Easy, Homemade Halloween Treats

When asked the age-old question “trick or treat?” we definitely stand with team treat. Check out five easy, last-minute recipes to help you get in the spooky spirit, from “poison” candy apples to a crowd-pleasing dessert dip. Bone appetit!

Quick and Easy Halloween Dessert Recipes

Poison Candy Apples

Channel your inner Snow White with this sweet recipe. 

Ingredients:

• 12 small Granny Smith apples
• 12 dowels or wooden candy apple sticks (available at craft stores)
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 1/2 cup light corn syrup
• 1 tsp. black gel paste food coloring
• Note: you’ll also need a candy thermometer

Recipe: 

• Wash and dry the apples thoroughly. Place them on a baking sheet and insert the dowels. Using a second baking sheet, line with buttered parchment paper and set aside.
• Place a candy thermometer in a saucepan. Add sugar, 3/4 cup water, and corn syrup, and place over medium heat. Whisk sugar until it’s dissolved.
• Let the temperature rise without stirring until the mixture reaches 310 degrees. Remove pan from heat, and carefully remove the thermometer.
• Add the food coloring and swirl to mix the color completely.
• Swirl each apple through the candy, allowing any excess to drip off. Place on buttered baking sheet.
• Repeat with remaining apples.

Owl Sugar Cookies

Simple and sweet! You can make basic sugar cookies using this recipe, or go the easy route and purchase a pre-made slice-and-bake option. 

Ingredients:

• One package slice-and-bake sugar cookie dough (such as Pillsbury or Nestle)
• Small package of sliced almonds
• 1/4 cup chocolate chips
• 2 tbsp. shelled sunflower seeds
• 1/4 cup whole almonds

Recipe: 

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees (or whatever temperature is stated on the back of your packaged dough)
• Set all but one cookie round onto a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Use the remaining unbaked cookie to make small balls that will become each owl’s eyes. Lightly press two balls onto the top of each cookie, then place a whole almond on its side in between the two eyes for the beak. Add a chocolate chip on top of each dough ball to create the pupil. Use six sunflower seeds (three on each side) to make the owl’s feet. Finally, overlap three sliced almonds on each side to create wings.
• Bake for about 20 minutes until the edge of the cookies are lightly golden. Let cool for 5 minutes on the sheet, then transfer onto a wire rack to continue cooling.

Graveyard Dip

Perfect for a crowd of hungry ghosts and goblins. 

Ingredients: 

For the dip —

• Shallow, wide dish
• 1 package room temperature cream cheese (8 ounces)
• 1/4 cup room temperature unsalted butter
• 5 tablespoons cocoa powder
• 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 2 cups plus 2 tablespoons sifted powdered sugar
• Crushed Oreo cookies (enough to cover the top of the dish)

For decorating —

• Milano cookies
• Black decorating icing
• Candy corn pumpkins
• Gummy worms

For serving —

• Graham crackers
• Pretzels
• Apple slices

Recipe: 

• Beat together the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add the cocoa powder, brown sugar, vanilla extract, salt, and milk. Beat on low speed until incorporated, then increase to high speed until smooth, about 3 minutes.
• Transfer to desired serving dish and smooth with a spatula.
• Spread the crushed Oreos over the top of the dip to form “dirt.” Use decorating icing to write tombstone messages on the Milano cookies, then stand them upright to create the tombstones. Scatter with candy corn pumpkins and gummy worms to decorate.
• Serve with graham crackers, pretzels, and sliced apples.

Banana Mummies

It’s fruit, so it’s healthy… right? 

Ingredients: 

• 4 ripe bananas
• 1 pound plus 4 ounces white chocolate
• M&M minis
• 4 ounces milk chocolate chips (optional)
• 8 lollipop sticks (available at craft stores)

Recipe: 

• Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Skewer each banana half with a lollipop stick and freeze until firm, at least 2 hours and preferably overnight.
• In a large, microwave-safe measuring cup, melt 1 pound white chocolate in the microwave according to package directions. One at a time, dip the bananas into the chocolate to coat, allowing excess to drip. Return to the baking sheet and immediately place two M&M candies near the top for eyes.
• Melt the remaining white chocolate in the microwave according to package directions and fill a small piping bag fitted with a small, round nozzle tip (a Ziploc plastic bag with the corner cut off will also work!). Pipe zigzags over the banana to form bandages. Repeat this step with the milk chocolate, if using. Chill or freeze until ready to serve.

Haystack Creatures

Can’t decide if you prefer your treat salty or sweet? These haystacks feature both flavors!

