ALONG THE MISSISSIPPI: SPECIAL BUT EASY HALLOWEEN TREATS

Halloween 1979 is one for the yearbook. My seven-year-old son, Rick, decided that he wanted a Halloween party. Invitations were issued to five of his closest buddies, including Eddie Hill, for a hot dog roast and trick-or-treating.

The fire snapped as hot dogs on sticks and laughter twirled in the late harvest breeze. I sighed with relief, for this had turned out to be far easier than I had anticipated.

Alas! It was time to begin the trick-or-treating. The final touches had been added to each costume, except for Eddie's. His Martian body suit looked lonely, so I asked him if there was a headpiece. Brother, was there ever a headpiece. An inflatable one, with foot long antennas and streamers to boot, making it at least two feet wide.

The Titanic could have navigated the Mississippi River easier than Eddie managed that Martian headpiece. About 30 minutes into out little adventure with the big Martian headpiece, I cut off the streamers. Within an hour, the cries for help from the other boys who were being antennaed-to-death was too much. I stuck a pin in one antenna. We now had a lop-sided, one-antennaed Martian. Roaring laughter and extra treats greeted Eddie and the other boys at every door.

When I hear the word Martian, Eddie One-Antenna is my mind's first picture. Oh, what a picture.

Witch's BrewMix in given order.

1 can condensed milk

1/2 gallon pineapple-orange juice (dairy case.

1 2-liter ginger ale, chilledTop with dollops of vanilla ice cream orange sherbet or whipped topping.* For another easy homemade treat make cupcakes with Pillsbury's "Funfetti" cake and frosting mix.* The following items can be found at any variety or craft store for treats.

Orange and black crazy strawsMonster pencils and/or erasersMonster candy tubes (filled with M&M-type candies.

Halloween stickers (smaller children love these.

Haystack candy

12 ounces butterscotch chips

6 ounces milk chocolate chips

3 tablespoon butter

5 ounces Chinese noodles

1/2 cup pecan pieces or peanuts

1. Melt butterscotch chips, milk chocolate chips and butter in double boiler, or heavy sauce pan.

2. Stir in Chinese noodles and pecans or peanuts. Drop by spoonfuls on waxed paper.

Yield: 18 to 24 pieces.

Angie Holtzhouser is author of Drop Dumplin's and Pan-Fried Memories... Along the Mississippi. Her cookbook is available at local bookstores. In addition, it can be purchased through the mail at: Drop Dumplin's, P.O. Box 10, Lilbourn, Mo. 63862. The price is $19.95, including tax and shipping.