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RaceTrac Wintastic Summer Rewards: 1 in 3 will WIN!

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This is a sponsored post with RaceTrac. All opinions are our own.

Summer is well underway with the beginning of the new school year on the horizon. Now’s the time to take hold of the summertime you have left and make the most of it. Whether you take a road trip or stick around town for some last-minute summer fun, be sure to include RaceTrac on your adventures! RaceTrac is offering families fantastic rewards this summer with their Wintastic Summer Rewards program. There’s a 1-in-3 chance to WIN every time you make a qualifying purchase with the RaceTrac app! We have 8 RaceTracs in our area, no matter where you are in Baton Rouge, you’re to sure to be near one. 

RaceTrac Wintastic Summer Rewards

RaceTrac is our go-to when our family of six is in need of a quick on the road snack or to cool off at their Swirl World for ice cream, frozen yogurt, sorbet and Italian Ice. You can’t beat the price, 16 oz. Swirl World frozen treat cups, including toppings, are available for a flat rate of $3 and kids ages 12 and under can take advantage of free kids cups through July. You can customize your frozen treat just how you like it – with up to 40 toppings, the choice of a cup, cake cone or waffle cone and a variety of flavors that you can try alone or swirl for a personalized creation. 

RaceTrac Wintastic Summer Rewards

If you’re looking for a healthy refuel, no worries, RaceTrac’s sandwiches are made in-house with hand-selected, high-quality ingredients every day. Cut fruit and salads are made and delivered fresh to the stores daily as well. Guests have a 1-in-3 chance to win more of their favorites like pizza, hot dogs, ice cream, coffee and $1 fountain drinks in any size, now through Labor Day when you scan your ap on qualifying purchases.

RaceTrac Wintastic Summer Rewards 

Enter to win RaceTrac Wintastic Summer Rewards 

To get in the game, simply download the RaceTrac app, make a qualifying in-store purchase and scan at checkout.

1. Download the New RaceTrac App! When you download the app you will instantly win your first reward, a free hot dog, and a fountain drink.

RaceTrac Wintastic Summer Rewards

2. Buy a qualifying food or beverage item.

3. Be sure to scan the app at purchase by showing the app barcode at checkout.

4. Happy winning!! You have a 1-in-3 chance of winning!!

For more information on Wintastic Rewards, follow RaceTrac on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, and visit their website RaceTrac.com. 

Wintastic Rewards runs through September 4, 2018

RaceTrac partnered with influencers such as me for its Wintastic Rewards campaign. As part of this Program, I received compensation for my time. RaceTrac believes that consumers and influencers are free to form their own opinions and share them in their own words. These policies align with WOMMA Ethics Code, Federal Trade Commission (FTC) guidelines, and social media engagement recommendations.

 

 

15 Foods That Will Survive Your Purse

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It’s Wellness Wednesday and a holiday weekend is just around the corner. Will your family be taking a road trip, a day trip, maybe heading out for the Fourth of July weekend? Here is a great infographic from Food Insight sharing some healthy purse food ideas while on the go…

Snacks on the go

More ideas…

  1. Trail Mix
  2. Apple and Peanut Butter
  3. Unsweetened Apple Sauce
  4. Tuna Snack Packs
  5. Popcorn trail mix with chocolate!
  6. Almond Butter and Banana Sandwich on Whole Wheat Bread
  7. Carrot Sticks, cucumber sticks or sweet peppers
  8. Dry Whole-Grain Cereal
  9. Rice Cake with Low-fat Pudding Cup
  10. Whole fruit

What are some of your go-to road trip snacks?

 

 

50 Need-to-Know Ingredient Substitutions

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We’ve all been there! You’ve just returned from the grocery store and you’re getting ready to make dinner, bake or whip something up on a whim and your missing a crucial ingredient. The last thing you want to do is go back to the grocery store for one item. No worries! We have healthy recipe substitutions and a list of over 50 ingredient substitutions. Take into account that the substitution could change the taste, texture and or consistency, but will do when you’re in a pinch.

