin, Lodi, Noon-5pm, 330.948.1476.
Hayrides, Mapleside Farms, Brunswick, call 330.225.5577 for information.
Corn Maze Open, Beriswill Farm, Valley City, 11am-6pm, 330.350.2486.
Hayrides, Pine Crest Farms, Spencer, call 330.667.2968 for information.
25 Kid’s Halloween Party, All Fired Up!, Medina, 1-5pm, call 330.723.1112 for details.
Flashlight Nights in the Corn Maze, Beriswill Farm, Valley City, 7-10pm, 330.350.2486.
26 Ghouls and Gaming, Medina Library, 6:30-8pm, ages 11-18, call 330.725.0588 to register.
Monster Mash, Seville Library, 5:30pm, ages 3-11, call 330.769.2852 to register.
27 Scared of the Dark?, Lodi Library, 5pm, ages 10+, call 330.948.1885 to register.
Halloween Fashion Show, Medina Library, 6:30pm, all ages, call 330.725.0588 to register.
29 Ladies Halloween DIVA Night, All Fired Up!, Medina, 6-9pm, call 330.723.1112 for details.
Gourdeous Pumpkins, Medina Library, 6:30pm, all ages, call 330.725.0588 to register.
Trick or Treat Tracks and Pet Parade, Lodi Station Outlets, 6-8pm, call 330.948.9929 for details.
30 October Fest, Skyview Lodge, Brunswick, 7pm-midnight, admission, 330.225.8345.
Vampire Ball Murder Mystery, Williams on the Lake, Medina, doors open 6:30pm, dinner 7pm, admission, call 330.722.6766 for reservations.
30,31 Hayrides, Richardson Farms, Medina, Fri-Sat 10am-11pm, Sun 11am-10pm, call 330.722.4029 for reservations after 6pm.
31 “Trick or Treat”, City of Wadsworth, 6-8pm, 330.335.1521.
Halloween Hullabaloo, Wolf Creek Environmental Ctr, 2pm, ages 4-8, call 330.722.9364 to register.
Spooky Saturday, Brunswick Library, all day, all ages, 330.273.4150.
Halloween Fun at the Library, Highland Library, 2:30-3:30pm, all ages, call 330.278.4271 to register.
Corn Maze Open, Beriswill Farm, Valley City, 11am-6pm, 330.350.2486.
Annual Farmers Market, Trinity United Church of Christ, Wadsworth, 9am-12:30pm, 330.334.2536.
November
1 Hayrides, Mapleside Farms, Brunswick, call 330.225.5577 for information.
1-15 Taste of Summer Farm Market, Skyview Lodge, Brunswick, 8am-dusk, call 330.225.8345 for information.
7 Harvest Buffet, Mapleside Farms, Brunswick, call 330.225.5577 for reservations.
Medina Toy & Train Museum
The Medina Toy & Train Museum is a jewel on Medina’s Historic Square. Located at 7 Public Square, it is above Ormandy’s Trains & Toys shop. The Museum houses 4 multi-track operating 3-D model train layouts, some interactive; there are over 500 engines, 400 car models, 100 airplane models, 100 dolls, 1000s of books on transportation and 2 new 5 foot doll houses. The museum also has original handmade wooden toys of the late 1800s through colorful metal windup toys. Of special interest are original A.I. Root toys made in the 1940s and 1950s, some made here in Medina at Root, and others made by the A.M. Shephard Company of Cleveland. John Shephard, son of A.M. Shephard Company founder, has been a museum chairperson. In addition, there are graphic, photos, posters, videos and period music in the background that gives museum visitors a colorful glimpse of our culture and society when the old toys and trains first charmed their adult purchasers and child owners. Call ahead for an appointment and/or hours open Monday-Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday Noon-5pm.
