Mystery Meat and Lobster Hats

Coming up with a creative Halloween costume is part of the fun of this macabre holiday. But not all of us have the money to spend on an elaborate store-bought costume. Nor do most of us have the time to make one ourselves. And so we are left to either don the traditional bed sheet toga or nothing at all. (And, of course, by “nothing at all” I mean – to not wear a costume on Halloween. I won't be held responsible should any of you interpret that statement to mean it's somehow appropriate to dole out candy to frightened trick-or-treaters in your birthday suit.) But fortunately for all of us, the kitchen is filled with useful last-minute costume ideas. Just a few possibilities follow.

• Wrap yourself from head to toe in aluminum foil and go to the Halloween party as Mystery Meat.
  
  
• Strategically placed pickled grape leaves (found in the ethnic aisle of your grocery store for use in Mediterranean cooking) make for a great Adam and Eve ensemble.
  
  
• Cut mini marshmallows in half and stick them to your face. Then, dye them brown with a magic marker to create lifelike warts.
  
  
• Lettuce, glued to the face and hands with some honey can transform you into a rather convincing Swamp Thing.
  
  
• Or go Gaga style by wearing a lobster for a hat or creating a dress entirely out of meat.

The list could go on, but I believe you get the idea. So create yourself a costume, stock up the candy jar, and carve that traditional pumpkin because Halloween is right around the corner!