Better Homes and Gardens

If you have plans to party-hop this Saturday night to celebrate Halloween, why not make an entire evening out of it by inviting friends over beforehand for a simple and spirited dinner? Especially if drinking is on the agenda, you'll want to fill up on some hearty carbs. Start with devils on horseback, a crowd-pleasing appetizer that involves bacon-wrapped shrimp and a spicy dipping sauce. For the main course offer bats and cobwebs: bow tie pasta with melted mozzarella cheese, tomato sauce, and chicken sausages. Throw in a mixed green salad, crusty bread, and you've got a Halloween meal.

Get the easy recipes I recommend, after the jump.

This grilled chicken recipe is perfect for Summer's last hurrah this Labor Day weekend, making good use of two warm-weather favorites: barbecue and watermelon.

At an outdoor BBQ it's not unusual to see seasonal fruit alongside the meaty main dish, but how about dressing your poultry with the juicy bounty? This fresh take on barbecued chicken will surprise your fellow BBQ-goers with its sweet and spicy watermelon glaze.

Get the recipe after the jump.

I'm trying not to be sad, but with the arrival of Labor Day comes the inevitable end of Summer. To keep my spirits up, I'm crafting the ultimate Labor Day party menu. It's full of Summer's best ingredients. To start, I recommend a surf-inspired decadent and gooey seafood dip. For the main course, burgers, specifically double cheeseburgers seasoned with smoky cheddar, fruity chutney, and peppery arugula. On the side? Classic sour cream potato salad that's full of green onions and crisp bacon and a fun take on the regular caprese salad: roasted tomato and mozzarella "burgers." Doesn't this sound like an amazing meal?! Get the recipes after the break.

For a friend's bridal shower, I'm not just offering a dessert, but I've also decided to set up a color-coded candy bar. Instead of giving everyone a favor that they will never use, I'll have them fill a bag with edible treats to take it home. Since purple is the theme color (it matches the invitations), I plan on getting purple sweets and baked goods like M&Ms and macaroons. As for the delectable finish to the shower, I'll serve cupcakes. They look pretty on display and are always enjoyed. This recipe is for vanilla cupcakes with chocolate frosting. They are simple, but scrumptious.

Learn how they are made after the break.

When I think of classic macaroni and cheese, I always consider it a comforting side dish. However, I love recipes like this one that turn the childhood favorite into an entire meal. Store-bought roast chicken is tossed with broccoli and pasta. Instead of using processed cheese, the ingredient list calls for a semi-soft cheese with garlic and herbs. You could use cream cheese, but I recommend goat cheese. It will provide a delightful richness and tang to the meal.

To get the uncomplicated recipe that's sure to be a hit with kids, read more

Although these legumes were traditionally cooked low and slow in the oven, today's baked beans, as they're often called, are actually cooked on top of a stove for a faster preparation that doesn't compromise flavor. Shed even more cooking time by using canned beans — or save cash by rehydrating dry beans instead. Regardless of how you prepare this dish, bacon plays a crucial part in achieving a pronounced smokiness, while molasses and dark brown sugar add a sweet flavor and pleasing caramel color. Be enticed by both recipes

July 4 officially celebrates our country's independence, but this year, make your fiesta as much about food as it is about the fireworks. Regardless of whether you serve hamburgers or hot dogs, coleslaw or creamy potato salad, don't forget to leave some serious room for a red, white, and blue parfait, which is both gratifying on a balmy night and visually stunning.

Impress guests by paying a literal homage to the stars and stripes with a dessert composed of berry gelatin and creamy panna cotta. Or, take a far simpler approach to the parfait by serving layer upon layer of whipped yogurt, strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries. Decide which one works best for you this holiday and read more