Be sure to stop at Ormandy’s Trains & Toys at 10 Public Square, just below the Toy & Train Museum. Other Medina County railroad interests are: Lodi Railroad Museum, 330.948.1250 ext 11, www.lodirailroadmuseum.org; Northeastern Ohio Live Steamers, http://livesteamohio.homestead.com/LiveSteamOhio.html and Northern Ohio Railway Museum, 330.769.5501, www.northernohiorailwaymuseum.org.
Medina Model Railroad & Toy Show
Are you still a child at heart? Do you love trains and toys? Then you will want to come to Medina County on October 25th for the Medina Model Railroad & Toy Show. The show will be held at the Medina County Community Center located at the Medina Fairgrounds from 10am to 4pm. The show will include 350 displays of model trains memorabilia, layouts, supplies, books, collectible toys and working layouts. You can watch a train movie or attend seminars. So come out and enjoy the fun. If you cannot make it on the 25th or enjoy it so much, you can return on December 6th for the Christmas Xtravaganza show. For more information and admission, visit www.conraddowdell.com.
2009 Ohio Watercolor Exhibit
The Medina County Art League is hosting the Ohio Watercolor 2009 Exhibit. This exclusive travel exhibition is comprised of forty paintings by Ohio’s foremost watercolor artists, award winners’ paintings chosen by juror Cheng-Khee Chee from the Watercolor 2009 annual exhibition. The show will take place at the Medina County District Library on the third floor. The show will open October 31st and run thru November 28th Monday thru Thursday 9am-8:30pm, Friday 9am-6pm, Saturday 9am-5pm and Sunday 1pm-5pm (the Library is closed November 11th for Veterans Day). In addition, painting demonstrations by northeast Ohio Watercolor Society (OWS) artists are scheduled for each Saturday and Sunday throughout the month of November. The Ohio Watercolor 2009 Exhibit is sponsored by the Medina County Art League and made possible by grants from the Medina County Community Fund, The Medina County Arts Council and I.O.O.F. Morning Star Lodge #26 Medina.
Demonstrations will be held on the third floor of the Library and are free and open to the public. November 7th, 1-3pm, Jerry Zelinskas, Canton, “A Floral Painting using Big Brushes”; November 8th, 1:30-3:30pm, Mel Grunau, Berea,
“An Abstract Floral Watercolor Painting with Collage”; November 14th, 1-3pm, Linda Hutchison, Kent, “A Figurative Watercolor Painting” using a model; November 15th, 1:30-3:30pm, Susan Kiedio, Parma Heights, “A Figurative Watercolor Painting on Canvas” using a model; November 21st, 1-3pm, Cathy Welner, Richfield, “A Traditional Winter Landscape using Watercolor”; November 22nd, 1:30-3:30pm, Sally Heston, Broadview Heights, “A Transparent Watercolor Landscape”; November 28th, 1-3pm, Sharon Borror, Medina, “A Still Life Watercolor Painting”.
Main Street Medina plans to bring Top Russian String Quartet to Medina
The St. Petersburg String Quartet, one of the world’s great string ensembles, will play to standing room only on November 7th as the second part of the 2009/2010 World Tour of Music Concert Series. Acclaimed throughout the music world, this quartet has blazed a trail through international chamber music competitions, winning First Prize at the All-Soviet Union String Quartet Competition, the Silver Medal and a Special Prize at the Tokyo International Competition of Chamber Ensembles, First Prize and both Special Prizes at the Vittorio Gui International Competition for Chamber Ensembles in Florence, Italy, and First Prize and the “Grand Prix Musica Viva” at the International Competition for Chamber Ensembles in Melbourne. Audiences around the globe give the St. Petersburg Quartet standing ovations. Adult tickets are $25 and Main Street Medina members, seniors, students and groups of 10+ are $20. Tickets are available by calling 330.952.0910, at either Medina Buehler’s locations or by downloading the order form at www.mainstreetmedina.com. All performances begin at 8pm and are held at Broadway Street Hall, 144 N Broadway, Medina. Doors open at 7:30pm, and seating is general admission.
