Ariel Winter's mother is either an abuser or hero, depending on whose story you're listening to.

While the Modern Family actress alleges she's been physically and emotionally abused at the hands of her mother, Chrystal Workman, the accused has an entirely different story to tell.

In a statement released Thursday, Ariel Winter's mom declared, "I love my daughter very much. I would never abuse her in any way and I have always tried my best to always protect her and do what is right for her."

Chrystal Workman continued, "My fourteen-year-old daughter has been dating an eighteen-and-a-half-year-old man, and when I caught them engaging in behavior that I feel my daughter is too young mentally and physically to understand and fully grasp I put a stop to it immediately."

Could Ariel Winter's beef with her mother be boiled down to young love–induced drama? It's likely too soon to judge, but Jimmy Workman, Ariel's brother, has chosen his mother's side in the mudslinging.

As Jimmy explained the situation, "The allegations are not true. This is stemming over a boy who is overage dating my little sister, my family had no idea about until the end part of it. It's not true."

Modern Family's Ariel Winter is going goth >>

TMZ states an incident report reveals Chrystal walked in on Ariel and the boyfriend in bed, in the guest room of her home, on Sept. 24 at around 10:00 p.m.

Explaining why she filed the report, Chrystal stated, "Because legally he is an adult and if he wants to engage in adult behavior with a minor th[e]n he should also be ready to suffer adult consequences for his actions."

Curiously, however, the incident report detailing how Ariel Winter's mother prevented statutory rape "wasn't filed until 2 weeks after the alleged incident — and 5 days AFTER she lost custody of Ariel."

Whom do you believe when it comes to the drama surrounding Ariel Winter?

Image via WENN

A challenge for any moviemaker creating multiple films from one story is to keep it fresh and new. And for the fourth film in the Transformers series, Michael Bay has apparently decided that changing out the main character will keep people coming back for more.

Bay announced today he has officially decided to replace former star Shia LaBeouf with Mark Wahlberg. The news isn't coming out of the blue though. Bay is working with Wahlberg on a different movie, Pain and Gain.

"Mark is awesome. We had a blast working on Pain and Gain and I'm so fired up to be back working with him," said Bay. "An actor of his caliber is the perfect guy to re-invigorate the franchise and carry on the Transformers’ legacy."

But according to Entertainment Weekly, after numerous Internet rumors last week mentioned Wahlberg as the star of the next Transformers, Bay denied that would be happening. Ironically, fans of Wahlberg and those happy to see the actor in the next movie may actually have those Internet rumors to thank.

"Let's say some ideas are gaining traction with me and my writer — so I'm here to say thanks internet chatter," said Bay.

Transformers 3 earned more than $2.6 billion worldwide, becoming one of the top-selling movies of all time. Transformers 4 will begin shooting in the spring and is scheduled to open June 27, 2014. Wahlberg is going to have to find time for the project though, since he has four other films currently filming or in pre-production, not including Pain and Gain.

"In Pain, Wahlberg shares the screen with Dwayne Johnson and Anthony Mackie who play three personal trainers in 1990s Miami," said Entertainment Tonight. "The trio get involved in a criminal enterprise in their pursuit of the American Dream, but it's not long before everything goes wrong."

Pain and Gain will be out April 26, 2013.

Photo courtesy of Anneke Ruys/WENN.com

Glee-induced deprivation

How many of us were DYING while awaiting the premiere of tonight's episode? I never actually used a calendar until I got the date Glee would return.

But Glee fans, Grease-inspired music and costumes do not reach a culmination in this episode. This is a theme that will also be present in episodes to come.

OK, we get it Finn, you're depressed

How does Glee reciprocate my near-death longing for its return? It does it by introducing the first few moments with our most beloved mourning character, Finn . He is currently back in Lima, working at a tire shop and bemoaning how he lost Rachel. Woe is you, Finn, and maybe you needed to lose the girlfriend so you could get some goals!

Mike and Mercedes return to support Finn's attempt to work with Artie to co-direct McKinley's production of Grease. It proves to be successful, as Finn ends up standing up to Sue and sees potential in Ryder  — a new sophomore on the football team. Seeing a bit of himself in Ryder, Finn takes him under his wing and acts as a mentor — and ironically, ends up inspiring himself to motivate others. Once Will announces his departure for Washington and his stepping down from Glee, he passes the torch on to Finn.

Now the question arises: Will he take it?

Jake, do you or don't you want Marley?

This annoying Quinn wannabe — who I mentioned that Jake, for some unknown reason, was attracted to — is a cheerleader on the Cheerios cheerleading squad. I have yet to know her name, but I certainly do not care to.

In the episode's most catty moment, she throws words at defenseless Marley, stating she is "5,000 pounds away from 50 shades of gravy."

Good one, because making fun of an overweight mother is the most classy route to go. It's OK, the blonde we don't care about is just bitter because Jake dumped her.

Jake, what are you doing? You stare longingly at Marley, only reaffirming you are just like the adoring, naive Jacob from Twilight. Regardless, you decided to audition for the Glee Grease play, only based on the premise of getting closer to Marley, who allows herself to be used, and you both audition — together. Well, clearly you didn't get the lead of Danny... because you and Marley don't have real chemistry. Who got to play Sandy and Danny, you ask? Marley and Ryder .

Gender issues were big, this episode

Unique wanted to be the iconic Rizzo. Sue strongly opposed it and went as far as challenging and threatening Finn. But the truly heartfelt confession by Unique is what sold me on the real importance of acquiring the role in the play: the need to belong. Transgender issues are always a sensitive topic, but this episode gave us all a personal insight — hopefully dissipating some of the ignorance that surrounds this controversial topic.

In other, more uninteresting news...

As always, Emma and Will are talking about the most minor issue known to man: relocating. I understand the time and distance apart will be difficult , but isn't that an adult experience most of us go through at some point in life? Sorry ,Glee, I just can't get into this storyline as well as the others.

Music featured this episode:

"Blow Me," by Pink

"Hopelessly Devoted to You," by Olivia Newton John

"Juke Box Hero," by Foreigner

"Everybody Talks," by Neon Trees

"Born to Hand Jive," from Grease

This episode was decent, especially given my personal favorite moment: the irony of Blaine singing "Hoplessly Devoted to You" when he was the one that cheated on Kurt . The drama never ceases to surprise me, folks. I thought the anticipation was bad before, but I cannot WAIT to see how the Grease play turns out. Can you?

Photo courtesy of FayesVision/WENN.com

For more Glee reviews, check these out:

Season 4, Episode 4
Season 4, Episode 3
Season 4, Episode 2

Ariel Winter's boyfriend may be the latest young Disney star to have been caught behaving badly. Rumor has it the 18-year-old, who was found in bed with the 14-year-old Modern Family actress by her mother, is none other than Cameron Palatas.

Who? With so many shows, it can be hard to keep track, but he's the one from the Disney series A.N.T. Farm who has also made cameos in other shows such as iCarly. The guy with the "Advanced Natural Talent" on the small screen has been linked to Ariel Winter in multiple ways.

Ariel Winter's mother: I saved her from statutory rape!>>

Along with publishing photos of Ariel Winters and Cameron Palatas together, many publications have reported that they've been an item for months. Notably, while their dating may not be entirely scandalous, the lack of breakup reports now appears to be key!

Perhaps most credible of all the evidence supporting the theories that Cameron Palatas is the freshly minted man being investigated for having an inappropriate relationship with a 14-year-old is a tweet from Ariel Winter herself.

Back in August, she wrote to followers, "And thank you to everyone who is supportive of me and @cameronpalatas. It really means a lot. Love y'all! ❤"

Ariel Winter abuse update: Brother comes to mom's defense>>

If Ariel Winter's boyfriend is indeed Cameron Palatas, pictured above in 2009, then he is the 18-year-old who is now the subject of an investigation by law enforcement, thanks to her mother's report. Sources have confirmed the Sheriff's Special Victims' Bureau currently has a detective actively working on the case.

The actor recently joked about an important milestone in his life, posting "First time. Yeahhh. ;D" on Twitter, with a photo of an "I Voted" sticker.

Images via WENN

These whoopie pies start with a yellow cake base. Simply select which add-ins you prefer for a creative twist.

Yields: About six to ten, depending on sizes of scoops and type of batter flavor.

Ingredients:

For the cake

• 3/4 cup sugar
• 5 tablespoons of shortening
• 1 egg
• 2/3 cup buttermilk
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 1/4 cup all purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• A dash of salt

For the frosting filling

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 2 1/2 cups of marshmallow cream
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Varieties:

• Blueberry sauce and fresh basil
• Peanut butter and jelly
• Beer and pretzels

Directions:

Cream the butter and sugar. Slowly add in buttermilk and vanilla.

Mix in the egg.

Add in dry ingredients. Place in refrigerator and allow the batter to thicken. The longer you let it sit, the better the whoopie pie holds up in the oven.

Meanwhile, make your frosting. Cream the butter, then mix in the marshmallow cream and vanilla.

Set frosting aside and prepare your mix-ins. Here are some flavors to add a little variety to your whoopie pies:

Blueberry and basil

Cook blueberries in a saucepan until broken down and sauce-like. Allow to cool in refrigerator, and mix in with frosting. Shred basil in food processor and mix into whoopie batter.

Beer and pretzels

Pour a touch of beer into the frosting and mix. Add only a little at a time and mix to taste. Crush up pretzels and mix in to batter.

Peanut butter and jelly

Stir jelly into frosting and add peanut butter to batter to taste.

Once batter is firm, use a small scoop to portion out on a lined baking sheet.

Bake at 350 degrees for about ten to fifteen minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Allow pies to cool.

Spread frosting in between two to make a sandwich.

More dessert recipes

Homemade flavored gourmet marshmallows
Pumpkin pie on a stick
Deep fried desserts

Fluffy, fresh, melt-in-your mouth marshmallows are well worth making at home. Forget about finding anything like these gourmet puffs at a store. Add in your favorite flavor for an extra kick.

Make your s'mores something special

Homemade s'mores

A marshmallow recipe made just as the French intended. Create as a gift or hoard them all to yourself. Three different possible mix-ins are suggested in the recipe, or use your own.

Ingredients:

• 3-1/2 packs unflavored gelatin
• 1/3 cup cold water
• 1-3/4 cup sugar
• 1/3 cup corn syrup
• 1/3 cup room temperature water
• 3-1/2 egg whites
• Spray bottle filled with vegetable oil or cooking spray
• Powdered sugar or corn starch
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:

Begin by setting up three stations. In the first station, line a baking dish with aluminum foil. Coat with vegetable oil, and dust with powdered sugar and cornstarch.

Pour 1/3 cup room temperature water, corn starch and sugar into a sauce pan. Attach a cooking thermometer and place something nearby for safely grabbing the pot handle.

Pour 1/3 cup cold water over gelatin.

Turn stove on to medium-low, stirring occasionally until sugar is dissolved. While sugar dissolves, beat egg whites until fluffy and forming stiff peaks.

Scrape egg whites into a bowl and set aside. Clean out mixer and whisk with a paper towel. Scoop gelatin mixture into mixer.

Once sugar is dissolved, turn up the heat and boil until it reaches 245 degrees F. Immediately remove from heat and slowly pour down side of mixing bowl with speed set to mix on low.

Turn mixer on high and beat until it turns white and sticks. Add vanilla, and fold egg whites in carefully. Once smooth, scoop into the baking dish and allow to set overnight. Once set, flip over onto a cutting board coated in powdered sugar or cornstarch. Cut with a large knife sprayed with vegetable oil.

Lemon and white chocolate marshmallow

If you love lemon, try a lemon and white chocolate marshmallow. Use 1/3 cup of lemon juice and two teaspoons of white chocolate powder with the gelatin in place of the 1/3 cup of cold water. Grate the lemon peel into the marshmallow in place of the vanilla extract. Sprinkle white chocolate chips over the tops of the marshmallows.

Eggnog

For a little eggnog this holiday season, use 1/3 cup of cold eggnog in place of the cold water poured over gelatin. Use two tablespoons of additional eggnog in place of the vanilla extract. Sprinkle cinnamon and eggnog over the top of the marshmallows.

Mint chocolate chip

For a mint chocolate chip flavor, use mint oil or extract in place of the vanilla. As you are pouring the marshmallow into your baking dish, sprinkle some mini chocolate chips throughout each layer. Optional: Add a drop of green food coloring.

Enjoy.

More dessert ideas

Deep fried desserts
S'more dessert pizza
Pie on a stick

Deep-fried sweets

Create the ultimate guilty pleasure by frying up your favorite dessert into a warm, crispy treat.

We all love the hot and salty crunch of fried food. Desserts are also quite a sweet delight. Fuse these two culinary delights in your own kitchen.

Deep-fried desserts

Ingredients:

• Any of your favorite desserts
• Panko bread crumbs
• Canola oil
• Cream or milk
• Cake batter

Directions:

Prepare your ingredients by freezing them. Some possible desserts could be cupcakes or cake pops.

If you choose to use a larger dessert, such as a slice of cheesecake, freeze it and cut it into more manageable pieces.

Set up your batter and breading. Mix milk or cream with cake batter. Pour Panko bread crumbs into a bowl.

Once your dessert is firm, dip it into the batter and sprinkle bread crumbs over it.

Place breaded dessert back into the freezer.

Heat oil to 350 degrees F, or until a piece of bread fries and no longer sinks to the bottom.

Fry, one at a time, until golden brown. Place dessert on a rack or paper towels after frying.

Serve immediately.

More dessert ideas

Homemade flavored gourmet marshmallows
S'more dessert pizza
Pie on a stick

S'more dessert pizza

Spend a night in with friends, or plan a family pizza party for this toasted s'more pizza. With a crust that tastes like graham cracker and your choice of toppings, this is the perfect way to indulge.

Ingredients:

For the dough

• 4 tablespoons butter, softened
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1-1/2 cups flour
• 1 cup graham flour
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon molasses
• 2 teaspoons honey
• 1 cup water
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 package dry yeast

Suggested Toppings

• Gourmet marshmallows
• Milk or semi-sweet chocolate chips
• Marshmallow cream

Directions:

Heat your cup of water in a saucepan. Once very warm, add brown sugar to dissolve. Turn off heat and add yeast. Allow to stand for about 10 to 15 minutes.

Pour yeast mixture into a mixer. Slowly mix in molasses, honey, vanilla, cinnamon and butter. Mix in a little of the flour, and then the rest of the flour with the salt.

Use dough attachment on mixer or hands to knead dough until smooth. Allow dough to sit in covered bowl in a warm area to rise for about an hour.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Roll out dough and bake on a pizza stone for 10 minutes.

Remove dough from the oven and top with your ingredients. Homemade or gourmet marshmallows or marshmallow cream work very nicely with chocolate chips.

Raise oven temperature to 375 degrees F. Bake pizza for another 10 to 15 minutes or until crust is slightly brown. Serve immediately.

More dessert ideas

Homemade flavored gourmet marshmallows
Individual lemon souffles
Pie on a stick

No need to fear the souffle — these little lemon souffles are a sweet and easy dessert with a lot of visual flair.

Lemon souffles with berry sauce

The magic that is a souffle eluded me and my sweet tooth for longer than I'd care to admit. It just seemed too complicated, too stressful, too sophisticated for a home cook/baker/dishwasher like me — that is, until my husband told me that he'd successfully made a lobster souffle before he was old enough to drive. Oh, is that so? Challenge accepted.

I did my research. I perused online videos, googled "how to make the perfect souffle" and made sure I had the appropriate utensils and ingredients in exact measurements and ratios. And then, I made my very first souffle. It was a double chocolate souffle, brimming with sweetness and dusted angelically with powdered sugar — and it was, to my surprise, a success. In my kitchen, wherein I've burned holes in my strainers, had butter explode in my face and spilled flour all over the floor on too many occasions to count, this was no small feat. The souffle, I soon discovered, was nothing to fear.

Several souffles later, I've learned that not only are they perfectly achievable in a home kitchen by anyone who can wield a whisk, but they're not as fussy as you might think. I've learned what works and what doesn't to make a better, more successful souffle each and every time — like how mini souffles are less likely to fall in on themselves, how the eggs work best at room temperature and how cream of tartar will really help those egg whites stay thick — and I've used those lessons to create what is easily my favorite souffle recipe. These little lemon souffles are equally tart and sweet and whipped to pillowy, puffy perfection. With a faint dusting of powdered sugar on top and a sweet berry sauce on the side, they're also pretty easy on the eyes . And they make any home cook, whether of legal driving age or not, look like a pro.

Individual lemon souffles with berry sauce

Serving size 4

Ingredients:

• Unsalted butter, softened, to coat ramekins
• Granulated sugar, to coat ramekins
• 3 eggs, room temperature
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons unbleached all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
• 1 container frozen sliced strawberries or raspberries in sugar, thawed
• 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• Powdered sugar, for dusting

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Generously coat the bottom and sides of four 1/2-cup ramekins with softened butter. Coat the bottom and sides with sugar, tapping out excess. Place the ramekins on a rimmed baking sheet and set aside.

Bring a large saucepan halfway filled with water to a simmer. Separate the eggs and set the egg whites aside.

In a large heatproof bowl or bowl of a stand mixer, whisk together the egg yolks, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest and flour until pale yellow and frothy — about five minutes. Place the bowl over the pot of simmering water and whisk the mixture constantly until very thick — about five minutes. Remove the bowl from the pot and whisk the mixture on medium speed until cooled — about five to seven minutes. Pour the batter into a medium bowl and set aside.

Clean the mixer bowl and add the egg whites, remaining 1/4 cup sugar and cream of tartar. Place the bowl over the pot of simmering water and stir constantly until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is warm to the touch. Remove the bowl from the pot and whisk on low speed until frothy, gradually increasing speed to medium until the mixture becomes meringue-like and holds soft peaks — about five minutes. Be careful not to overbeat.

Whisk 1/3 of the meringue mixture into the lemon batter. Slowly fold in the remaining meringue mixture until just combined. Spoon the batter into the prepared ramekins all the way to the top — smooth the tops with the back of the spoon. Bake for 12 to 14 minutes or until slightly golden and puffed.

Meanwhile, make the berry sauce: In a blender, puree the thawed berries and lemon juice until smooth. Remove the souffles from the oven and dust with the powdered sugar. Serve immediately with the berry sauce on the side.

More dessert ideas

Homemade flavored gourmet marshmallows
S'more dessert pizza
Pie on a stick

There is just something about a beautiful bowl filled with colorful punch that adds pizzazz to any party. These three punch recipes will keep your guests coming back for more, so be sure to make extra!

Punch up your party

Christmas snowball punch

This bright red punch with a thick white froth is beautiful in the midst of your holiday buffet.

Yield: 100 servings

Ingredients:

• 2 bottles of cran-raspberry juice
• 2 cups of seedless raspberry jam or preserves
• 4 bottles of ginger ale or lemon-lime soda
• 2 gallons of vanilla ice cream

Directions:

1. Combine the cran-raspberry juice, jam and soda in a punch bowl.
2. Scoop 1 gallon of the ice cream into the punch and stir until it makes a frothy layer on top.
3. You may need to wait for up to 15 minutes for the red layer to separate from the frothy layer.
4. Add the remaining scoops of ice cream .

Banana Punch

This sweet, sparkly punch is full of tropical flavor.

Yield: About 200 servings

Ingredients:

• 4 ripe bananas
• 2 cups of sugar
• 3 cups of water
• 1 1/2 quarts of pineapple juice
• 2 cans of orange juice concentrate
• 2 cans of lemonade concentrate
• 2 cups of water
• 2 bottles of ginger ale

Directions:

1. Let the frozen concentrates stand on the counter until they are slushy but not totally thawed.
2. Combine the bananas, sugar and 3 cups of water in a blender and blend until smooth.
3. Pour the mixture into a large bowl and add the pineapple juice.
4. Mix in the concentrates and the 2 cups of water.
5. Freeze this mixture until it is solid. It's best if you freeze it in 4 covered plastic pitchers.
6. Remove from the freezer 3 hours before serving and allow it to get slushy.
7. Use one pitcher of slush to one liter of ginger ale in the punchbowl.
8. For a spiked version add 2 cups of golden rum with each liter of ginger ale.

Dreamsicle Punch

This punch will remind you of those frozen orange and vanilla pops you loved as a kid.

Yield: 60 servings

Ingredients:

• 1/2 gallon of orange sherbet
• 6-ounces of frozen orange juice concentrate
• 1 liter of ginger ale
• 1 liter of cream soda

Directions:

1. Add the orange juice concentrate and sherbet to a punch bowl and let it thaw for about ten minutes.
2. Stir in the ginger ale and cream soda.
3. Add 1 bottle of orange liqueur for a spiked version.

• Mix as many of the ingredients a couple of hours ahead of time as you can to let the flavor mature.
• Don't add sparkling ingredients to your punch until just before serving — it loses its fizz within an hour or two.
• Punch is usually served in small, 4-ounce glasses.
• If you will be using ice in the punch freeze the water in large molds. An ice ring or giant ice cube won't melt as fast and will keep the punch from getting diluted.

More punch recipes and ideas

Hot red velvet cocoa and whipped cream cheese frosting
Rummy chocolate affogato
Wild hibiscus champagne jelly cocktail

Photo credit: Marye Audet

Cakes are getting more intricate and beautiful thanks to food reality shows and celebrity pastry chefs. Fondant is the key to a truly unique cake — and with a little practice you can create beautiful cakes just like your favorite bakery.

Creative cakery

Learning to work with fondant is a combination of technique and practice. Here are some tips to keep in mind.

• While you are learning, it is best to get the ready-to-use fondant available at most craft and cake supply stores. It’s important to have a consistent product to practice with and you can learn to make your own later on.
• You’ll need about a pound and a half of fondant to cover an 8-inch layer cake, not including extra decorations.
• It dries out quickly so it is important to keep it covered when you aren’t using it.
• Fondant can’t be refrigerated. You can make the cake ahead and leave it at room temperature for up to four days but you’ll need to use a cake filling that doesn’t need refrigeration.
• Ready-to-use fondant is not very tasty. You can combat this by kneading in up to five drops of flavored oil per pound and then letting the fondant stand overnight in an airtight container. You can also use this method to color the fondant with food color.
• It is important to keep your hands and work area very clean. The fondant will pick up lint, pet hair, crumbs and anything else that it touches.
• Invest in the tools. Fondant is much easier to work with if you have a silicone mat, rolling pin and smoother. You should be able to pick these up at your cake supply shop.

Photo credit: Janet LaDue

Step 5: Decorate

You now have a completely smooth surface as the base of the rest of your fondant decorations. These can be made in a variety of ways — cut, shaped or molded. You can also use a soft brush to paint the fondant or dust it with edible glitter.

Tip: If your first go at fondant turns into a mess, don't let it ruin your party! Pick up a pre-made cake like the Cake Boss Cakes, now available at stores nationwide. They're affordable, flavorful and will make you look like a cake-decorating pro!

More cake recipes and ideas

Bake like a Cake Boss
Thanksgiving meal cupcakes
Steak brownie recipe for Father's Day

It's hard to resist pumpkin pie, and even more difficult to say no to its newest form: sitting atop a stick! Pie pops have been all the rage on the blogosphere, so why not try them out for your next party?

Adorable and delicious

Not only are they beyond adorable, they're much easier to eat while mingling!

Pumpkin pie on a stick

No one can resist pumpkin pie, spiced to perfection with all the goodness of cinnamon and nutmeg. Add a dollop of whip cream and it's hard to imagine how this dessert could get any better! Then along came the pie pop! All the greatness of pumpkin pie is wrapped up in these adorable two-bite treats that are sure to impress even the toughest crowds!

Ingredients:

• 4 unbaked 9-inch pie shells
• 1 egg white  
• decorative sugar

Pumpkin pie filling: 

• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2-1/2 teaspoons five-spice powder
• 2 large eggs
• 1 can plain pumpkin
• 1 can sweetened condensed milk

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.

Mix sugar, salt and five-spice powder in a small bowl. Set aside. Beat eggs and vanilla in a separate small bowl. In a large bowl, mix the pumpkin and sweetened condensed milk. Add in the sugar mixture and the egg mixture. Set aside.

Roll out the unbaked pie crusts on a well-floured surface.

Use a round cutter or overturned drinking glass to cut out as many circles as you can. Gather the scraps and repeat. Repeat with additional pie crusts.

Place pie dough rounds onto lined cookies sheets. Press lollipop sticks into each round. Adjust spacing to accommodate the lollipop sticks.

Place a small spoonful of pie filling onto each round. Leave at least 1/4 inch around the sides.

Add the top crust. Using an additional lollipop stick, gently press the end of the stick around the pie crusts, creating small dots, and ensuring that the pie pops are sealed. If any pie filling leaks out, gently remove it with a paper towel.

Brush the tops of each pop with an egg wash.

Sprinkle with decorative sugar if desired.

Place your pie pops in the oven and bake for roughly 12 to 15 minutes, or until golden around the edges. Repeat with remaining dough rounds and pie filling.

More recipes

Deep-fried desserts
Host an ice cream float party
S'more bread pudding

S'more bread pudding

Serves 8

The great thing about bread pudding is that it can truly be made in almost any flavor desired. The sky is the limit because you can easily mix in whatever you like, along with stale chunks of bread and a rich custard base.

In this particular case, a campfire classic is transformed into a year-round treat by creating a s’more-inspired bread pudding. Chocoholics of all ages appreciate this flavor combination. Chocolate, graham cracker chunks and mini marshmallows merge with a hint of cinnamon to turn your grandmother’s bread pudding into the newest rage in modern desserts. And it couldn’t be easier to make!

A throwback to a classic, this bread pudding with a twist will even satisfy a developed palate looking for the next best thing in comfort foods. A balance between the crusty exterior and the gooey and fudgy center highlights the best of both worlds. Just take a bite and relish in this soul-satisfying interpretation of gastronomic happiness. This is bread pudding at its best.

Ingredients:

• Unsalted butter or pan spray, for ramekins
• 5 cups stale* 1/2-inch bread cubes
• 5 graham crackers, roughly chopped
• 1-1/2 cups mini marshmallows
• 1 cup roughly chopped semisweet or bittersweet chocolate
• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 3 cups milk

Directions:

1. Place the oven rack in the center of the oven, and preheat to 350 degrees F. Butter eight ramekins and place on a baking sheet.
2. In a mixing bowl, toss together the bread cubes, graham crackers, marshmallows and chocolate. Evenly distribute the mixture into each of the ramekins.
3. Whisk the brown sugar, eggs and cinnamon together in a large bowl. Then whisk in the milk until well-combined and smooth. Pour the mixture evenly over the bread cubes in the ramekins, pressing down lightly with your hands and making sure that all the bread starts soaking in the custard.
4. Soak for 15 minutes and then put the baking sheet in the oven. Bake until the filling is set and the top is lightly browned, crusted and puffed — about 35 to 40 minutes.
5. Allow the bread pudding to cool for a few minutes and serve hot while the chocolate is still gooey.

More comforting desserts

Giant pumpkin cinnamon roll cake
S'mores-n-berry bars
Drunken skillet cherry pie

Fun for all ages

An ice cream float party is a great way to casually get together with friends of all ages to enjoy something sweet and simple. The ingredient list is so short and easy — ice cream and soda — but the customizations are endless.

I love a party where the host can whip a couple of things out of the fridge and then relax as fun ensues! An ice cream float party is just perfect for that, so we gave it a shot with our family and friends, adding a few fun twists along the way.

Sub in sodas of interesting and unusual flavors, add a shot of bourbon or create a stout-based float for the adults. Or stick with a classic root beer float dressed up with a few colorful sprinkles.

To be honest, our kids didn’t need much more than the mention of the word “ice cream” to turn into frenzies of excitement. But those tiny balls of brightly colored sprinkles are so adorable, and they make a plain-Jane ice cream float feel special and festive.

As for the adults, the adventurous among us tried some delicious floats spiked with booze. We especially loved a traditional cream soda float with a shot of bourbon added for a warming, spicy kick. Another adults-only float — made with dark creamy stout beer and chocolate ice cream — was delicious and unique.

There’s something fun for everyone to enjoy at an ice cream float party, whether it's a nostalgic traditional float, colorful sprinkles or an adults-only treat. Enjoy!

Classic root beer float with sprinkles

Yield: 1 float

Ingredients:

• 1 to 2 scoops vanilla ice cream
• 6 to 8 ounces root beer, to fill glass
• Sprinkles

Directions:

1. Scoop the ice cream into a tall glass.
2. Fill the glass to the top with root beer. Adjust the amount of root beer based on how large your glasses are.
3. Add a light dusting of sprinkles to the top of the ice cream.

*Recipe variation: Sub in orange soda for a creamsicle float!

Bourbon cream float

Yield: 1 float

Ingredients:

• 1 to 2 scoops vanilla ice cream
• 1 to 2 ounces bourbon
• Cream soda to fill glass

Directions:

1. Scoop ice cream into a tall glass. Pour the bourbon over the ice cream.
2. Fill the glass to the top with cream soda.
3. Adjust the amount of bourbon and cream soda based on how large your glasses are.

Chocolate stout float

Yield: 1 float

Ingredients:

• 1 to 2 scoops chocolate ice cream
• 6 ounces stout

Directions:

1. Scoop the chocolate ice cream into tall glass.
2. Fill glass with 6 ounces of stout. Enjoy!

More dessert ideas

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1) The Amazing Spider-Man

Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone, Sally Field and Martin Sheen command the latest rendition of Spider-Man. Watch as Peter Parker investigates his roots and struggles to balance his superhero identity within his high school hallways. Love, action, animation — Spidey’s got it all.

Rotten Tomatoes: 73% Fresh

2) Arthur Christmas

Ever wonder how Santa makes it to all those houses in one night? Truth is, with a hopped-up sleigh and the help of all his elves, Santa’s gotten pretty good at his job. But what happens when he accidentally skips one child on the nice list? It’s up to his less-than-experienced son to pull things together and save Christmas. Meet the whole Claus family and see if they can pull off this holiday miracle. Voices include James McAvoy, Hugh Laurie, Joan Cusack and Eva Longoria.

Rotten Tomatoes: 91% Fresh

3) Your Sister’s Sister

Love, secrets and tequila: mix all three and this makes for a great story. At its core, this is a love triangle dynamic, but the twists and turns break it free from the overdone cliche. Mark Duplass inadvertently finds himself in the middle of two sisters, Emily Blunt and Rosemary DeWitt. Together, they do their best to interpret their purpose and their hearts.

Rotten Tomatoes: 84% Fresh

4) High Ground

A gripping and empowering documentary of adventure, starring wounded American war vets each on a mission to overcome the metaphorical and literal mountains that stand in their way. From amputees to blind soldiers, each challenge is unique. No matter the circumstance, there is one thing in common: A journey to new strength. Join these brave servicemen and women who climb one of the tallest peaks in the Himalayas, showcasing the unstoppable force of the human spirit.

5) The Pact

Suspense buffs, welcome: this one’s sure to make you jump. Annie returns to her childhood home to prepare the final touches for her mother’s funeral only to find out that the home isn’t exactly — to say the least — how she remembered it. The addition of a new door opens her world to a haunting she’s never imagined.

Rotten Tomatoes: 67% Fresh

Image courtesy of Sony Pictures

CIA Director David Petraeus has resigned his post over an extramarital affair just days before he was scheduled to testify in front of Congress about the Benghazi, Libya U.S. Consulate attack.

"Yesterday afternoon, I went to the White House and asked the President to be allowed, for personal reasons, to resign from my position as D/CIA," Petraeus wrote in his letter of resignation. "After being married for over 37 years, I showed extremely poor judgment by engaging in an extramarital affair. Such behavior is unacceptable, both as a husband and as the leader of an organization such as ours. This afternoon, the President graciously accepted my resignation."

"As I depart Langley, I want you to know that it has been the greatest of privileges to have served with you, the officers of our Nation's Silent Service, a work force that is truly exceptional in every regard. Indeed, you did extraordinary work on a host of critical missions during my time as director, and I am deeply grateful to you for that."

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"Teddy Roosevelt once observed that life's greatest gift is the opportunity to work hard at work worth doing. I will always treasure my opportunity to have done that with you and I will always regret the circumstances that brought that work with you to an end."

"Thank you for your extraordinary service to our country, and best wishes for continued success in the important endeavors that lie ahead for our country and our Agency."

President Barack Obama accepted the resignation Friday afternoon and said in a statement, "Going forward, my thoughts and prayers are with Dave and Holly Petraeus, who has done so much to help military families through her own work. I wish them the very best in this difficult time."

While an affair might not sound like it should be a career-ender in this day and age — especially a career as illustrious as the one Petraeus has enjoyed — the CIA code of conduct deems marital infidelity as a fireable offense.

Senator Dianne Feinstein, chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee, confirmed to NBC News that Petraeus would not have to testify in the Benghazi hearings after his resignation.

Image courtesy Carrie Devorah / WENN.com

Spiced rum adds hints of fall flavors like clove, allspice, cinnamon and vanilla to any cocktail. For your next date night, light a fire, cuddle under a blanket and enjoy a seasonal cocktail with your sweetie.

Tropical spiced rum cocktail

Just because the weather is chilly doesn't mean we can't dream of sunny beaches. Tropical fruit flavors pair perfectly with the spices of the rum.

Makes 1

Ingredients:

• 1-1/2 ounces Captain Morgan Black spiced rum
• 1/2 ounce triple sec
• 1 ounce fresh orange juice
• 1 ounce pineapple juice
• