My Dog Tried This Ice Cream For Pups And Here's What She Thought

Ghost Cake Pops

Store-bought cake and candy eyes make a super fun and totally delicious holiday treat that will impress kids and party guests alike! (via Hello Little Home)

Chocolate Caramel-Covered Banana Goblins

These goofy goblins are just as delicious as they are adorable. Plus, since you’re snacking on potassium-rich bananas, you don’t have to feel bad about the chocolate and caramel. (via Handmade Charlotte)

Trick or Treat Mummy Nuggets

There’s no easier way to make a cute Halloween treat than by using snacks you already have in your house. These mummy nuggets would be a fun project to keep kids busy while practicing their artistic skills. Just don’t be surprised if you find a lot missing. (via Easy Peasy Pleasy)

No Bake Protein Balls: Monster Cookie Edition

These no-cook, no-bake monster cookie protein balls are a fun and delicious after-school snack or lunch treat. They have the perfect amount of sweet without any potentially inflammatory sweeteners. Even the candy-coated pieces they recommend are made with minimally-processed ingredients! (via The Real Food Dieticians)

Graveyard Dirt Cups

We might be okay with being buried if it’s in six feet of chocolate cookies and pudding. Decorate your cups with edible bones and tombstones to really make it look like a cemetery. (via Sugar, Spice and Family Life)

Swirled Chocolate Butterscotch Bars

These deliciously easy homemade treats require no oven, very little prep time, almost no effort, made in one bowl, and make the perfect homemade Halloween “candy bar." (via Half Baked Harvest)

Cream Cheese Caramel Apple Dip

Please a crowd with this 5-ingredient dip that's super creamy and topped with crunchy toffee bits. (via Kathryn's Kitchen)

Candy Corn Cookie Bark

Somehow you always have candy corn left over at the end of Halloween (heck, you may have some left from last year). Put it to good use by making this gift-worthy cookie bark that showcases all of the Halloween colors we know and love. (via Grace and Good Eats)

Butterfinger Fudge

This homemade spin on one of Halloween’s staple sweets is one that will make you very proud of yourself. It’s not every day you can say you made candy that’s better than the original. (via A Bajillion Recipes)

Candy Corn Krispie Treat Pretzel Pops

These treats aren’t just no-bake; they’re no-cook at all. Take advantage of store-bought Rice Krispies to form your candy corn look-alike, and you won’t even break a sweat. (via Love from the Oven)

Homemade Candy Bars

In case your local grocery store is all out of your favorite candy come Halloween, you can always make your own! Try experimenting with homemade Snickers and Twix, to start. (via Brit + Co)

Worms and Dirt

Make this classic Halloween treat for kids without refined-sugar, dairy, and gluten, but still filled with chocolatey flavor. There's an option to use store-bought chocolate cookies, making it easy and no bake! (via Clean Cuisine)

No Bake Monster Bars

These protein-packed peanut butter chocolate bars are perfect for Halloween and fall snacks, just keep them in the fridge or freezer so you always have a healthy treat within reach. (via Two Peas and Their Pod)

Candy Corn Popcorn

Since we can’t enjoy candy corn year-round, let’s go overboard this whole month. This no-bake snack doubles the fun with candy corn popcorn served in a tricolor waffle cone. (via Brit + Co)

No Bake Vegan Chocolate Almond Coconut Bars

These no bake bars are a mix of healthy and delicious with Medjool dates, coconut, almonds, cocoa powder and chocolate chips.(via Vanilla and Bean)

Halloween Banana Popsicles

If you’re looking for a healthier Halloween snack or if you tend to have those hot Indian summers that won’t quit, these banana fruit pops are the way to go! (via Food Bank of the Southern Tier)

Halloween Chocolate Bars

Did you know you could make candy corn and Oreo-filled brownies without even turning on your oven? The result is thick and fudgy, just what you want for Halloween. (via Homemaking Hacks)

Frankengoblin Jello Shots

Oreos and Jello. What could be better? These cookie jiggler shooters will scare your creepy socks off. (via Brit + Co)

No-Bake Orange Curd Mini Cheesecakes

These orange curd dessert are the perfect Halloween treat for potluck parties. You just need crust, cheesecake filling, and orange curd, so easy it's scary! (via Whole and Heavenly Oven)

Frankenstein Twinkies Pops

How cute are these guys? Just when you thought Twinkies couldn’t get any better, this happens. (via This Silly Girl’s Kitchen)

Black Cat Cookies

Our favorite thing about these ominous feline bites is that the cookies are pre-made. Being totally smothered in melted chocolate helps too. Me-ow. (via Hungry Happenings)

Ghost Crackers

It definitely doesn’t get much cuter than these. If you can stop playing with the decorations long enough to taste the crackers, the sweet and salty flavor will be simply addicting. (via Cake Wiz)

No Bake Chocolate Lasagna

Make four layers of yumminess in this incredibly easy to make dessert, including a no-bake oreo cookie crust, instant chocolate pudding, cream cheese fluff, and whipped topping. Add orange sprinkles to make it extra Halloween-y! (via A Spicy Perspective)

Chocolate Eclair Cake

Here's another super easy cake you can top with your Halloween toppings if you like. Make it in about 10 minutes with graham crackers, pudding, whipped topping, and chocolate frosting! (via Culinary Hill)

Homemade Almond Joy and Mounds Bars

It seems these candy bars only make an appearance come Halloween. But we’re willing to bet the homemade version will stick around all year. Yeah, they’re that good. (via Marin Mama Cooks)

Mummy Truffles

These mummy truffle bites don’t have a trace of “scary,” thanks to the decadent pumpkin cheesecake filling. Once you get past the blaring red eyes, it’s nothing but sweet and creamy dessert goodness. (via Creme de la Crumb)

Jack Skellington Donut Pops

he Nightmare Before Christmas is a classic movie that is on repeat around Halloween. Give the star the credit he deserves by making these snackable donut pops adorned with Jack’s loveable skeleton face. (via Finding Zest)

Vegan Twix Bars

Something tells us the word “healthy” never comes to mind when you’re eating a Twix. That’s all about to change with this chocolatey vegan dupe. (via Healthful Pursuit)

Mini Phyllo Bites

Phyllo shells are the gateway to endless dessert possibilities. Repurpose your leftover candy minis to form a new and improved treat that you’ll make year after year. (via Nifty Mom)

No Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake

This easy no-bake pumpkin pie cheesecake is creamy and delicious and the perfect Halloween time dessert. (via Feel Good Foodie)

No Bake Oreo Cheesecake Parfait

What can you do with a couple of Oreos and a can of Fanta? No, this isn’t a joke; those are the two main ingredients to this simple Halloween parfait. Dig in! (via Cook With Manali)

Peanut Butter Candy Corn Bark

You can’t go wrong with pretzels and peanut butter. The sweet/salty combo is to die for, and you could easily package it and give back to trick-or-treaters. (via Something Swanky)

Candy Dipped Pretzel Rods

Halloween sprinkles and colored candy melts make for a fun autumn day in. Make your own masterpiece on a pretzel rod that is both beautiful AND delicious. (via Love Bakes Good Cakes)

Easy No-Bake Halloween Treats

These easy treats take just four ingredients! (via Chelsea’s Messy Apron)

Cookie Dough Mummies

What lurks inside these truffles isn’t a mummified body part, but a sweet ball of luscious cookie dough that’s egg-free, of course. (via Catch My Party)

Pumpkin Peanut Butter Pretzel Bites

Pumpkin and peanut butter are like Halloween’s version of the PB&J. As if that isn’t reason enough, sandwich them between two pretzels for a little bit of crunch and saltiness. (via Fresh April Flours)

Easy Pumpkin Patties

Whip up these festive homemade candies for a treat that will put your actual Halloween candy to shame. Each bite is as buttery and sugary as the last. (via Mom on Timeout)

Vampire Donuts

These frighteningly delicious donuts double as a snack and a party favor. Once your guests inhale their donut, they’ll sport the vampire fangs all night long. (via She Knows)

Pumpkin S’moreos

Here’s a crazy idea: Let’s combine summer’s favorite treat with milk’s favorite cookie and Halloween’s favorite flavor. Yum, yum, yum. (via Brit + Co)

Halloween Pretzels

There are so many options when it comes to decorating pretzels for Halloween — just let your imagination run wild. Although, the owls are quite a hoot. (via The Monday Box)

Witch Hat Surprise Cookies

Inside the barrel of this chocolate ice cream cone there’s a bevy of various candies waiting to surprise their trick-or-treater. Kids will love the unexpected treat, and you’ll have fun making them. (via It’s Always Autumn)

Homemade Caramel Corn

Looking for an easy-to-make treat that will ease any craving? Look no further, because this Halloween-friendly popcorn will do the trick. (via I Heart Naptime)

No Bake S'Mores Cheesecake

Impress your Halloween guests with this no bake s'mores cheesecake, made with a graham cracker crust, no bake cheesecake filling, chocolate ganache, and toasted marshmallow meringue. (via Butternut Bakery)

Pumpkin Spice Puppy Chow

Nibbles are essential at any Halloween party, and puppy chow is always a crowd favorite. Give it a fall update with pumpkin spice and candy pumpkins and TRY not to get addicted. (via Sally’s Baking Addiction)

Pumpkin Fudge Spice

Trying to stay healthy this fall? This Paleo-approved, 100-percent-vegan fudge totally has your back. (via Paleo Running Mama)

No-Bake Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake

It’s hard to believe something as indulgent and rich as a cheesecake could be no-bake, but it’s true. Bonus points for the decorative pumpkin marshmallows on top. (via Jane’s Patisserie)

No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter M&M Balls

Are they cake pops? Butter balls? Candy? Cookies?? You be the judge. Whatever you call them, these M&M-infused balls are jaw-droppingly peanut buttery. (via Buzzfeed)

No-Bake Sugar Wafer Frankenstein Cookies

How adorable are these mini cookies resembling Frankenstein’s monster? And the best part: All you need to make them are sugar wafers, green candy melt, chocolate sprinkles, and candy eyes. (via Shaken Together)

Pumpkin Cheesecake Truffle Mummies

What gives these truffles their mummy-like appearance? Simple food coloring and an extra few drizzles of white frosting. (via La Creme de la Crumb)

No Bake Peanut Butter Icebox Cake

This uber-sweet dessert sandwiches peanut butter pudding between peanut butter cookies. It’s basically a PB-lover’s dream come true. (via Crazy for Crust)

Caramel Apple Nachos

Sure, these are basically just sliced Granny Smith apples drizzled with a few choice sweeteners (namely, white chocolate, chocolate chips, Heath bar bigs, and caramel). But EVERYTHING is better in nacho form, right? (via Life in the Lofthouse)

Halloween Monster Marshmallow Melts

These super cute marshmallow treats allow you to get creative. Don’t feel limited to green coloring and two eyes: Throw other colors in there and make them with one eye, three eyes, or eyes everywhere! (via Finding Zest)

Mickey Mouse Halloween Cookies

Oreos are a delightful invention. In addition to coming in tons of crazy flavors, they also come in both normal-sized and mini form. And with that distinction comes the ability to create Mickey Mouse-shaped cookies. (via Living Locurto)

No Bake Pumpkin Pie in a Jar

Looking for a delicious dessert you can take on the go? This pumpkin pie in a jar should do the trick. (via Life Love and Sugar)

No-Bake Pumpkin Swirl Cheesecake Bars

Oreo Cookie Cups With Marshmallow Cream

Here’s another delicious and Halloween-inspired use for your Oreos. The cookie cups are made not only with America’s favorite cookie, but also powdered sugar, butter, marshmallow cream, vanilla, and, of course, sprinkles. (via Two Sisters Crafting)

Halloween Spider Donuts

Okay, so the reason these donuts are no bake is because you have to go out and buy the donuts ahead of time. The REAL magic happens when you add a chocolate donut hole on top and give the creature some chocolate spider legs. (via The Semi Sweet Sisters)

No Bake Pumpkin Pie Balls

These gluten-free, vegan pumpkin pie balls are great for your health-conscious friends (not to mention gluten-intolerant trick-or-treaters). With ingredients like pure maple syrup, cinnamon, pumpkin puree, and almond flour, you really can’t go wrong. (via Gluten Free With LB)

Gummy Worm Ice

Surprise kids with these creepy crawlers, or use them in your Halloween cocktail! (via Brit + Co)

Reese’s Peanut Butter Granola Bars

Fair warning: You’re going to be tempted to eat these right away. But it’s imperative to let them chill for at least a few hours. Put them into the fridge to speed up the process. (via Mom on Time Out)

Witch Hat Cookies

Last but not least, a quintessential Halloween favorite: Things shaped like witch hats. In this case, chocolate kisses sitting atop chocolate-rimmed Ritz crackers. (via Dizzy Busy and Hungry)

Try These Adult Halloween Treats Too!

Reese’s Peanut Butter Shooters

Take your favorite Halloween candy up a notch with some chocolate vodka. Just make sure to pick up a skull-imprinted ice cube tray ahead of time to make it extra creepy. (via Brit + Co)

Creepy Petit Fours

Nothing says Halloween quite like a smattering of bite-sized blood. Shards of sugar make a just-as-creepy cake topper that will leave you shuddering. (via Brit + Co)

Blood and Bones Cocktail

A treat for adults! What could be creepier than bone-inspired jello shots? Floating them in a blood-red cocktail, of course. Cheers! (via Brit + Co)

Candy Corn Jello Shots

Let your partygoers shoot back these tasty shots of festive color and scary spirit. Pro Tip: Always make more than you think you need. (via Brit + Co)

Follow us on Pinterest for more easy + delicious recipe ideas.

Lead image via Clean Cuisine

Ingredients:

— coconut (or other white) ice cream

— red and blue gel food coloring

Instructions:

1. Scoop ice cream into a bowl.

2. Add food coloring and mix well.

For all three treats, you will need red, white and blue ice cream. There are red and blue flavors on the market, but we couldn't find any, so we used dye. Feel free to buy or dye.

You gotta be quick with the licks to keep this from melting on your hand. We didn’t go with classic Neapolitan flavors (strawberry, vanilla, chocolate), but you could easily do so by dyeing the strawberry a deeper red and using white chocolate for the blue. Our version is solid coconut, but follow your heart!

Red, White and Blue Neapolitan

Take note of the round container we used for this. It was a fail! We highly recommend you use a bread tin instead. To make your ice cream, scoop the more solid white ice cream into a strip down the middle of the tin. This will act as a barrier for the other two, which will be in a more soup-like form due to mixing in the food coloring. Add red to one side and blue to the other. Place it in the freezer for around two hours.

Here's where the fail happened. When we tried to scoop the ice cream, because it was in a round tin, the act of pulling the scoop towards me spun ALL of the ice cream around in a circle. Whoops! I managed to get some in the end, but it wasn't ideal.

The proper way to eat ice cream is two scoops on a cone.

Ice cream: a true American patriot.

It took us five stores to find dragon fruit and when we sliced it open, it was a vibrant magenta rather than the white we expected. Sweet surprise in our book and a perfect topping for a layered milkshake.

Fourth of July Layered Milkshake

Mix and pour, mix and pour, mix and pour. If you want a thinner shake, add a bit of milk to your ice cream before you pour it in the glass.

Top with dragon fruit and pocky or any other fruit/candy combo you love.

We couldn't stop staring at these. They're so pretty!

This one is a callback to childhood. When we were kids, we loved mixing my ice cream until it was liquid and then pretending it was soup. What is with that? Why would we want to turn DESSERT into something that would normally be dinner or a side?

Ice Cream “Soup"

All you need to do for this award-winning “recipe” is mix your ice cream until it is the perfect consistency. Then add toppings. This is a dessert soup, after all, so toppings can consist of candy, sprinkles and fruit.

Meet your match, smoothie bowl.

Other ideas for toppings include blueberries, strawberries, blackberries, mochi, chia seeds and white chocolate. Don’t be afraid to add all different shades of red, white and blue. Your toppings don’t all need to be bold primary colors.

We hope we've inspired you to get creative with your ice cream this year! Happy Fourth of July!

1. They're always being dismissive.

Have you ever been really excited or upset about something only to be met with a dismissive tone from someone you confided in? This person is displaying toxicity which "gradually undermines trust in relationships," according to English. Would you want to keep sharing things with a person if they're always downplaying your emotions? Probably not.

2. Controlling others seems like a sport to them.

English says another way to determine someone is toxic is pay attention to their controlling behavior. It can be something as simple as telling you what to wear or something greater such as forcibly limiting your contact with anyone they think isn't good for you.

3. They consistently makes excuses for their behavior.

Have you ever let a close friend know certain behavior bothers you only for them to make an excuse for why they keep doing them? Bennett says this counts as "avoiding responsibility for actions." Furthermore, "constantly" doing so or looking to "push the blame onto someone else veers into toxic territory," she adds.

Another way to look at this is if someone is always falling into a pattern of "victimizing themselves," according to Bennett.

4. They tend to be manipulative.

Manipulation is tricky because it's not always obvious until it's too late. It's kind of like not realizing you were bit by a mosquito until your skin becomes itchy and red. Bennett says this is toxic because there's a knowing that someone can "appeal to a certain person's characteristics or personality traits." This looks like saying or doing something "with the intention of getting a certain reaction," according to her.

Bennett says, "An example may be one partner in sobriety who consistently uses their poor mental health as a reason to not be proactive about finding a job. They do this because they know that the other partner is worried about their loved one relapsing so they use that fear against her."

5. They never miss an opportunity to gaslight people.

Calling this a "well-known example," English says gaslighting often occurs when someone denies the reality of another person." What would cause someone to do this? Well, a toxic behavior often doesn't want to take accountability for their actions so they'd rather "cause people to doubt their own perceptions," according to English.

6. They're always looking for reasons to criticize someone.

The catty behavior on The Real Housewives of New York may be entertaining for TV, but that kind of behavior gets old quickly in everyday life. No one wants to hear why "so and so thinks they're all that" even if it's disguised as humor. English says, "Regardless of their motivation," behaviors like this "can lead to stressful and emotionally distressing situations."

Alena Darmel

Is it time to cut that toxic person out of my life?

We live in a society that started prioritizing ending relationships with people as soon as we spot red flags, but English and Bennett don't think this should be our immediate reaction. English says, "The decision to disengage with a toxic person in the relationship will depend on how harsh and serious the relationship is" because "it is often personal."

According to her, if you notice a consistent pattern where the behavior is "damaging your emotional health," it's okay to walk away from that person. Still, she believes "completely cutting [someone] off is often a last option when other approaches to changing the behavior have not worked." Bennett says something similar and notes how to approach different scenarios.

"If it someone you need to communicate with because of a job or family, there are things you can do to protect yourself," she says. She suggests reminding "yourself who you are dealing with" if the person is adept at gaslighting others because "it may be easy to become convinced that you are wrong or something did not happen the way you recall." A phrase she encourages you to tell yourself is, "I know that my experiences are my experiences no matter what."

If you're dealing with an aggressively toxic person, you'll have to "set and reinforce boundaries," Bennett says while English adds that "engaging in therapy to faciliate healthier relationships" may be a next step.

Here's how Bennett suggests navigating communication with someone like this:

• Set a boundary to end the conversation when you notice toxic behavior such as invalidation of your feelings.
• Receive support from another person so they can remind you of things you're trying to accomplish

If you're dealing with a friend or spouse, Bennett wants you to remember "you cannot change them" but you're in control of how you respond. English says, "It is important to analyze the whole situation and know when the cost of the relationship is greater than the benefits."