Have a Little Hocus Pocus Fun with This Dead Man's Toes Recipe

I love Hocus Pocus. It's one of my favorite movies to watch on Halloween. The Sanderson sisters are hilarious and spooky, especially when they're making their Life Potion. This year, to celebrate this witchy delight, I'm making Dead Man's Toe cookies, and I'm sharing the recipe with you.

Dead Man's Toe Cookies

Makes 18-24

112 grams butter, softened

34 grams powdered sugar

1/2 tsp vanilla

Pinch of salt 

110 grams gluten free flour (I used the rice flour based recipe from America's Test Kitchen)

54 grams chopped pecans

24 marcona almonds 

Preheat oven to 400°. Combine butter, sugar, vanilla and salt and stir until smooth. Add flour and stir well. Mix in chopped pecans. Using a Tablespoon of dough, form into a toe shape and flatten slightly. Place on a parchment lined baking sheet at least one inch apart. Insert a marcona almond into the end of each toe. Bake for 14 minutes. Allow to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before removing to a rack to cool completely. Serve to your favorite witches.

Happy Halloween!

Treats and tricks.

Witch broomsticks.

Jack-o-lanterns

Lick their lips.

Crows and cats.

Vampire bats.

Capes and fangs

And pointed hats.

Werewolves howl.

Phantoms prowl.

Halloween’s

Upon us now.

- Richelle Goodrich, Slaying Dragons

Happy Halloween!

The Mandalorian Returns Today

All images: Disney

Season one of The Mandalorian was amazing. It's such an incredible addition to the Star Wars universe. And who can resist all things Baby Yoda, I mean, the Child.

Season 2 looks like it will be filled with more fantastic adventures and challenges for the Mandalorian and the Child. Disney has released four posters featuring the major characters in the series. 

The Mandalorian, Din Djarin

The Child

Cara Dune

Greef Karga

Season 2 of The Mandalorian begins today on DisneyPlus.

This Hallmark Hitchhiking Ghosts Ornament Is A Ghoulish Delight

When I saw this ornament in the Dream Book from Hallmark, I knew I had to add it to my collection. It is so much fun to see the ghosts light up and hear the Ghost Host welcome guests to the Haunted Mansion. It's the perfect ornament for reminiscing about one of my favorite rides at Disney World. 

Mickey Pumpkin Truffle Recipe

Disney

I love the Mickey pumpkins that decorate wreaths throughout the Magic Kingdom. They're just so happy! Just in time for Halloween, Disney has shared a fun recipe inspired by those mousey pumpkins.

Mickey Pumpkin Truffles

36 chocolate sandwich cookies

8 oz cream cheese, softened

1 package orange candy melts

Yellow, orange, and green fondant

Pulse sandwich cookies in a food processor until crumbly. In a medium mixing bowl, stir cookies and cream cheese until a dough-like consistency forms. Roll mixture into 1-inch balls and chill on a baking sheet for at least an hour.

Roll out 48 small orange balls of fondant to form Mickey ears. Melt candy melts in the microwave. Dip a chilled truffle in the melted candy melts and toss until the truffle is fully coated. Place onto a lined baking sheet. Quickly place two ears on the top sides of the truffle. 

Roll out the green fondant into a thin layer. Cut out leaf shapes and gently carve details into the leaves. Make thin coils for vines and stems. Use a toothpick to apply a small amount of melted candy melt to adhere the leaves, stems, and vines to the tops of the truffles.

Roll out the yellow fondant into a thin layer. Cut out the Mickey Pumpkin’s eyes, nose, and mouth. For the eyes, cut out ovals and use orange candy melt to apply the inner eye pieces. Use more candy melt to adhere the rest of the face to the truffles.

These Mickey pumpkin truffles sound delightful. I can't wait to try them!

DCapella's Spooky Nightmare Before Christmas Medley

Disney

DCappella's latest song is a spooky medley from The Nightmare Before Christmas. It's perfect for getting you into a Halloween mood.

It's National Pumpkin Day!

Today is National Pumpkin Day! It's the perfect time to celebrate everyone's favorite gourd. In honor of this perfectly Halloween-y holiday, here are a few of my favorite jack-o-lanterns from the Magic Kingdom.

Quote of the Week

Every day is Halloween, isn’t it?

For some of us… 

- Tim Burton

Photo of the Week

Welcome, foolish mortals, to the Phantom Manor. 

Once Upon A Snowman Looks Adorably Heartwarming

All images: Disney

Disney has returned to the Frozen world of Arendelle with an all-new short starring everyone's favorite snowman, Olaf. Once Upon a Snowman, which arrived on DisneyPlus today, is the untold story of what happened to Olaf between his magical creation by Elsa and his first meeting with Anna, Kristoff, and Sven. Apparently, he had a bit of an identity crisis. 

Doesn't it look absolutely adorable? I can't wait to see it!

Raya and the Last Dragon

All images: Disney

The first trailer from Disney's upcoming animated movie, Raya and the Last Dragon, has arrived. I must say, it looks very intriguing. 

