Ghosts 'n Pumpkins 'n Grands, Oh My!

GHOSTS and PUMPKINS

and GRANDS....here's why.

We had reason to celebrate an early Halloween this past weekend!

Look who came to see us! Meet our middle son, and his sweet family. We miss them because they live about 11 hours away from us. It was such a treat to be with them. We packed as much fun as we could into Thursday night, Friday and Saturday.

We spent the afternoon at Bear World and had such fun seeing many of the animals of Yellowstone Park. The kiddie rides were a party too. Then we went to a great Mexican joint for dinner...yum!

When we arrived home two little trick-or-treaters surprised us! Luckily, I'd made

Mary's Chocolate Cake

in my own way! It is a perfection and here's why.

My neighbor Mary makes a great chocolate cake that everybody likes. It's amazingly easy to whip up with a chocolate cake mix, whipped topping, and a tub of chocolate purchased frosting. Top with chocolate curls or sprinkles, and you've got a winner, especially with my kiddies! Mary's version is black and white and actually sophisticated looking.

I've found that it really doesn't matter what you use flavor-wise, any cake mix and frosting will do. It's the easy idea and how it's decorated that makes it a favorite with the kids and gnee for holidays and special occasions.

Bake a 8" two-layer cake. Split each layer in two. For the bottom-top layer you may want to slice it off. It just makes the cake easier because it's more stable.

Spread whipped topping between each layer, trying not to get too close to the edges. Ha-ha! (I think I got an F on this part.)

Before you can say, "Spook-tacular," you'll have a decorated cake, the kids just love!

It's not gourmet, but it's cute and a favorite of one of my DILs who likes her funfetti cakes! My grands all think PEEPS are the best and beg for big pieces with multi-peeps... For this version, I used a yellow cake mix and chocolate frosting.

I needed more than one cake for Sunday dinner, so I whipped together a 2nd version. For this one I used the new Fall Party Chip cake mix and frosting. It's orange perfection!

I only had one box of ghosts and 1 box of pumpkin peeps, so I spread them out a little. Both went over big with my grands. I served peep-laden pieces and I got hugs and kisses, over and over.

It's gonna have to last me till Christmas, when all fifteen grands are bringing their parents to our home for the holidays!

Mary's Chocolate Cake

• 1 dark fudge chocolate cake mix
• 1 container chocolate frosting
• 1 super large whipped topping (I like Cool Whip)
• grated chocolate or chocolate sprinkles

Make chocolate cake according to package instructions. Bake in two round 8" cake pans. After cake is cooled, slice both cakes in half horizontally. Place one of the bottom pieces onto the cake plate. Put a layer of whipped topping on the cake and don't come to close to the edge of the cake. Continue to layer in the same manner until you have put on the last cake piece, but do not put on the top layer of whipped topping. Frost the side of the cake with the container of frosting. Pour remaining whipped topping on the cake and top with grated chocolate pieces or chocolate sprinkles. Refrigerate.

For gnee's cake: use any cake mix and frosting, seasonal Peeps and candies to decorate. I often add a word banner or pictures of the special birthday girl or boy. Be sure to serve with lots of love!

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