mummy dogs and tater bugs

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Halloween is one of my favorite holidays. Count Studley always makes fun of me because everything is my 'favorite'. But it really is! Not because I like oozy gory nasty things, actually I really don't! It's because the majority of my family comes to visit because I'm so much fun we have the best. trick-or-treating neighborhood. in. the. world. So for a few days we really get to celebrate it up! (For some reason, when my family gets together, celebrating usually means eating!) So I have a few fun ideas that we use pretty much every year. One is the 'mummy dog' which I have actually seen floating around the web in a few places, but mine is totally the best because I discovered a secret... pretzel dough! OK, so Pretzelmaker discovered it first, but I use this pretzel recipe that I discovered and adapted from allrecipes.com and yummers!! it makes for a pretty tasty dog.

Malll Pretzels

• 1 (.25 ounce) package active dry yeast
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 1/8 teaspoons salt
• 1 1/2 cups warm water (110 degrees F/45 degrees C)
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup bread flour
• 2 cups warm water (110 degrees F/45 degrees C)
• 2 tablespoons baking soda
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons coarse kosher salt

1. In a large mixing bowl, dissolve the yeast, brown sugar and salt in 1 1/2 cups warm water. Stir in flour, and knead dough on a floured surface until smooth and elastic, about 8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, and turn to coat the surface. Cover, and let rise for one hour.
2. Combine 2 cups warm water and baking soda in an 8 inch square pan. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper or spray with non-stick cooking spray.
3. After dough has risen, cut into 12 pieces. Roll each piece into a 1-1 1/2 foot rope. Wrap around the hot dog, leaving the top 1 inch uncovered, and dip into the baking soda solution. Or dip then wrap, it's a personal preference! Place onto parchment covered baking sheets, and let rise 15 to 20 minutes.
4. Preheat an oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C).
5. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown. Brush with melted butter, and sprinkle with coarse salt.
6. Add two little mustard dots for eyeballs!

We serve up the mummy dogs with some 'tater bugs' attached with toothpicks with carrot stick legs. And of course Jell-o jigglers cut out in fun spooky shapes!

Note: Yes, the plate says Happy Birthday. I have to admit, this photo is from last year and we were having a birthday celebration for my sweet niece!

enjoy!