Ingredients: 

• One 5-ounce can thin chow mein noodles (such as La Choy)
• 8 ounces bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup vanilla frosting, tinted desired colors
• Candy eyes or jelly beans

Recipe: 

• Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Meanwhile, melt chocolate in microwave according to package directions.
• Place chow mein noodles in a large bowl, pour melted chocolate over top and gently toss until noodles are evenly coated
• Drop 10 heaping spoonful’s (about 1/4 cup each) onto prepared baking sheet. Refrigerate until firm, 20 to 30 minutes.
• Transfer frosting to a resealable plastic bag(s). Snip off a tiny corner and use as glue to stick the eyes on creatures, then pipe on an additional pupil.

---

Halloween Fun in New Orleans

There’s no better place to be than New Orleans for Halloween. It’s such an exciting time with so much to do and see. If you’re a resident of 1^st Lake Properties or thinking of becoming one, then you’re in a great position to have the best time possible for the fall holiday.

(And if you still need a pumpkin, check out this post!)

New Orleans Area Halloween Happenings

Frenchmen Street – Each year in New Orleans, the local hotspot that is Frenchmen Street hosts a block party Halloween night and usually continues the party a day or two after (or for 2017, the weekend before). Some of the best costumes in New Orleans can be seen on Frenchmen Street during Halloween.

Haunted Houses – If you’re into the whole fear factor of Halloween, there are two pretty terrifying haunted houses in New Orleans to get in the scary Halloween spirit. The Mortuary is located in a haunted building on historic Canal Street and delivers a heavy dose of frights each year. House of Shock is considered by some to be the scariest haunted house in Greater New Orleans, located on Butterworth Street in Jefferson.

Voodoo Music + Arts Experience – To keep the party going into the weekend, the Voodoo Music + Arts Experience from October 27-29 will bring a three-day music festival with incredible headliners like Kendrick Lamar, LCD Soundsystem, the Foo Fighters, and The Killers along with local acts, plus interactive art installations, an art market, food and more all in New Orleans City Park.

Boo at the Zoo – If you’re looking for fun for the whole family, this is the place. Audubon Zoo hosts Boo at the Zoo October 27 and 28 from 5:00 – 9:00 p.m., rain or shine. Dress up in costumes and bring the kids for trick or treat houses, a Ghost Train, a scary and not-so-scary haunted house, games, entertainment and more. Tickets are $17 and are free for children 12 months and younger.

Halloween Photos + Goblin Express — The Lakeside Mall in Metairie has all the makings of a ghoulish good time. Get your shop on, then hop on the Goblin Express for $1.50 per ticket. The mall also offers photos with the Great Pumpkin. While both these events are designed for kids, kids at heart can join in the fun, too.

---

New Orleans Area Pumpkin Patches

Pumpkins are having a moment. They’re in lattes, muffins, pancakes, hummus (seriously!), brownies, pies, smoothies, and just about any seasonal treat you can think of— but pumpkins are just as important a design element as a recipe ingredient this time of year. What front step (or living room mantel) is complete without a jack-o-lantern?

Take a look at these pumpkin patches throughout the Greater New Orleans area. Whether you go to pick up a pumpkin or just snap a fun fall selfie, they’re a great way to spend a few hours.

Bonus: check out these free carving templates from GoNOLA!

Pumpkin Patches in New Orleans Metro

New Orleans

City Park Pumpkin Patch

• Where: Wheel Fun Rentals in City Park along the Big Lake Trail
• When: September 30-October 22
• More info: Ticket prices are $5-$9; enjoy pumpkin patch, hay ride, unlimited bounce house and inflatables, games, and picture stations. Other items, such as Surrey rides, pedal boats, snacks, and pumpkins are available for purchase.

St. Paul’s Episcopal School

• Where: 6249 Canal Boulevard in New Orleans
• When: October 7-31
• More info: Pumpkins at this patch weigh up to 40 pounds! There’s also a designated photo area for pictures

Aurora United Methodist Pumpkin Patch

• Where: 3300 Eaton Street in Algiers
• When: October 16-31
• More info: This patch hosts a family day on October 21 with food, games, and pumpkins for all

Metairie/Kenner

Plum Street Snoball Pumpkin Patch

• Where: Lafreniere Park near the Splash Pad and carousel
• When: October 6-31
• More info: Pumpkins range in cost from $1 to $20; the patch can host birthday parties and field trips

St. Martin’s Episcopal Church

• Where: 2216 Metairie Road in Metairie
• When: September 25 through October 31
• More info: This location is collecting nonperishable goods to donate to Second Harvest

St. Augustine’s Pumpkin Patch

• Where: 3412 Haring Road in Metairie
• When: October 5-31
• More info: This patch will also sell jewelry, crafts, baked goods, and different types of gourds

Mandeville

Jim’s Pumpkins

• Where: Corner of Highway 59 and Florida in Mandeville
• When: October 8-31
• More info: The Knights of Columbus also sponsors this patch

Covington

St. Peter Parish

• Where: 125 E 19th Avenue in Covington
• When: October 15-31
• More info: The Knights of Columbus sponsors this patch

Lagniappe

Stella Plantation Pumpkin Patch

• Where: Stella Plantation in Braithwaite
• When: October 22
• More info: Tickets available here Make a to-do out of your pumpkin hunt at this event from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., which features hayrides, bounce houses, photo opps, and more.