Here's the official synopsis from Disney: 

Long ago, in the fantasy world of Kumandra, humans and dragons lived together in harmony. But when an evil force threatened the land, the dragons sacrificed themselves to save humanity. Now, 500 years later, that same evil has returned and it’s up to a lone warrior, Raya, to track down the legendary last dragon to restore the fractured land and its divided people. However, along her journey, she’ll learn that it’ll take more than a dragon to save the world—it’s going to take trust and teamwork as well.

From directors Don Hall and Carlos López Estrada, co-directors Paul Briggs and John Ripa, producers Osnat Shurer and Peter Del Vecho, and featuring the voices of Kelly Marie Tran as Raya and Awkwafina as the last dragon Sisu, Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Raya and the Last Dragon” opens in U.S. theaters on March 2021.

Haunt Your Home With These Printables From Disney

All images: Disney

Disney has a fun new series of Paper Parks printables to haunt your home. The black and white images are designed to be cut out and colored before turning them into amazing 3-D models. 

Part I includes:

• a miniature version of Disneyland's pumpkin topped gates
• a "Welcome Foolish Mortals" sign
• Haunted Mansion paper chains 
• bat stanchion decorations
• ghostly shadow puppets

Part II is perfect for a Haunted Mansion party:

• a placemat inspired by the gate sign
• phantom five cup sleeve
• napkin rings
• gargoyle place card holders
• Doom Buggy snack box

Part III is a model of the Magic Kingdom's Haunted Mansion complete with:

• entrance gates
• hitchhiking ghosts
• conservatory
• and portrait chamber

Part IV includes more rooms for your Haunted Mansion model, including: 

• Madame Leota's seance room
• ghostly ballroom dancers
• cemetery accessories 
• As well as Hitchhiking Ghosts masks

These printables would be a fun activity for the whole family. Just click on the links to download them from the Disney Parks Blog. You'll have a hauntingly good time.

You Are About To Enter... The Twilight Zone

I love the Tower of Terror in Hollywood Studios. From the queue, to the storyline, to the ride itself, it's a fantastic journey through the Hollywood Tower Hotel. The hotel is delightfully decayed, from it's unkempt ground to its dust filled lobby, it gives an air of past glamour now lost. Disney's latest "Ride & Learn" video takes you on a trip into... the Twilight Zone.

"Hollywood, 1939. Amid the glitz and the glitter of a bustling young movie talent at the height of its golden age, the Hollywood Tower Hotel was a star in its own right. A beacon for the show business elite. Now, something is about to happen that will change all that." 

I do hope you all made it back. The Tower of Terror in Hollywood Studios is my favorite version of the ride, but for a real fright, you should try the version found in Disneyland Paris. Now that's scary!

WandaVision Goes Funko POPVinyl

Funko

Funko has created the coolest collection of figures representing Wanda Maximoff and Vision throughout the decades as they will appear in Marvel's WandaVision on DisneyPlus. There are three black and white figures of the couple in 1950s style, including a Chase POPVinyl of Vision as a human. Then there are two figures dressed up in Halloween costumes which are their traditional comic book costumes. The final two are from the 70s with a pregnant Wanda and GameStop exclusive Vision. All but the 70s Vision will be available from several retailers, though exactly when they will be released remains to be seen. Most of the figures are currently available for pre-order on Amazon with an expected release date of January 5, 2021. 

Quote of the Week

Believe nothing you hear,

and only one half that you see.

- Edgar Allan Poe, 

The System of Dr. Tarr and Prof. Fether

Photo of the Week

"For as long as we BOTH shall live..."

"I do... I did..."

Learn to Draw The Haunted Mansion

Disney

Ready for another spookily delightful "Learn to Draw" from the Disney Parks? This time, Imagineer Stephanie Jazmines will teach us how to draw our own version of the Haunted Mansion. 

There are 999 happy haunts here, but there's room for 1000. Any volunteers?

Hocus Pocus Toys and Games

All images: Disney 

I really do adore all things Hocus Pocus. The clothing, treats, costumes, collectibles, and  of course, toys and games. This year, Disney has created a few adorable stuffed toys. This Binx wearing Dani Dennison's witch's hat is ridiculously cute.

The Sanderson sisters have also become stuffed dolls, although these appear to match the cartoony style found on several items this year. Each doll does seem to capture the personality of the witch. Winifred has the perfect smile, and looks ready to call on her beloved booooook.

Mary has her quirky grin and seems about to cause some trouble.

Sarah looks very mischievous and ready to run amuck, amuck, amuck. 

If games are more your speed, check out this board game from Ravensberger. I have several of their games, and although sometimes complicated, I really enjoy them. Hocus Pocus is a strategy game where players must work together to stun the Sanderson sisters and keep them from making their potion before the sun rises. I haven't played yet, but it does look fun. All of the toys are available from shopDisney.com, while the game is available from several different retailers. 

These Hocus Pocus Cookies Are Spooktacular

This year, the Sanderson sisters seem to be taking over Halloween. From clothing to toys and collectibles, home goods to party decor, and then there are these cookies. I don't usually buy refrigerated cookie dough, but I couldn't resist trying these new cookies from Nestle Toll House. 

The cookies are a delightful blend of peanut butter and oatmeal cookies, studded with chocolate chips and topped with purple, orange, and yellow candy coated gems. In addition, these cookies contain no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives, which i really appreciate. 

These cookies are spookily delicious and would be the perfect accompaniment to the Life Potion Punch. The Hocus Pocus cookie dough is available, for a limited time, from Walmart, Kroger, Meijer, Albertson’s, and Safeway. Each package makes 20 cookies and costs around $2.99.

Hocus Pocus Shirts For Halloween

All images: Disney

Hocus Pocus may be my favorite Halloween movie. I love the Sanderson sisters and their evil, yet ridiculous, ways. If you too love those wily, wicked witches, why not consider one of these awesome shirts from shopDisney.com. The sisters put a spell on you with this heathered grey t-shirt. 

More of a Thackery Binx fan? Then how about this "It's just a bunch of hocus pocus" shirt featuring the clever kitty and Winifred's beloved booooook.

Maybe you'd like to proclaim your rebellious side with this "I lit the black flame candle" shirt.

Perhaps you're more playful and prefer this "Amuck Amuck Amuck" t-shirt. I must say, it's a favorite quote in our house.

And finally, my favorite shirt from this year's collection. This sweatshirt, with its delightful quote from Winifred, is absolutely fantastic. All of these shirts are available online from shopDisney.com, along with a few clever Hocus Pocus costumes and wigs. 

Brew Up A Batch Of Life Potion From Hocus Pocus

Disney

This D23 recipe for Winifred Sanderson's Life Potion sounds much more appealing than the original. No more dead man's toe, just a lovely sherbet punch. A perfect drink while watching Hocus Pocus for the millionth time. And I know just the cookies to make to go with it.

1 12 oz bottle of green apple soda, chilled
1 liter club soda, chilled
lime sherbet

Pour green apple soda and club soda into a large pitcher and stir gently. Add several scoops of lime sherbet to the punch mixture which will begin to create foam. Allow the sherbet to melt a bit and gently mix into the punch. Pour into glasses and top with sherbet.

TIP: Substitute the green apple soda with other bright green beverages such as Hawaiian Punch.

Quote of the Week

Disney

I put a spell on you

And now you're mine

You can't stop the things I do

I ain't lyin'

It's been three hundred years

Right down to the day

Now the witch is back

And there's hell to pay

I put a spell on you

And now you're mine!

- Winifred Sanderson, Hocus Pocus

Photo of the Week

 

Dead Men Tell No Tales...

The Witches Are Coming...

All images: Warner Bros

Roald Dahl's The Witches is one of my favorite ridiculous stories. Like many of Dahl's works, it's a story about a clever child who sees that something is wrong, when most of the adults don't, and sets out to make it right. Many years ago, The Witches was made into a movie starring Angelica Huston as the Grand High Witch. I loved it! This October, there's a new film, and it's Anne Hathaway's turn to take on the title role. I can't wait!

Here's the official synopsis from Warner Brothers:

Witches are real, and they are everywhere! 

From Oscar-winning director Robert Zemeckis comes the fantasy adventure “Roald Dahl’s The Witches.” The film stars Anne Hathaway, Octavia Spencer, Stanley Tucci, Kristin Chenoweth, and Chris Rock alongside newcomers Jahzir Kadeem Bruno and Codie-Lei Eastick.

Reimagining Dahl’s beloved story for a modern audience, Zemeckis’s visually innovative film tells the darkly humorous and heartwarming tale of a young orphaned boy (Bruno) who, in late 1967, goes to live with his loving Grandma (Spencer) in the rural Alabama town of Demopolis. As the boy and his grandmother encounter some deceptively glamorous but thoroughly diabolical witches, she wisely whisks our young hero away to an opulent seaside resort. Regrettably, they arrive at precisely the same time that the world’s Grand High Witch (Hathaway) has gathered her fellow cronies from around the globe—undercover—to carry out her nefarious plans.

Roald Dahl's The Witches arrives on HBOMAX on October 22.

Rattling Bones To Decorate Your Home

Disney

One of my favorite Halloween cartoons is The Skeleton Dance, an old Silly Symphonies short. Its delightfully spooky with fun, silly music and, of course, dancing skeletons. If you'd like to add a few of these restless bones to your Halloween decor, try this printable craft from D23.

• First, save the image found here. 
• Print at least 5 pages of skeletons on card stock.
• Cut out each skeleton on the black lines.
• Make a small hole on each skeleton’s elbow with a hole punch.
• Thread string or ribbon through the front of each skeleton’s left elbow, across the back, and out through the right elbow, connecting the skeletons into a garland. 
• Hang your Skeleton Dance garland for some spooky fun decor.