Instant S'mores

It's about that time again. And no, I don't mean nap time, or even that awesome time where Amanda comes out with a new How-To for all of you to try (hint hint, it actually is). It's actually almost time for Halloween! And that means cute, holiday themed snacks and Christmas music on the radio. Today, we're taking a campfire classic and giving it a creepy twist. That's right, s'mores.

Now s'mores may seem like a relatively easy thing to do and you're right, but what if you're mighty pressed for time? What if you have a Halloween social or a Halloween event desperately in need to warm, gooey treats to bring some love to the night? That's what this recipe is for. You see, these s'mores that I'm about to tell you about are special: they don't need a campfire at all!

Some of you may think that, without a campfire, a s'more is not really a s'more, and you may have a point. With the weather getting colder (at least here, up north), there are less and less opportunities to start a bonfire in the fire pits without freezing your limbs off. So, for those of you without the fire power, here's a sweet and fun alternative!

Instant S'mores: The s'more you know, the better it works! (buh dum tss)
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 seconds

Ingredients Include:*
Graham cracker squares
Chocolate hazelnut spread
Marshmallow fluff

*Note: How much of each ingredient you need depends solely upon how many people you're making for. The original recipe is for four people and called for 8 cracker squares and 2-3 tablespoons of each spread, but the amount of each ingredient is relative to who's making it.

Directions:
1. Place cracker squares on clean, dry work surface
2. Spread half of the squares with chocolate hazelnut spread
3. Spread the second half of thee squares with marshmallow fluff
4. Smoosh your little beauties together
5. Place on microwave safe plate
6. Microwave on high for 30 seconds
7. Make 'em creepy!*
8. Serve immediately!

*Depending on what you plan to use to decorate them, you might want to do this step before you microwave them, as they harden up pretty quickly, and you'll have to warm them up again.

Now that you're got your cute little squares of deliciousness, it's time to creep them up! My sisters and I have found that simply using orange, black, yellow and purple sprinkles are a great way to give them color and make them pop out. You could also use spider shaped sprinkles or even black sugar to coat the warm edges of the s'more. After decorating them, your treats should look a little like this:

I can't even look at them, they're so tasty.

Another way to make your s'mores stand out is to substitute different ingredients. Local supermarkets also sell chocolate graham crackers for you to use. Similarly, you can substitute the chocolate hazelnut spread with peanut butter, to give some variety to your treats.

Presentation is always the answer to a simple snack. Buy Halloween themed plates and napkins, drink some fruit punch and pretend it's blood, show up in costume and pretend to suck the blood of your sisters. Though there are endless possibilities, there is always a way to spice up an event and a treat. All you need is a little imagination! These instant s'mores are a great thing to plan for sisterhood events and Halloween socials. They're fun and easy, and there's no need to buy charcoal or skewers.

(They also happen to be the only thing I've eaten since I discovered microwavable s'mores, but who's keeping score? Really?)

Have a happy and safe Halloween! Now, you can have all the comforts of a bonfire right in your dorm! (Without the severe fire hazard, of course.)

Fright Night - Socials for the Holiday

With recruitment winding down (for most of us anyway), it is time to get our new members introduced to the Greek Community. What better way than through mixers, socials and functions. Every campus does it differently but no one can ever have too many ideas of ways to interact with those fraternity men. I have some Halloween themed ideas that can be transformed for any social, mixer, themed dance you name it.

Fright Night

This is the "cooler" way to name a Halloween themed event, that is simple and everyone can have their own creativity. At a Fright Night event the attendees wear any Halloween costume that they desire, but paired costumes are always preferred. 

Thriller

Everyone knows Michael Jackson's "Thriller". Come to your event dressed like those in the video. Here are some examples: 

Ghouls & Goblins

Take this social back to the day when you were a kid, growing up with Hocus Pocus, Halloween Town, Gremlins, and all the other classics that make you think of Halloween. Dress for this themed social as one of those things that make you scream when you hear something go bump in the night. Or even something simple and classic, like a witch, a ghost made from a sheet, a jack-o-lantern. Use your creativity on this one and bring your DIY skills! 

Other Ideas

We all know that probably our favorite types of socials are our themed dances, but the holidays can go much farther. Do a mixer (what my school calls a social without a third-party vendor for alcohol) where everyone can crave or paint a pumpkin, your chapter supplies the tools and the paint, while everyone is BYOP, bring your own pumpkin! 

Have everyone bob for their own apple then decorate it with carmel, chocolate, crushed candy, sprinkles you name it. It is a blast watching everyone try to grab their apple but then that satisfaction when you get to eat that decadent treat. 

When you are planning a themed social, especially for the holidays make sure to keep it simple and classy. Think about the little things that will make your event a success, turn your punch orange, bring a spooky trail mix, hang cobwebs from the ceiling. You make think that the small touches go unnoticed, but they are what truly makes your event fit for the holidays!

Hope these ideas help you make the most out of your holiday themed socials!