The World Tour of Music continues in 2010 as perennial Medina favorites, The University of Akron Steel Drum Band, under the direction of Dr. Larry Snider and Matt Dudak, returns for a command performance on February 6, 2010 for an evening of high energy Caribbean rhythms. Delighting audiences of all ages, this is an evening you will not want to miss.
“Inspirational Groove” comes to Medina on April 3, 2010 as The Prayer Warriors gospel choir takes you on a musical tour of everything from R&B and jazz, to funk and gospel. You will be in for an explosive treat as this dynamic ensemble brings you hits from the Staple Singers, Temptations, O’Jays and Stevie Wonder, along with their original songs. Accompanied by their very own four-piece rhythm section (The Thunder Band), this Cleveland-based group is in high demand and has performed with Diana Ross, Foreigner, Josh Groban and Peter, Paul and Mary.
Main Street Medina Planning 25th Annual Candlelight Walk for November 20-22, 2009
The twinkling of the holiday tree in the Gazebo, luminary-lined streets and festive holiday music will transform Medina’s Historic Square into a magical wonderland as Main Street Medina presents the 25th Annual, Silver Anniversary Candlelight Walk.
Beginning Friday, November 20th the festivities kick off with the lighting of over 1,350 luminaries throughout the district, followed by the lighting of the holiday tree. New this year will be the addition of colored up-lights on the trees in the park, as well as holiday themed flags throughout the historic district. Santa comes to town on Saturday in the Holiday Parade of Lights, and will take up residence at Santa’s House on the Square for photographs with children and families. Medina Presbyterian Church will present a Live Nativity from 4-7pm on Saturday. Sunday’s activities include live entertainment, including the University of Akron Steel Drum Ensemble, carriage rides and more old-fashioned fun for the whole family.
To participate in the Holiday Parade of Lights, please contact Michel Brewer at 330.721.4010 or 330.725.5949. School and church music groups or choirs are encouraged to volunteer their time and share the gift of holiday sounds by contacting Denise Trudell at 330.730.9284. For a full list of events and activities, check www.mainstreetmedina.com.
Other Events in Medina County
October
23-25 “And Then There Were None”, presented by Medina County Show Biz Co, call 330.722.5776 for ticket information.
24,25 Voyageur Canoe Paddles, Hinckley Lake, Hinckley Reservation, fee per person, call 440.786.8530 to secure a seat.
25 Medina Model Railroad & Toy Show, Community Ctr at the Fairgrounds, 10am-4pm, admission, 330.948.4400.
Market Day for Ohio Natural Fiber Network, Places in Time Fiber Arts Studio, Noon-5pm, 330.948.5396.
Photographers of the Park Club, Wolf Creek Environmental Ctr, 3pm, 330.722.9364.
Benefit Quilt Auction, Wadsworth UMC, 1:30pm, admission, 330.336.4691.
27 Restorative Yogaaaaahhhh!, Rx Yoga, Medina, fee, call 330.722.0661 to register.
Yoga During Pregnancy, Rx Yoga, Medina, 5-6:15pm, fee, call 330.722.0661 to register.
Paint Me a Story Time, All Fired Up!, Medina, 1pm, call 330.723.1112 for details.
28 Open Mic, Sonnet’s Coffeehouse, Wadsworth, sign up 7pm, show 7:30pm, 330.336.5557.
31 Ohio Watercolor 2009 Exhibit, Medina County District Library, call 330.725.0588 for library hours.
November
1 Digital Photography for Beginners, Wolf Creek Environmental Ctr, 1-4pm, ages 16+, fee, call 330.722.9364 to register.
Open House, Medina County Historical Society, 1-4pm, 330.722.1341.
1-28 Ohio Watercolor 2009 Exhibit, Medina County District Library, call 300.725.0588 for library hours.
2 Monday Night is Guys Night Out, Galaxy’s Patio, Wadsworth, admission, 330.334.3663.
3 Restorative Yogaaaaahhhh!, Rx Yoga, Medina, 6:30pm, fee, call 330.722.0661 to register.
Yoga During Pregnancy, Rx Yoga, Medina, 5-6:15pm, fee, call 330.722.0661 to register.
