"Trick or treat, smell my feet, give me something good to eat!"

To be young again.

Those were the days. Personally I never used one of those treat bags, that's what pillow cases were for. We left the house at the first sign of dusk and usually made a trip or two home to unload our stash before venturing into the next neighborhood.

Today things are a little more guarded , unfortunately it's a different world out there. Certainly we had our share of hooligans, but the weapons of choice usually came by the dozen and were in a carton, or on a roll snuck out of the bathroom closet. The only drive by we experienced was talking your Dad into taking you to the store so you could wave at your sweetheart sitting on her Mom's porch.

Yet some things never change. Hershy bars, Snickers, Peanut butter cups, maybe somewhat smaller but  just as delicious as the were back then. Kids still rank their loot by favorites and pawn off the undesirables to their folks and siblings. " Trade you two Smarties for a Tootsie Roll" still happens all over town.

The two things I would never trade, roasted pumpkin seeds and caramel  apples. Homemade treats were only made for a select few, the generic stuff for the masses, but close friends and family got the good stuff. Both are simple to make and still part of my Halloween rituals.

In my opinion, Jack-o-lanterns are now, and forever will be,the best Halloween decoration invented. Not only are they spooky, creative, and seasonal, but they provide seeds, seeds that can be salted and roasted for a delicious nutritious treat. First separate the seeds from the pulp and rinse them thoroughly. Toss them with a teaspoon of olive oil and spread them in a baking dish. Next dissolve a table spoon of salt in a ¼ cup of water and pour over your seeds. Bake at 350 degrees until the water is evaporated and the seed are a little crisp. That's it , your done.

Caramel apples are just as easy. In a sauce pan under medium to low heat melt a pound of butter. Gradually stir in a full cup of brown sugar until completely dissolved. Add a capful of vanilla extract and let the mixture cool just a bit so that is still warm. Get your favorite apple, Granny Smiths work well, and skewer it with a popsicle stick. Dip and garnish with whatever strikes your fancy.

Let the kids have some fun. I have always found a sense of accomplishment in making something delicious. And trust me the kitchen is much safer than today's streets after dark. Happy Halloween to all, have fun and be safe!