No matter what anybody says, Halloween really is for children. I say that because in order to fully enjoy the day, you have to allow yourself the freedom to set aside "adult" thinking and return, if only for the moment, to the simple, carefree mindset of a child to truly enjoy it.

Some of my fondest childhood memories revolve around those long, cold strolls through the neighborhood on Halloween night, and allowing my mind to reflect on to those cold, crisp days somehow magically sends me into that simpler state of mind where the most important thing on earth is how many good candy bars you got in your bag!

Back in the day, apples were the worst thing to get and as they were rumored to be poisoned on Halloween (just like Snow White's) by people who didn't like children.

To this day I cannot eat an apple without first scrubbing it in soap and water, slicing it and, then carefully examining it under the brightest of lights before putting it in my mouth. Oh, Happy Halloween!

On the other hand, we'd consider it hitting pay dirt if we'd find a house giving out Rice Krispie treats. These babies weren't available commercially yet so they were a very special find and indicated that the woman of the house loved kids so they were always safe to eat immediately and without inspection!

Times have certainly changed and our old rules for Halloween simply do not apply.

Today our children's treat bags are nothing but a sea of safety-sealed, individually wrapped, cellophane packaged commercially prepared products that, while offering safety, do it at the price of uniqueness our generation never lacked.

I think its time to reclaim Halloween for our children and ourselves -n we grownup children -- and give them the homemade, old-fashioned fun we used to have!

It is possible to do if you invite children to come together, asking each child to bring a couple bags of their favorite creepy candies to decorate with, play with and share.

Having some cupcakes and a bowl of marshmallows and colorful candies on hand will help get the creative juices flowing and soon they'll all be busy creating original, creepy concoctions all their own. Happy Halloween!

Ghoulish Grins

Red apples

Peanut butter

Marshmallows

* Cut apples in half, remove core and cut into 3/4-inch slices.

* Spread peanut butter thickly on one slice of apple for "glue."

* Top with another slice, keeping the red skin part of the slices on top of one another to make "lips."

* Cut marshmallows into small pieces for "teeth."

* Stick marshmallow pieces on the peanut butter between the two lips to make crazy looking "teeth."

Scary Spiders

Marshmallows

Black licorice ropes

Red Hots candy

* Make legs by sticking four pretzel sticks or black licorice ropes on either side of the marshmallow.

* Add the eyes by poking holes into the marshmallow and placing one candy in each hole.

Creepy Cupcakes

2-1/2 cups boiling water (do not add cold water)

2 packages (8-serving size) or 4 packages (4-serving size)

Orange-flavor gelatin dessert

1 package (2-layer size) yellow or chocolate cake mix or yellow or chocolate cake mix with pudding in the mix

8 ounces Cool Whip, thawed

Halloween sprinkles (orange and black)

* Stir boiling water into gelatin in medium bowl at least 3 minutes until completely dissolved.

* Pour into 15-by-10-inch pan.

* Refrigerate at least 3 hours or until firm.

* Meanwhile, prepare and bake cake as directed on package for 24 cupcakes.

* Cool completely on wire racks.

* Cut each cupcake in half horizontally.

* Dip bottom of 15-by-10-inch pan in warm water about 15 seconds.

* Using 2-inch round cookie cutter cut out 24 Jigglers.

* Place small dollop of whipped topping atop bottom half of each cupcake.

* Place Jiggler circle atop each and add another small dollop of whipped topping.

* Place top half of cupcake on each stack and gently press onto whipped topping.

* Top with additional whipped topping and sprinkles.

Makes 24 cupcakes.

Black Kat Krispies

1/4 cup butter

12 ounces marshmallows

6 cups Rice Krispies cereal

1/2 cup candy sprinkles

1 tablespoon black food color

* Melt butter on low heat.

* Add marshmallows, black food color and stir until melted.

* Remove from heat.

* Add Rice Krispies cereal.

* Mix until well coated.

* Using buttered spatula or waxed paper, press mixture into a buttered 13-by-9-by-2 inch pan.

* Sprinkle top of pan with candy sprinkles then cut into squares and cool.

Variation: Allow to cool slightly and shape into black cats then sprinkle with candy sprinkles. Allow to completely cool before serving.