B O O

How crazy is it that it's Halloween tomorrow?

Unfortunately I have yet to find out if Hallowednesday will fit in my schedule at all, but I'm hoping it will. I usually go all out this time a year in terms of parties and costumes, and this year shouldn't be an exception. For this reason I had a party over the weekend. And I went all out.

My roommate, my sister and me decorated the first floor of my apartment top to bottom. We cobwebbed the ceiling, toilet-papered the living room and hung streamers and plastic chandeliers near the entrance. Then we added black and orange lights along with candle-lit mason jars to give the room an eerie mood. The only thing missing was dry ice, but we weren't about to take the risk of making everyone pass out due to the lack of oxygen.

Then there was the food. I spent all of Saturday (and some of Friday) prepping for the party. It sounds like a very long time and it was, but it was worth it. In the end our goodie table featured a massive "Boo!" cake, cute orange-monster cupcakes, a tangy guacamole and glow-in-the-dark (black light) jell-o shots.

If you like cake, I would highly recommend this recipe (which I featured about two years ago as the "Who's Counting Cake"). It's consistency is a combination between angel-food and pound cakes; it's so moist the frosting isn't even necessary--although it does give it another level. As for the flavor, it screams creamy vanilla with a hint of sweetness.

The cupcakes are this recipe, with this frosting. Both recipes are so versatile that I decided to combine them and focus more on the decoration. And come on, aren't they just so cute?!

Then there's the guac, which is an all-time favorite. Start with a base of avocados (I used 3) and add chopped tomato, onion and jalapeño; then add more goodies, like corn, black beans or even peas. Finish off with fresh lime juice and salt and pepper.

And last but not least, the jell-o shots; the ooh-aah treats of the night. A few months ago I found out that tonic water glows under a black light. I also read that you could incorporate it into jell-shots and thus have them glow-in-the-dark. Genius right? Here is the recipe.

Regardless of if I celebrate the actual Halloween tomorrow, I'd say I basked in the spirit on Saturday. Now go prepare a party!

Raspberry Lime Jello Wedges

Friday was a night to remember. We finally had our housewarming party--a whole month after moving in. Regardless, it was amazing.

I got to see all the friends I hadn't seen since last semester or since the summer. I made new friends. I danced around on our roof deck. And yes, I took some jello shots. Not just any jello shots. Raspberry-and-vodka-filled-lime-wedge shots. What can I say, they were pretty cool.

You know that horrible process of having to get the jello shot out of the cup; the plastic breaks or half of the shot stays stuck. Well, with this awesome creation (many thanks to Michelle at That's So Michelle) gets rids of all those complications.

What better party treat than cute and colorful hassle-free jello shots!

Raspberry Lime Jello Wedges (adapted from That's So Michelle)

• 10 limes, sliced in half
• 1 box Raspberry jello
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup vodka

1. Squeeze limes to get the juice out and loosen the pulp. Reserve lime juice for other use (you can make cocktails or limeade). Using a paring knife, go around the inside of the knife to loosen up a bit more. Then using your fingers or a spoon, hollow out the lime so that only the peel is left. Arrange lime halves on a rimmed baking sheet
2. Bring water to a boil. Remove from heat and dissolve jello. Add vodka and stir constantly until well combined.
3. Pour mix into lime halves and place sheet in the refrigerator. Cool overnight.
4. With a sharp knife, carefully slice lime halves in two. Serve immediately.