1/2 cup semisweet chocolate pieces IT. water Combine all

1/2 cup semisweet chocolate pieces

IT. water

Combine all ingredients in small saucepan. Stir and cook over low heat until melted and smooth. Cool slightly before drizzling over frosted cake.

Would you like to go to a little more trouble to make this Halloween party a very special occasion? You might consider creating a Cranberry Cheese Pumpkin with cheddar and cream cheese, spicy seasonings and cranberry-orange relish. After all the ingredients are mixed together, shape into a large ball. With hands, press sides into ridges to give pumpkin shape. Add a cinnamon stick for the stem and one has a tasty spread for crackers or small slices of bread.

Cranberry Cheese Pumpkin

IVi lb. sharp cheddar cheese, finely grated

2 pkg. (8 oz. each) cream cheese, room temperature

1 tsp. dry mustard

1/2 cup cranberry-orange relish

Cinnamon stick

In large bowl, mix all ingredients except cinnamon stick. Shape into ball, place on serving dish, and with a spatula, ridge sides to resemble pumpkin. Press cinnamon stick into top of “pumpkin” for a stem. Chill until ready to serve with crackers or melba toast. Serves 10 to 12.

Caramel apples are a familiar party treat, but have you ever considered serving Peanut Butter Apples?

Peanut Butter Apples

8 wooden skewers

8 medium-size apples, stems removed (Macintosh recommended)

2 cups (12-oz. pkg.) peanut butter chips

3 T. vegetable oil

Chopped nuts, crushed cereals, or coconut (optional)

Wash apples and dry thoroughly; insert wooden skewer in each where stem was; set aside. In heavy IV2quart saucepan, melt peanut butter chips with oil over very low heat, stirring constantly until smooth; remove from heat. Working quickly, dip apples in mixture and twirl to remove excess coating. Roll in chopped nuts, crushed cereal or coconut, if desired. Allow to cool on buttered or waxed paper. Refrigerate if desired.