Healthy Recipe Substitutions

Unsweetened applesauce for oil, butter or sugar

Using applesauce in place of sugar can give the necessary sweetness without the calories. You can sub sugar for apple sauce in a 1:1 ratio, but for every cup of applesauce you use, reduce the amount of liquid in the recipe by 1/4 cup.

Mashed bananas for fats

The creamy, thickening-power of ripe mashed banana is perfect for replacing fat in baking recipes. One cup of mashed banana works perfectly in place of 1 cup or butter or oil! Here is a great recipe for a low-fat, quick and easy banana bread….

3 Ingredient Banana Bread
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Ingredients
  1. 1 (15.25 ounce) package yellow cake mix
  2. 2 eggs
  3. 3-4 overripe bananas
Instructions
  1. Directions
  2. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Smash bananas in a large bowl with a fork, beat eggs in separate bowl, then mix all ingredients well. Spray 2 small loaf pans or 1 large loaf pan with non stick cooking spray. Fill the pans evenly with batter. Bake at for 35-40 minutes
Notes
  1. Sprinkle the pans with cinnamon and sugar before filling for an added sweet touch.
Baton Rouge Family Fun https://batonrougefamilyfun.com/

Grated steamed cauliflower for rice

Cut both calories and carbs with this simple switch. The texture is virtually the same, as is the taste.

Spaghetti squash for pasta

Roast or bake your squash and scrape with a fork for a healthy low-carb spaghetti squash substitute for pasta. One squash will make between two and three servings.

Two egg whites for one whole egg

Trade out the yolk for a second white to cut cholesterol and doubling the protein.

Greek yogurt for sour cream or mayo

Nonfat Greek yogurt has far fewer calories and fat than mayonnaise or sour cream, but its consistency is quite similar. Next time a recipe calls for either of those fattening ingredients, try using the yogurt instead.

 

50 Ingredient Substitutions

PRINTABLE—> Ingredient Substitutions Guide PDF

Ingredient Substitutions Guide

Ingredient Amount Substitution
Allspice 1 teaspoon 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon ginger, and 1/4 teaspoon cloves
Baking mix 1 cup 1 cup pancake mix OR 1 cup Easy Biscuit Mixture
Baking powder 1 teaspoon 1/4 teaspoon baking soda plus 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar OR 1/4 teaspoon baking soda plus 1/2 cup buttermilk (decrease liquid in recipe by 1/2 cup)
Baking soda 1 teaspoon 2 teaspoon double-acting baking powder + replace acidic liquid ingredient in recipe with non-acidic liquid
Balsamic Vinegar 1 cup Equal amount of sherry or cider vinegar
Broth: beef or chicken 1 cup 1 bouillon cube dissolved in 1 cup boiling water OR1 teaspoon powdered broth base dissolved in 1 cup boiling water
Brown sugar 1 cup, packed 1 cup white sugar plus 1/4 cup molasses and decrease the liquid in recipe by 1/4 cup OR 1 cup white sugar OR 1 1/4 cups confectioners’ sugar
Butter 1 cup 7/8 to 1 cup hydrogenated fat (shortening) and 1/2 teaspoon salt OR7/8 cup lard plus 1/2 teaspoon salt OR

1 cup margarine OR 7/8 cup oil plus 1/2 teaspoon salt OR 7/8 cup oil OR To reduce fat and calories – applesauce or prune puree for half of the butter in the recipe OR ¾ coconut oil in place of a cup of butter.
Buttermilk 1 cup 1 cup yogurt OR 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar plus enough milk to make 1 cup
Cajun Spice 1 tablespoon 1/2 teaspoon white pepper, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon ground red pepper, 1/2 teaspoon paprika, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Chocolate(semisweet) 1 ounce 1 (1-ounce) square of unsweetened chocolate plus 4 teaspoons sugar OR 1 ounce semisweet chocolate chips plus 1 teaspoon shortening
Chocolate (unsweetened) 1 ounce 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa plus 1 tablespoon shortening or vegetable oil
Cocoa 1/4 cup 1 (1-ounce) square unsweetened chocolate
Corn syrup 1 cup 1 1/4 cup white sugar plus 1/3 cup water OR 1 cup honey OR 1 cup light treacle syrup
Cottage cheese 1 cup 1 cup farmer’s cheese OR 1 cup ricotta cheese
Cracker crumbs 1 cup 1 cup bread crumbs OR 1 cup matzo meal OR 1 cup ground oats
Cream (half and half) 1 cup 7/8 cup milk plus 1 tablespoon butter
Cream (heavy) 1 cup 1 cup evaporated milk OR 3/4 cup milk plus 1/3 cup butter
Cream (light) 1 cup 1 cup evaporated milk OR 3/4 cup milk plus 3 tablespoons butter
Cream (whipped) 1 cup 1 cup frozen whipped topping, thawed
Cream cheese 1 cup 1 cup pureed cottage cheese OR 1 cup plain yogurt, strained overnight in a cheesecloth
Crème fraiche 1 cup Combine 1 cup of heavy cream and 1 tablespoon of plain yogurt. Let stand for 6 hours at room temperature
Egg 1 whole (3 tablespoons or 1.7 oz) 2 1/2 tablespoons of powdered egg substitute plus 2 1/2 tablespoons water OR 1/4 cup liquid egg substitute OR 1/4 cup silken tofu pureed OR 3 tablespoons mayonnaise OR half a banana mashed with 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
Evaporated milk 1 cup 1 cup light cream
Fats for baking 1 cup 1 cup applesauce OR 1 cup fruit puree
Flour–Bread 1 cup 1 cup all-purpose flour plus 1 teaspoon wheat gluten (available at health food stores & some supermarkets)
Flour–Cake 1 cup 1 cup all-purpose flour minus 2 tablespoons
Flour–Self-Rising 1 cup 7/8 cup all-purpose flour plus 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon of salt
Garlic 1 clove 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder OR 1/2 teaspoon granulated garlic OR 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt–reduce salt in recipe
Green onion 1/2 cup , chopped 1/2 cup chopped onion, OR 1/2 cup chopped leek OR 1/2 cup chopped shallots
Herbs–fresh 1 tablespoon chopped fresh 1 teaspoon (chopped or whole leaf) dried herbs
Honey 1 cup 1 1/4 cup white sugar plus 1/3 cup water OR 1 cup corn syrup OR 1 cup light treacle syrup
Ketchup 1 cup 1 cup tomato sauce plus 1 teaspoon vinegar plus 1 tablespoon sugar
Lard 1 cup 1 cup shortening OR 7/8 cup vegetable oil OR 1 cup butter
Lemon grass 2 fresh stalks 1 tablespoon lemon zest
Lemon juice 1 teaspoon 1/2 teaspoon vinegar OR 1 teaspoon white wine OR 1 teaspoon lime juice
Lemon zest 1 teaspoon 1/2 teaspoon lemon extract OR 2 tablespoons lemon juice
Lime juice 1 teaspoon 1 teaspoon vinegar OR 1 teaspoon white wine OR 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Margarine 1 cup 1 cup shortening plus 1/2 teaspoon salt OR 1 cup butter OR 7/8 cup vegetable oil plus 1/2 teaspoon salt OR 7/8 cup lard plus 1/2 teaspoon salt
Mayonnaise 1 cup 1 cup sour cream OR 1 cup plain yogurt
Milk–whole 1 cup 1 cup soy milk OR 1 cup rice milk OR 1 cup water or juice OR 1/4 cup dry milk powder plus 1 cup water OR 2/3 cup evaporated milk plus 1/3 cup water
Onion 1 cup, chopped 1 cup chopped green onions OR 1 cup chopped shallots OR 1 cup chopped leeks OR 1/4 cup dried minced onion OR 1/4 cup onion powder
Parmesan cheese 1/2 cup, grated 1/2 cup grated Asiago cheese OR 1/2 cup grated Romano cheese
Raisin 1 cup 1 cup dried currants OR 1 cup dried cranberries OR 1 cup chopped pitted prunes
Ricotta 1 cup 1 cup dry cottage cheese OR 1 cup silken tofu
Semisweet chocolate chips 1 cup 1 cup chocolate candies OR 1 cup peanut butter or other flavored chips OR 1 cup chopped nuts OR 1 cup chopped dried fruit
Shallots, chopped 1/2 cup 1/2 cup chopped onion, OR 1/2 cup chopped leek OR 1/2 cup chopped green onion
Shortening 1 cup 1 cup butter OR 1 cup margarine minus 1/2 teaspoon salt from recipe
Sour cream 1 cup 1 cup plain yogurt OR 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar plus enough cream to make 1 cup OR 3/4 cup buttermilk mixed with 1/3 cup butter
Soy sauce 1/2 cup 4 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce mixed with 1 tablespoon water
Stock–beef or chicken 1 cup 1 cube beef or chicken bouillon dissolved in 1 cup water
Sweetened condensed milk 1 (14-ounce) can 3/4 cup white sugar mixed with 1/2 cup water and 1 1/8 cups dry powdered milk: Bring to a boil and cook, stirring frequently, until thickened, about 20 minutes
Vegetable oil–for baking 1 cup 1 cup applesauce OR 1 cup fruit puree
Vegetable oil–for frying 1 cup 1 cup lard OR 1 cup vegetable shortening
Vinegar 1 teaspoon 1 teaspoon lemon or lime juice OR 2 teaspoons white wine
White sugar 1 cup 1 cup brown sugar OR 1 1/4 cups confectioners’ sugar OR 3/4 cup honey OR 3/4 cup corn syrup
Wine 1 cup 1 cup chicken or beef broth OR 1 cup fruit juice mixed with 2 teaspoons vinegar OR 1 cup water
Yogurt 1 cup 1 cup sour cream OR 1 cup buttermilk OR 1 cup sour milk

 Do you have any go-to ingredient substitutes you rely on when you’re in a pinch or need to replace an item for health reasons?

Sources: http://greatist.com

2 Ingredient Pumpkin Spice Muffins, Cake or Cupcakes

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This two ingredient pumpkin spice muffin recipe is too good to be true! These pumpkin muffins are delicious plain or with a dollop of cream cheese icing. The muffins keep very will in an air tight Tupperware container; the perfect quick treat or snack for the kiddos too!

2 Ingredient Pumpkin Spice Muffins

 

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2 Ingredient Mini Pumpkin Spice Muffins, Cupcakes or Cake
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Ingredients
  1. 1 (18.25 ounce) package spice cake mix
  2. 1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin
Instructions
  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Generously grease mini cupcake baking tray. In a large bowl, mix together the spice cake mix and canned pumpkin until well blended. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of batter into each greased mini-muffin cup, lined cupcake cup or into cap pan. Bake for 12 minutes for mini muffins, 20 for cupcakes and 25 for cake in the preheated oven, or until a tooth pick inserted into the center comes out clean or they spring back. Cool and serve, or place in Tupperware container.
Baton Rouge Family Fun https://batonrougefamilyfun.com/

Salted Dark Chocolate Slow Cooker Fondue

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It’s Menu Monday with Red Stick Spice, today they’re sharing a sweet and savory treat the whole family will enjoy!

Salted Dark Chocolate Slow Cooker Fondue

Crockpot fondue

When it comes to dipping things in chocolate, who can resist? We know we can’t! This recipe is a definite for kids…a fun after-school or sleepover treat. But don’t forget: grown ups like dipping things in chocolate, too. This is an ultra easy way to end a dinner party!

Salted Dark Chocolate Slow Cooker Fondue
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Ingredients
  1. 12 ounces dark chocolate chips
  2. 1 cup heavy cream
  3. 1 tsp Pure Vanilla Extract*
  4. 1/4-1/2 tsp Sel Gris
Instructions
  1. Combine all ingredients in a slow cooker. Set to low and cover. Stir occasionally. The chocolate should be melted in about 1 hour. Serve with dippable ingredients...Yum!
Notes
  1. *A note about the extract...mix things up with different extracts. Use Peppermint Extract in place of the Vanilla for Chocolate-Mint Fondue. Add Pure Espresso Extract in combination with the Pure Vanilla for a Mocha twist. Sub out Rum Extract for the Vanilla for a rich, grown up flavor.
Baton Rouge Family Fun https://batonrougefamilyfun.com/

Grab the above mentioned ingredients at Red Stick Spice!
Sel Gris
Pure Vanilla Extract
Peppermint Extract
Pure Espresso Extract
Rum Extract

If you decide to try this recipe, be sure to stop by and let us know how it turned out!

Zucchini Parmesan Crisps – the perfect after school snack

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Kids usually  come home from school famished and searching for a quick snack.  Even if you homeschool, I’m sure you’re familiar with that 3 to 4pm window when everyone needs a little something to recharge the batteries.  We have a crispy option to satisfy your kids snacking needs with a nutritious and delicious idea that will hold them over until dinner time.  This is a great way to get rid of the last of the seasons zucchini too!

Zucchini Parmesan Crisps

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Easy to make, tasty and crunchy, these zucchini Parmesan crisps are delicious served with marinara sauce, sour cream ranch or seasoned Greek yogurt.  This recipe can easily be doubled, we promise, you will end up snacking on these all day!

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Zucchini Parmesan Crisps
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Ingredients
  1. 1/2 cup oil for two batches of frying. {I use olive oil to fry these up but you have to be quick and watch the temperature carefully. I change the oil out after two batches because pieces tend to burn and fall off and the oil evaporates. Vegetable oil will work best as olive oil does not offer the same temperature-control that vegetable oil affords.}
  2. 1 1/2 cups Panko
  3. 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese { I use Mama Francesca Parmesan & Garlic for added flavor}
  4. Seasoning {I use a local cajun seasoning, Swamp Dust, any seasoning with salt, pepper and garlic will do. Swamp Dust can be purchased at Alexander's Highland Market}
  5. 4 zucchinis, thinly sliced to 1/4-inch thick rounds
  6. 1 cup all-purpose flour
  7. 3 large eggs, beaten
Instructions
  1. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium high heat.
  2. In a large bowl, combine Panko, Parmesan and seasoning; set aside.
  3. Make yourself a work line with 3 bowls...flour, eggs and panko mixture.
  4. Working in batches, lightly dust zucchini rounds in flour, dip into eggs, then cover in Panko mixture, pressing to coat.
  5. Add zucchini rounds to the skillet, 6 at a time, and cook until golden, about 60 seconds on each side. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to collect excess oil.
  6. Serve immediately.
Notes
  1. These tend to be bland, thus the reason I try to add flavor through the seasoned Parmesan and swamp dust.
Adapted from So many recipes!
Adapted from So many recipes!
Baton Rouge Family Fun https://batonrougefamilyfun.com/
There are a few variations of this recipe on the web that we hope to try…

Baked Zucchini Parmesan Crisps

Crispy Baked Zucchini Fries

Flavorful Zucchini Fritters

Bon Appétit

Grow a Salsa Garden – Homemade Salsa Recipe

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Growing a Vegetable Garden

If you planned on planting a vegetable garden this year and think you’ve missed your planting window… think again! One of the great benefits of living in Louisiana is our extended summer weather. Technically, summer hasn’t started yet but the days are already long and hot — ideal conditions for growing a garden. Plus the pests that plague gardens in spring are less of a problem late in the season.

Vegetable Garden veggies

If this is your first garden, you might want to try a container garden or a raised bed garden where you can easily control soil and watering. Our favorite place to plant our salad and salsa fixings is in a raised bed surrounding our Crepe Myrtle. Lady bugs love Crepe Myrtles, our cucumbers use the tree as a trellis and the lady bugs take care of the veggies. Perfect vegetable garden harmony!

Growing a summer vegetable garden with kids

This year my oldest son has taken over our veggie garden care and our veggies are thriving! Don’t let growing a garden scare you, you don’t have to start your garden from seeds, get plants from friends or purchase plants at your local nursery. If organic veggies are a must for you, you can purchase organic plants online. Whatever you do, get the kids involved, they will love to see the “fruits” of their labor.

Growing a Salsa Garden

Grow your own salsa garden

Nothing tastes as good as homemade salsa, think of how impressed your guests will be when you offer them a homegrown, homemade salsa at your next summer gathering. 

  1. tomato-stakingChoose your container – choose a container with good drainage: 4 pots, a window box, large round container or a raised 3 x 3 box container, add potting soil and place in a spot with plenty of sun.
  2. Pick your plants – Cilantro, onions or chives, cherry or regular tomato and peppers. Have stakes on hand for your tomatoes, you can purchase a wire stake or use tree branches or sticks.
  3. Plant – Place the tomato in the center of the pot with the pepper, Cilantro and chives on the edge. Fill in around each with potting soil and tamp down the soil.

Homemade Salsa
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Ingredients
  1. 3 cups chopped tomatoes peeled (you can also use whole canned if not using home grown)
  2. 1/2 onion roughly chopped
  3. bunch of cilantro - 1/4 cup minced
  4. 4 teaspoons chopped jalapeno pepper
  5. 2 tablespoons fresh lime
  6. salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. Roughly chop the tomato, onion, cilantro and pepper and place in a food processor or a blender.
  2. Give the mixture a quick few chops in your mixer to your preferred consistency.
  3. For a chunky salsa, pulse in the food processor or blender.
Baton Rouge Family Fun https://batonrougefamilyfun.com/
 If you want to grow a vegetable garden this summer, get diggin’! You’ll be glad you did when you’re picking your own ingredients for a fresh homemade salad or salsa.

Creative Crafts and Mouth-Watering Dishes to Help you Celebrate Halloween

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It’s almost time for trick-or-treating and Disney’s Spoonful.com is brewing up some horror-fyingly creative crafts and mouth-watering dishes to help you celebrate Halloween! Spoonful’s affordable and easy-to make ideas will enchant you and feed your appetites.

Plus, don’t miss out on Spoonful’s all-new recipe customization feature, “My Take.” Spoonful’s latest feature will allow you to share your own version, or “take,” of almost any recipe on the site. To introduce My Take, some of our Spoonful bloggers partnered with Pillsbury® to create their own wickedly wonderful takes around some classic Pillsbury Halloween treats.

Creepy-Crawly Cupcakes

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These Creepy-Crawly Cupcakes might look grotesque, but I promise you won’t be able to say no to one, two, or even three. 

Edible Eyeballs

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 If you’re throwing a Halloween bash this year you should definitely set out a platter of these creepy peepers. Your Halloween party guests are bound to do a double-take.

Scary Pumpkin Carvings

Celebrate Halloween

Spooky and scary Halloween pumpkins add fright to the night. Maybe you want something just a little bit more spooky than a traditional jack-o-latern on your porch this year? Check out all of the spooktastic pumpkin carving cutouts at Spoonful.com.

20 Pumpkin-Decorating Ideas

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Transform your pumpkin into a spooktacular Halloween decoration with one of the many DIY pumpkin-decorating ideas at Spoonful.com.

Mickey’s Paper Bag Scarecrow

Mickey scarecrow

This fun tabletop Mickey scarecrow may be a bit ear-ry, but don’t count on it to keep the birds away. In fact, you’re likely to find young Mickey fans quickly flocking around it.

Find these creative crafts and mouth-watering dishes to help you celebrate Halloween by visiting Spoonful.com, a one-stop shop filled with thousands of inspired ideas that can bring a little magic into everyday family life. Spoonful delivers easy-to-digest daily doses of inspiration and information, designed to spark the enthusiasm of parents. The site helps parents just like you power through everything from getting a handle on holiday festivities to figuring out a fun way to get kids to eat fresh fruits and vegetables. The site’s responsive design also makes it easy to access from home or while on-the-go via smartphones and tablets.

Which crafts or desserts do you plan on making with your family?