ESN Halloween: Home Celebration!

This is Halloween: the suspenseful moment in time when stories about vampires, witches and other fantastic creatures become reality!

Every end of October is mystical for ESN Rotterdam! You usually find us dressed up as our (super)heroes from reality and far beyond, mystical beasts and… the rest is a well-kept secret. Last year, we spent Halloween on the dancefloor of Maassilo, enjoying different kinds of music: from the electrifying beats of urban and pop to fantastic classics, reggaeton – there was something for everyone! We for sure had the best time of our lives and we cannot wait to be back dancing the night away!

Trick or Treat?

The spookiest, yet sweetest time of the year is approaching. You guessed it right, Halloween! This year we encourage you to embrace the “tricking” part, which is of great importance to the Halloween tradition, yet often forgotten. Though rest assured this post will leave you with a chance to “treat” your tummy as well.

Want to prank your roommate? Here are a few ideas…

  • Buy cheap hair extensions the same color as your target’s hair and scatter them around their pillow during the night.
  • Prep this prank the night before Halloween to start the day with a fright: Dip your finger or a cotton swab in some liquid dish soap and write a creepy invisible message on the bathroom mirror, like “I’m watching you.” When your victim takes a shower and the mirror fogs up, your words will mysteriously appear.
  • Place a rubber bat, rat, or snake in the toilet and close the lid.
  • Send a spooky Valentine’s card on Halloween and address it from Dracula or Frankenstein. Make them wonder who their secret torturer is…
  • Buy a bunch of plastic cockroaches and tape them along the wall in your bathroom to make it look like an infestation. (Check how it went for this girl https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fNiRAPYoLSs)
  • Cover yourself with white fabric, such as a bed sheet, and jump out of nowhere to frighten someone. (Take a look at this prank in action https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hj54z3IrAIk)
  • Take a picture of your face (preferably squished), print it out and place it in a jar, then put the jar in a visible spot in the fridge. Roommate preserves, anyone?

 Now for the sweet part of the holiday: the treats. Sitting at home in this weather on Halloween, one craves some delicious pumpkin treats. Here is a student-friendly recipe that you can try out to make this day a little bit more special!

PUMPKIN BREAD PUDDING (Source: Delish.com)

INGREDIENTS:

  • 1 loaf brioche or any bread of your choice
  • Butter, for the pan
  • 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
  • 3 large egg yolks
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 can pumpkin puree
  • 1 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup bourbon, optional
  • 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp. cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
  • 1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 tsp. ground ginger
  • Caramel, for serving

TIP: you could always use the leftover egg whites for some protein-filled omelets or crispy meringues!

DIRECTIONS:

  • The day before: Slice bread into 1″ cubes and leave out overnight to dry out. (Alternately, place bread on a baking sheet and bake at 200º for 20 minutes, then let cool.)
  • Preheat the oven to 350°. Butter a large baking dish. In a large bowl, whisk together sugar, yolks, and whole eggs. Add pumpkin, milk, cream, bourbon (if using), vanilla, and spices. Add bread and toss to combine. Let bread soak for 10 minutes.
  • Transfer mixture to prepared baking dish and bake until custard is set, 40 to 45 minutes. Let cool 20 minutes before slicing.
  • Serve with caramel.

Stay spooky,

ESN Rotterdam Content Committee