As soon as the first leaves begin to turn color and fall, I know that Halloween is just around the corner. ‘Course, when I was a little girl, “just around the corner” felt like an eternity. I must’ve asked Momma a thousand times, “How many more days?” I have such fond memories of Halloween. For one night I could be anything I wanted to be—and boy did I believe it. I’d pull on my old recital tutu and imagine I was the prima ballerina in “Swan Lake.” Or I’d pull on some of Daddy’s rag-tag clothes he kept for workin’ in the yard and fancy myself a hobo. I begged for candy like it was the only meal I’d get all day, and it must’ve worked because I ended up with enough candy to last me the whole year.

Sure I was cute, but there is just nothing more precious than a baby dressed up for Halloween. I’ve seen a hot tamale, a peacock and even a pea pod. The parents seem to enjoy it most, snapping pictures left and right. Brooke has always been so good about having my grandson Jack participate, no matter how small he was. When he was just eight weeks old, she dressed him up like a turkey! Can you imagine that? I almost had to cancel Thanksgiving, y’all. Then the next year he came to my door dressed as the most adorable spider I’ve ever seen. That child could’ve taken me for all I’m worth—and I think he did . . . in candy. Now that I have two new grandbabies, I’m not sure my heart will even be able to take it.

Y’all, Jack and those new grandbabies give me even more reason to come up with ways to make Halloween special. This year I’m making Candy Gloves—plastic gloves filled with treats and tied with a ribbon. You can either fill ‘em with your favorite candy or try your “hand” at my colorful, homemade Monster Mix. I figure the kids get so much sugar that the least I can do is offer them something a bit more satisfying, like popcorn and nuts. And in my experience, presentation is everything—kids are more likely to eat food that is fun. Plus, Candy Gloves make for great, edible decorations!

When I was little, I always said that I’d grow up to have the best trick-or-treatin’ house around—one of those houses that handed out gift bags or super-sized candy. Never would I hand out carrot sticks or tell a child to “just take one.” Maybe it’s petty wanting to be the best Halloween house on the block, but one thing’s for sure: it’s the most fun I have all year.