
Feeling crafty this Halloween? Not Martha came up with some really creepy creations that are perfect for a Halloween party. The little cakes use primarily ready-made ingredients, which not only take the pressure off a busy cook who already has more important dishes in the oven, but adds another level of scariness for those of you who are not inclined to consume packaged snack cakes on a regular basis. The bodies of the cake critters are all based on Twinkies, Glo Balls and Ding Dongs and can easily be made with other, similar cakes. The slightly moist surface allows colored sugar and sprinkles to stick readily if you want to change the color of the cake or add a design to the body. The legs are all made with Pocky and used a brilliant method of construction. Each Pocky was cut in two and then the two pieces were fused back together, at the appropriate angle, with chocolate. Matching the color/texture of the Pocky to that of the cakes will give you the most "realistic" outcome, but if your spiders end up with pink legs, you'll have fun putting them together anyway.
I've said it before and I'll say it again: if you're going to make ice cream at home, it is worth it to get an ice cream maker. In fact, it is necessary to get an ice cream maker because it ensures that you will always get the optimal results from your frozen desserts. There are a wide range of ice cream makers to choose from, but there will definitely be at least one that fits your kitchen and your budget. After a batch or three of homemade ice cream, every single one will pay for itself in taste alone. 