---

The Best Furniture Stores in the Greater New Orleans Area

If you’re looking to update your New Orleans apartment’s decor, there are great furniture stores in the area for you to explore!

And it’s not just in the city center. Kenner, Metairie, and River Ridge all have a great selection of furniture and home decor stores you can shop to find your new style.

Unique, one-of-a-kind pieces? Antique or modern looks? Casual and traditional styles? The Greater New Orleans Area has your look covered. Here are a few of our favorite furniture spots in the area:

Christian Street Furniture

Christian Street Furniture is a locally-owned, family-run furniture store with two locations, one in Baton Rouge and one in Metairie.

They carry a large selection of unique, reclaimed looks for the artesian aesthetic. You can customize with multiple pieces from Christian Street Furniture, which makes it a fun place to find your perfect look.

Hurwitz Mintz

You might get lost in Metairie’s furniture megastore, Hurwitz Mintz. But it’s totally worth it! They don’t call it the south’s largest furniture store for nothing.

Their Airline Drive location is two stories, which means you have plenty of furniture options to choose from. Hurwitz Mintz is another locally-owned store, and it’s been serving this area for over 90 years.

They carry a large portion of traditional and timeless styles, so if that’s what you’re interested in, check out Hurwitz Mintz!

Cost Plus World Market

If you’re going for the Bohemian look, head to Elmwood Shopping Center! Cost Plus World Market is a bright and bold furniture store with styles curated from countries around the world.

Eclectic decor? Check! Eccentric artwork? Check! Eco-conscious furniture? Check and check! If you want your 1st Lake apartment to look like a fabulous hippy hideaway, snag some furniture from World Market.

Rooms To Go

Rooms To Go is designed to make furnishing a space easy. The store introduced the concept of “displaying and packaging furniture in complete room settings” all the way down to the accent items, which allows the shopper to literally pick the room they want.

Instead of assembling your room one purchase at a time, why not knock out the whole thing? That’s where this Metairie store comes into play!

Do you have a favorite furniture store in the Greater New Orleans Area? Share your tips with us on Facebook or Instagram!

---

Cozy Up to Fall Decor for the Mantel and More

Your pumpkin is carved, and your seasonal wreath is on the door. But what about your mantel? Several of our 1st Lake Properties feature wood-burning fireplaces, like Sawmill Creek and Willow Creek. The fireplace mantel is a natural focal point of a room, drawing the eye upward and providing an opportunity to flex your decorating muscle. In fact, spruced-up mantels are one of the top fall decor trends.

If you don’t have a fireplace, don’t worry! These fall mantel décor items work just as well anywhere else in the home, whether at the front door or in the living room. (Plus, keep scrolling for even more fall trends.)

Fall Decor: Mantel Trends

Thumbtack Gourds

Gourds and pumpkins are an obvious choice for the mantel, but the addition of metallic thumbtacks can transform a natural design-scape into a totally glamorous one. Add gold or silver thumbtacks to plain gourds, or paint the gourds to match your existing interior design before you add the thumbtacks. Let these awesome designs lead the way for pattern inspiration.

Elegant Upcycling

An easy, cost-effective way to decorate for fall is to use items you already have on hand. Cut paper bags into petal shapes, crease them, and use a bit of hot glue to hold them together. The result is a paper flower that pulls in fall colors and makes a major impact above the mantel, whether alone or in clusters.

An Everlasting Pumpkin

Cinderella’s coach turned into a pumpkin at midnight, but these cute fall decorations won’t turn into a rotten mess after Halloween. Leave these Mason jar pumpkins on the mantel through Thanksgiving, and save them for years to come. The addition of a cinnamon stick lends a fragrant, autumnal touch.

Borrow from Other Seasons

Another way to save on fall décor is to repurpose decorations from previous holidays. Fourth of July bandanas lend a harvest vibe when draped across the mantel, especially in shades of red, rust, and orange. Mardi Gras beads can create a quick garland, and winter holiday decorations like pinecones and acorns look just as appropriate in fall.

Even More Fall Decor Trends

Country Living is one of our favorite sources for interior inspiration, so it’s no wonder we’d look to them for all the latest on other fall trends. Here’s a rundown on what they’re seeing this season:

• Go (dark) green. For fall, think about incorporating lush tones of emerald or a softer sage green into your decor.
• All about that brass. Whereas copper was a big trend in recent years, trade rosy metals for true gold tones with brass hardware like hooks and doorknobs.
• Va-va-voom velvet. This lush texture is perfect for fall and can carry your interior decor into winter as well. We’re loving deep shades of navy blue and slate gray rendered in rich velvet.

---