4 Nature Through the Seasons, Lester Rail Trail (meet behind Career Ctr), 10am, 330.722.9364.
Meet the Artist, Brunswick City Hall, 7:30pm, 330.225.8559.
5 Lighthouse Photography and the Making of a Book, Wolf Creek Environmental Ctr, 7pm, ages 16+, call 330.722.9364 to register.
5-7 Live Entertainment, Sonnet’s Coffeehouse, Wadsworth, 7:30pm, 330.335.5557.
7 Medina Hospital Foundation’s Black Tie Affair, Weymouth Country Club, Medina, 6:30pm-midnight, admission, 330.721.5941.
World Tour of Music Concert Series, 144 N Broadway, Medina, 8pm, admission, 330.952.0910.
Gourmet Pancake Breakfast, Madd Chef’s Bistro, Brunswick, 8-11:30am, admission, 440.346.4077.
Nature Photography Seminar, Brunswick Rec Ctr, 1-3pm, ages 16+, call 330.558.6835 to register.
7,8 Christmas Home & Hearth Open House, Primitive Keepings, Medina, 11am-6pm, 330.764.7337.
9 Monday Night is Guys Night Out, Galaxy’s Patio, Wadsworth, admission, 330.334.3663.
Veteran’s Day Concert, St. Francis Xavier Church, Medina, 7pm.
10 Restorative Yogaaaaahhhh!, Rx Yoga, Medina, 6:30pm, fee, call 330.722.0661 to register.
Yoga During Pregnancy, Rx Yoga, Medina, 5-6:15pm, fee, call 330.722.0661 to register.
10,11 Holiday Paint Me a Story Time, All Fired Up!, Medina, 1pm, call 330.723.1112 for details.
11 Veteran’s Day Ceremony, City Hall, Wadsworth, 330.335.2705.
Veterans Day Star, Seville Library, 4pm, ages 4+, 330.769.2852.
12-14 Arts & Craft Fall Show & Sale, Our Lady of Grace Church Hall, Hinckley, Thu 5-9pm, Fri 9am-5pm, Sat 9am-4pm, 330.278.3633.
13 A Signature Event and Autographed Book Auction, Weymouth Country Club, Medina, 6pm, admission, 330.723.1314.
13,14 Live Entertainment, Sonnet’s Coffeehouse, Wadsworth, 7:30pm, 330.335.5557.
Wild Game Nights, Mapleside Farms, Brunswick, call 330.225.5577 for reservations.
14 “Christmas by the River” Craft Show, Black River Education Ctr, Sullivan, 10am-3pm, admission is a school supply.
Holiday Art & Craft Show, Medina Community Rec Ctr, Medina, 10am-4pm, admission, 330.721.6900.
14,15 Medina Gun Show, Community Ctr at the Fairgrounds, Medina, Sat 9am-5pm, Sun 9am-3pm, admission, 330.948.4400.
Nature Art Fest, Wolf Creek Environmental Ctr, Sat 10am-5pm, Sun Noon-4pm, 330.722.9364.
15 Natural Discoveries Hiking Series: The Story of Ohio’s Wildlife, Plum Creek Park South, 3pm, ages 10+, 330.722.9364.
16 Monday Night is Guys Night Out, Galaxy’s Patio, Wadsworth, admission, 330.334.3663.
17 Restorative Yogaaaaahhhh!, Rx Yoga, Medina, 6:30pm, fee, call 330.722.0661 to register.
Yoga During Pregnancy, Rx Yoga, Medina, 5-6:15pm, fee, call 330.722.0661 to register.
17-19 Christmas Ornament Sale, All Fired Up!, Medina, 330.723.1112.
19,20 Hospice Holiday Festival, Hospice of Wadsworth-Rittman, 330.336.6595.
20 Candle Light Walk, Downtown Wadsworth, 330.335.9301.
5th Annual Spotlight Showcase, 144 N Broadway, Medina, 7:30pm, admission, 330.725.6443.
