Bobbing and weaving, the tall puppets seemed to float through the narrow brownstone lined street. Giggling, shrieking and clamoring for more we jumped up and down, our costumes sweeping around us. Our little five-year-old hands clapped with delight under the glowing arched streetlights. It was All Hallows’ Eve and New York’s Village Halloween Parade was in full swing.
I grew up in Manhattan’s Far West Village. During the early part of my childhood this now famous October thirty-first procession wasn’t the huge extravaganza it has currently become. Rather, it was an intimate showcase created by a neighborhood artist.
Over the years the parade became so popular it was moved from the quaint cobblestone streets to a wider avenue. This year, as I described it to my preschoolers, they listened wide eyed. My four-year-old twin daughters love to hear stories about when I was a little girl.
What is it about this holiday that is so magical? Yes, it is fun to dress up, but I think it brings back memories of our childhood. That unique day each year when we’d choose a special outfit. We could be anything we wanted to be, and nothing was impossible.
I see it on my kids’ faces. Belief. Of course you can be Wonder Woman! A fairy princess mermaid, why not! It is wonderful to see their imaginations at work. One of my daughters has been practicing with her Lasso of Truth. My other daughter decided she needed to make her wand more sparkly.
Seeing their creativity at work warms my heart. To help this sense of invincibility last beyond one enchanted night, I encourage them to make the magic last. I want them to feel like Wonder Woman all year long! So far my children are quite good at grabbing onto dreams and believing in the impossible. This Halloween, I hope you do too!
Fruit and Honey Rice Pudding
Ingredients
2 cups cooked white rice
2 cups milk
3 tablespoons butter
1/3 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
First mix all the ingredients in a sauce pan. Next bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring often. Cook for 15-20 minutes, until thickened. Let cool. Place in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Topping
Cape Gooseberries
Pomegranate seeds
Honey
First scoop the chilled rice pudding into teacups or bowls. Next remove the husks from the gooseberries and wash the berries. Now place desired amount on top of the rice pudding. Then sprinkle on some pomegranate seeds. Lastly, drizzle honey over the fruit, letting it pool onto the pudding.
Serves 4
