With all the tricks and treats, it’s pretty comforting to craft a homemade Halloween party.

The creepy cocktail: Halloween Bug Punch

Ice cold, sparkling and…green?! Looks aside, this is a refreshing – and cheeky – nod to the holiday.

• The trick: Tapioca “bugs” separate when the hot mixture cools and is combined with the chilled juice. To up the ew factor, garnish punch cups with gummy worms and other creepy-crawly candy.
• The treat: Swap in your favourite pop or sparkling water.

The demonic appetizer: Devilled Eggs with Chives

Creamy, filling and full of flavour, this classic app is sure to please.

• The trick: Even though it’s Halloween, no one likes grey yolks. Avoid this unsightly ring between egg white and yolk by cooking eggs no longer than 10 minutes and cooling immediately in ice water.
• The treat: barbecue sauce with Compliments spikes these creamy yolks with sweet, smokey flavour.

The witch-tastic main dish: Slow Cooker Smokey Applewood Pulled Pork Sandwiches

Could there be a more perfect homemade dish to serve on Halloween night? Fill the cauldron – er, slow cooker – in the morning and it will be ready (with virtually no prep) in time for the party.

• The trick: Serve shredded pork with a pile of fresh squishy buns and build a self-serve topping bar with premium extras: avocado slices, pickled red onions or jalapeños, tangy cabbage slaw, sliced green onions, sour cream, barbecue sauce and shredded cheese.
• The treat:Compliments Beef Broth is the quickest way to big flavour and always good to have on hand for slow-cooker recipes.

The post door-to-door warm up: Spiced Hocus Pocus Potion

Subtle hints of cinnamon, nutmeg and a touch of cayenne bring sweet heat to this dreamy marshmallow-studded mug.

• The trick: Make a cup of hot chocolate great with any number of embellishments: whipped cream, chocolate shavings, peppermint sticks, orange wheels or a splash of something even warmer (your favourite spirit).
• The treat: A tin of Compliments Hot Chocolate Mix in the cupboard is your best ally when the temperature dips.

The spooky sweet ending…

More delicious than a bag full of candy and arguably more fun, these quintessential Halloween treats will bring sweet, spooky spirit to your party table and coax smiles from all your ghoulish guests – even the ones wearing masks. Here are some of our favourites.

• Boo Bark: Use up every last bit of leftover candy in this quick 15-minute creation.
• Gravestone Cookies: Buttery and lightly spiced, these cookies are decorated with red icing “blood.”
• Red Velvet Cupcakes: Deep and dark on the inside and topped with cream cheese icing, these little cakes are a hit on Halloween or any old time.