20,21 Live Entertainment, Sonnet’s Coffeehouse, Wadsworth, 7:30pm, 330.335.5557.
20-22 “Christmas Belles”, presented by Medina County Show Biz, call 330.722.5776 for ticket information.
25th Annual Candlelight Walk, Public Square, Medina, 9am-9pm, 330.952.0910.
21 Holiday Parade Jingle Belle Jaunt and Santa, Downtown Wadsworth, 330.335.9301.
Intermediate Digital Photography: Beyond the Basics, Wolf Creek Environmental Ctr, 1-4pm, ages 16+, fee, call 330.722.9364 to register.
CAA Astronomy Presentation Series: Seven Sisters:One Beautiful Sight, Wolf Creek Environmental Ctr, 8pm, ages 10+, call 330.722.9364 to register.
Christmas Craft Show, St. Martin’s Church, Valley City, 9am, 330.483.3844.
22 Medina Flea Market, Community Ctr at the Fairgrounds, 6am-3pm, admission, 330.948.4300.
27,28 Live Entertainment, Sonnet’s Coffeehouse, Wadsworth, 7:30pm, 330.335.5557.
27-29 “Christmas Belles”, presented by Medina County Show Biz, call 330.722.5776 for ticket information.
Recipes
Fall Vegetable Salad
1 small head cauliflower
1 bunch broccoli
1 cup cherry tomatoes
1/3 cup Parmesan cheese
Italian dressing
Clean and cut cauliflower and broccoli into small bite-sized pieces. Add enough Italian dressing to cover vegetables. Add cheese and chill. Add tomatoes before serving.
Recipe from Treasured Ohio Recipes, OACVB
Paula’s Delicious Hot Cider
1 gallon cider
1/2 cup brown sugar
4 cinnamon sticks
1 teaspoon whole cloves
1 teaspoon nutmeg
Heat all ingredients together in saucepan.
Recipe from Medina County CVB
Beef and Butternut Squash Stew
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, peeled and chopped
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1 tablespoon minced fresh rosemary
1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
2 pounds stew beef, cut into 2-inch cubes
1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more to taste
2 tablespoons flour
1 cup Marsala wine
1 pound butternut squash, trimmed and cut into 2-inch cubes
1/4 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes
3 to 4 cups beef broth
2 tablespoons fresh chopped flat-leaf parsley
Crusty bread, for serving
In a large soup pot heat 3 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat. Add onions, garlic, rosemary and thyme and saute until onions are tender, about 2 minutes. Toss the beef cubes in salt, pepper and flour. Turn up heat to med-high and add beef to pot. Cook until beef is browned and golden around the edges, about 5 minutes. Add Marsala wine. Using wooden spoon, gently stir up all the brown bits off the bottom of the pan. Add the butternut squash and sun-dried tomatoes and stir to combine. Add enough beef broth to just cover the beef and squash. Bring the stew to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to low and simmer, covered for 1 hour. Season the stew with additional salt and pepper to taste. Sprinkle with chopped parsley. Serve with crusty bread.
Recipe from www.foodnetwork.com
Pumpkin Roll (makes 2 rolls)
Dough:
6 eggs
1 (16oz) can pumpkin
2 cups sugar
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 1/2 cups flour
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Beat together eggs, pumpkin and sugar. Sift together flour, cinnamon and baking soda. Add to egg mixture. Spread on well-greased jelly roll pan. Bake 15 minutes (check after 10 minutes). Turn onto clean, well-sugared dish towel. Roll up and let sit for 2 hours.
Filling:
5 tablespoons butter
2 (8oz) packages cream cheese, softened
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
2 cups powdered sugar
Mix filling ingredients. Unroll jelly rolls and spread equal amounts of filling on each roll. Freeze for 4 hours.
