Tis the Season for Treats

Banana Ghosts: A Spooky Delight

Ingredients:

• 1 banana
• 2 Popsicle sticks
• 1 ½ ounces of white chocolate or white almond bark
• Plastic wrap
• 4 candy-coated milk chocolate pieces or similar candies for eyes

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Banana: Peel the banana and remove any stringy fibers. Cut the banana in half widthwise.
2. Insert Popsicle Sticks: Push a Popsicle stick into each banana half through the cut end.
3. Freeze: Cover each banana piece with plastic wrap and freeze for about three hours.
4. Melt the Chocolate: Place the white chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl and heat on high until melted, approximately one minute.
5. Coat the Bananas: Use a butter knife to spread the melted chocolate evenly over the frozen banana halves.
6. Decorate: Place the chocolate-coated bananas on a dish covered with waxed paper. Add the candy pieces to create eyes and mouths. Return to the freezer until ready to serve.

These Banana Ghosts are a fun and healthy treat, perfect for kids and adults alike. They are low in calories and sugar, making them a guilt-free indulgence.

Jell-O Aquarium: An Edible Underwater Scene

Ingredients:

• A new and clean goldfish bowl
• Jelly Belly gravel beans or red hots
• Blue Jell-O
• Purple endive
• Ice cubes
• Cold water
• Gummy fish
• Parsley sprigs

Instructions:

1. Create the Gravel Base: Place the Jelly Belly gravel beans or red hots at the bottom of the goldfish bowl to mimic aquarium gravel.
2. Prepare the Jell-O: Mix enough blue Jell-O to fill the bowl. Combine ice cubes and cold water to speed up the setting process.
3. Pour the Jell-O: Pour the Jell-O mixture into the bowl over the back of a knife to avoid disturbing the gravel.
4. Add Seaweed: Insert pieces of purple endive into the gravel to create a seaweed effect.
5. Add Gummy Fish: Once the Jell-O starts to set, use a skewer to poke gummy fish into various parts of the bowl. You can also add a plastic diver for extra fun.
6. Garnish: Add parsley sprigs to enhance the underwater look.

The Jell-O Aquarium is a visually stunning treat that will captivate both children and adults. It's a creative way to serve a classic dessert with a twist.

Fun Facts and Stats

• Banana Consumption: According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), bananas are the most popular fruit in the world, with over 100 billion bananas consumed annually source.
• Jell-O Popularity: Jell-O is a staple in American households, with over 300 million boxes sold each year source.
• Healthy Treats: Both Banana Ghosts and the Jell-O Aquarium are low in calories and sugar, making them healthier alternatives to traditional holiday treats.

Conclusion

These creative treats are perfect for the festive season, adding a touch of fun and creativity to your celebrations. Whether you're hosting a party or enjoying a family dinner, Banana Ghosts and the Jell-O Aquarium are sure to be a hit. Plus, they are easy to make and involve simple ingredients, making them accessible for everyone.

For more creative holiday treat ideas, check out Martha Stewart's holiday recipes and Food Network's festive treats.

Enjoy the season with these delightful and guilt-free treats!