You could argue that Halloween isn't only about the candy. And you'd probably lose that argument if you're talking to anyone under 13. But even die-hard trick-or-treaters need sustenance. With these scary-good party foods, it'll be love at first bite.

By Lygeia Grace for Food Network Kitchen

Photography by Jackie Alpers

With a black permanent marker, draw ribs, eyes and a mouth on a sweet mandarin orange, then slip it into a lunchbox or snack bag.

Cut off the top of an unsliced Pullman loaf crosswise. Hollow out the top and bottom pieces, and fill with dip of your choice. Arrange the "coffin lid" just over the top and position a plastic skeleton climbing out. Serve with vegetables, pretzels or breadsticks.

A few well-worded signs can turn ordinary dishes into giggle-inducing winners. Label a pile of white doughnut holes as "spider eggs" (plastic spiders optional); a bowl of green puffed vegetable snacks as "monster boogers"; glasses of red punch as "vampire blood"; and hoisin-glazed chicken wings as "bat wings."