Enjoy! recipe provided by Diane Kiser
Pecan-Caramel Spiders
1 1/2 cups toasted pecans
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup light corn syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, in pieces
1/4 teaspoon salt
5 ounces think black licorice strands, cut into 1-inch pieces
6 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped
4 ounces milk chocolate, chopped
Chocolate curls or jimmies, optional
Line 2 baking sheets with waxed paper and lightly spray with non-stick spray. Mound 30 small clusters of pecans, about 3-4 pecans each, spaced a couple inches apart on pan. Make caramel: warm the cream over low heat and keep warm while you cook the sugar. Put the sugar and corn syrup in a deep, heavy-bottomed large saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally until sugar dissolves. Stop stirring, raise heat to medium-high and simmer until the sugar reaches the hard crack stage or 305 degrees F on a candy thermometer, about 7 minutes.
Whisk the butter and salt into sugar mixture. Gradually pour in the cream and vanilla taking care since the mixture will bubble up. Reduce heat to medium and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until sugar reaches soft ball stage, 240 degrees F on the thermometer, about 5 minutes more. Immediately remove from the heat and cool for a minute.
Ladle a couple tablespoons of warm caramel over some of the nut clusters, to make the spider bodies. Then press 6 pieces of licorice into the warm caramel to make the legs. Repeat with the remaining caramel and licorice. (It’s helpful to have an extra hand here, since the caramel can set quickly. If caramel hardens, warm over very low heat.) Let spiders cool 15 minutes.
Meanwhile, put chocolates in medium heatproof bowl. Bring saucepan filled with 1-inch or so of water to a very slow simmer, set the bowl over, but not touching the water. Stir the chocolate occasionally until melted and smooth. (Alternatively, put the chocolate in a medium microwave-safe bowl. Melt at 50 percent power until soft, about 1 minute. Stir and continue heat until completely melted, 2-3 minutes more.)
Spoon about 1 tablespoon of melted chocolate on top of each spider. Sprinkle with jimmies or chocolate curls if desired. Let cool until firm.
Recipe from www.foodnetwork.com
Wicked Cupcakes
Cupcakes:
1 1/2 ounces fine-quality semisweet chocolate, chopped
1/4 cup prune juice
3/4 cup flour
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 large egg
1 large egg yolk
1/3 cup buttermilk
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Frosting:
1 stick unsalted butter, softened
1 cup peanut butter
4 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
4 cups confectioners’ sugar
2 tablespoons milk
1 drop food coloring (green), optional
Chocolate wafer cookies
Licorice strips
Toasted coconut
Small candies
12 muffin cups with paper liners
For the cupcakes: Position rack in middle of oven and preheat to 300 degrees F. Set liners in muffin cups. Put chocolate and prune juice in microwave safe bowl. Heat on low power, stirring occasionally, until completely melted. Whisk flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder and salt in large bowl.
In another bowl, beat egg and yolk with electric hand mixer at high speed until slightly thick and lemon colored, about 3 minutes. Slowly add buttermilk, oil, vanilla and melted chocolate mixture to eggs, beating until thoroughly combined. Add flour mixture and beat until just combined.
Divide batter among muffin tins, filling 1/2 way. Bake about 25 minutes or until done. Cool cupcakes.
For the frosting: Beat butter, peanut butter and cream cheese in large bowl with electric mixer until light and fluffy. Gradually add confectioners’ sugar and milk mixing until frosting is smooth. Add food coloring as desired. Refrigerate frosting until firm.
To decorate cupcakes: For the witches hat, score a circle in middle of a cupcake. Cut a deep cone-like shape with a knife held at an angle. Rotate the cupcake to complete the circle and remove the center. Repeat with all cupcakes. Generously scoop or pipe enough frosting into the center of each cupcake to fill the hole and to come over the cake to make a face. Top with a chocolate wafer cookie. Put a dot of frosting in the middle of the water cookie and invert the cone shaped piece of cake on top to make a witches hat. Use skinny licorice, toasted coconut or cereal flakes for hair and candies for eyes and/or nose. Refrigerate for up to 30 minutes before serving.
Recipe from www.foodnetwork.com
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