Hallowe'en is supposed to be fun. But somewhere between the costumes, decorations, parties and school activities, making homemade treats can start to feel like another thing on an already endless to-do list.

According to Alicia Tucker of The Tuck Shop, it doesn't have to be that complicated.

“I guess I would say be organised. For me, it's always about taking shortcuts when you can.

As an example, she recently made five pizzas for her family in about half an hour using ready-made dough from The Tuck Shop. The same approach, she believes, works just as well for Hallowe'en baking.

“For busy moms or moms who don't have the time, you could always do semi-homemade where you pick up a cookie kit and maybe the mom does them and expertly decorates. She doesn't have to roll them out, cut them out, bake them, et cetera.”

And perfection certainly isn't the goal.

“Not everything has to be extravagant. A homemade cookie doesn't have to look like a bakery cookie.”

For anyone looking to make a few festive treats without spending hours in the kitchen, Ms Tucker has some easy ideas.

Rice Krispies to the rescue

If there's one treat Ms Tucker recommends for Hallowe'en, it's Rice Krispie Treats. They're quick to prepare, easy to decorate and ideal for making with children.

“I think Rice Krispie treats are kind of easy. You can always decorate them with candy corn or you can put one of the candy corn pumpkins on top or Hallowe'en sprinkles. You can whip them up in like 15 minutes.

And if you're really pressed for time, they're her go-to option.

For an extra touch, Ms Tucker suggests using miniature cookies as decorations.

“You can also buy the mini cookies we sell at Tuck Shop as a garnish. They can be used on a charcuterie board, on top of a cupcake, on a Rice Krispie treat, by themselves.”

Her suggestion is to combine the squares with miniature cookies and candy corn for a quick Hallowe'en spread.

Dip, decorate and enjoy

Another easy option is to give everyday snacks a Hallowe'en makeover. Ms Tucker suggests dipping pretzel sticks in chocolate melted in the microwave, then using the chocolate to create spider web decorations.

It's a simple way to make an ordinary snack feel festive without having to bake anything from scratch. For cookies, cupcakes and brownies, her advice is equally straightforward: add a few decorations.

“Sprinkles are a great way to take something that's not decorated and jazz them up. There are so many sprinkle options. I think adding candy corn and gummy worms, any Hallowe'en topping is easy to put on and spruce things up.”

A little homemade buttercream can also go a long way.

“I think buttercream icing is super easy to make. I would make homemade buttercream and jazz it up with some sprinkles.”

And there's no need to invest in professional decorating equipment.

“Use a plastic Ziploc bag as a piping bag. I do that at home for ease.”

Build a Hallowe'en treat board

For something that looks impressive with very little preparation, Ms Tucker recommends assembling a Hallowe'en-themed charcuterie board.

Rather than making everything yourself, gather a selection of cookies, sweets, chocolates and other snacks, then arrange them into a festive display.

“Or even dessert charcuterie boards, where you get a whole bunch of stuff and the way you create and make it personal is the way that you put it together. That's definitely trending.”

It's also an easy way to cater to different tastes and let children help choose what goes on the board. The secret is in the presentation rather than the preparation.

Keep Bermuda's weather in mind

Of course, Hallowe'en in Bermuda doesn't necessarily come with cool autumn temperatures. That means choosing treats that can withstand the island's lingering warmth and humidity.

“Anything chocolate is temperamental. Even buttercream can be temperamental,” Ms Tucker says.

Her recommendation is to stick with more durable options such as cookies and Rice Krispies treats, particularly if you're transporting food to a party.

Cute, not creepy

When it comes to Hallowe'en itself, Ms Tucker has a definite preference.

“I really like cutesy Hallowe'en. I like all of the pink ghosts and the cute ghosts. I don't do scary Hallowe'en. I really enjoy making cute Hallowe'en goodies.”

At The Tuck Shop, that means decorated cookies, meringue ghosts, cupcakes and decorate-your-own cookie kits as Hallowe'en approaches.

The shop also carries themed paper goods, temporary tattoos, toys and slime for anyone planning a party.

But whether you're buying a decorating kit or making homemade Rice Krispie Treats, Tucker's advice is to keep things manageable.

Rice Krispie Treats

Ingredients:

¼ cup butter, plus more for greasing

4 cups miniature marshmallows

5 cups crispy rice cereal

Method:

– Butter a 9 x 13in pan

– Melt ¼ cup butter in a large saucepan over low heat.

– Add marshmallows and stir until melted and well combined.

– Cook for 2 minutes more, stirring constantly.

– Remove from heat and stir in crispy rice cereal until well coated. (Some elbow grease is needed for this step!)

– Press mixture evenly and firmly into your pan using a buttered spatula, waxed paper, or slightly wet hands.

– Add sprinkles, candy corn or anything seasonal to decorate, cut to sizing (or use a cookie cutter for fun shapes) and enjoy!

Simple Vanilla Buttercream

1 cup unsalted butter, softened

3½ to 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 to 2 tablespoons milk of choice

Method:

– Whip butter on high speed in an electric mixer for 2 mins

– ⁠Add sugar and mix on medium speed until combined

– ⁠Add milk and vanilla and mix on medium speed until combined, then continue mixing on high speed until light and fluffy