The jack-o'-lantern is a traditional symbol of Halloween, and a smiling ambassador of fall. When you see Jack's grin around town you know it's almost time for spirits to haunt the land of the living, and visions of candy and costumes start dancing around in your head.
Here are 13 fun, and easy to make, jack-o'-lantern shaped dishes that will add some Halloween fun to your get togethers, or simply make dinner with your family more festive.
1. Jack-O'-Lantern Quesadillas-
Let's start out with a super simple recipe that anyone can make, a recipe so easy even your kids can get in on the fun.
Simply cut eyes, a nose and a jagged smile into the top tortilla of a double decker quesadilla and put a smile on their faces!
2. Jack-O'-Lantern Cheeseburgers-
Imagine the look on your guest's faces when you slide a smiling jack-o'-lantern burger onto their bun, they'll be grinning from ear to ear!
3. Smiling Pumpkin Fruit Plate-
The smiling pumpkin fruit plate is another super simple recipe/concept that you'll be using for years to come.
Arrange a plate of fruit, or candy, or pretty much any colorful finger food, into the shape of a smiling jack-o'-lantern on a serving tray and watch that pumpkin head slowly disappear during the night.
4. Masked Jack-O'-Lantern Cookies-
This recipe is a bit more difficult to prepare than a fruit arrangement on a plate, but the end result is so satisfyingly delicious it's worth all the effort.
This recipe is great because you can sub out any of the fancy tools or decorating ingredients for simpler ones- frosting instead of luster powder, cookie dough leaves instead of fondant, and jam instead of candy in the middle.
5. Simple Jack-O'-Lantern Cookies-
If you're looking for a simpler cookie recipe, without all the razzle dazzle but with plenty of flavor and character, then you'll love this jack-o'-lantern cookie recipe which uses real pumpkin!
6. Cheesy Jack-O'-Lantern-
What's a party without a tasty ball of cheese for your guests to gobble up? This grinning guy will keep 'em coming back for more, but watch out for double dippers!
7. Jack-O'-Lantern Sweet Potato Fries-
Sweet potato fries are delicious and easy to prepare, and they're a great alternative to traditional fries when you're making jack-o'-lantern shaped food- because they're orange!
8. Jack-O'-Lantern Stuffed Bell Peppers-
A simple, and simply amazing looking, recipe that requires a few slices with a knife and the proper "pumpkin guts" filling to complete the fun effect.
9. Jack-O'-Lantern Pineapple-
This is more of a concept than a recipe, and a mighty versatile one at that.
Use a pineapple as a jack-o'-lantern for a unique take on Halloween decor, or fill it with a fruit salad or candy as a fun centerpiece for a party.
You can even slide a cup inside the hollowed out center of the pineapple and serve drinks in the most festive cocktail glass ever!
10. Orange Jack-O'-Lantern Cups-
Again more of a concept than a recipe, but putting candy or fruit inside of a hollowed out orange with a jack-o'-lantern smile on its little orangey face is an adorable way to serve up a sweet treat.
11. Jack-O'-Lantern Pumpkin Nutella Cakes-
These adorable, and delicious, little mini cakes are so moist and tasty that they're going to get gobbled up fast, so you might not want to serve them until the end of the night...
12. Jack-O'-Lantern Cheeseburger Pie-
Now this recipe is strictly for adventurous eaters- a cheeseburger pie shaped like ol' Jack himself. Serve up this grinning guy and watch the satisfied smiles spread throughout the party!
13. Jack-O'-Lantern Rice Krispies Treat-
Who doesn't love a Rice Krispies treat? They're even better when festively shaped like a lil' jack-o'-lantern, complete with frosting facial features and a tootsie roll stem.
I hope these fun and festive recipes make your Halloween a devilishly delicious time of year!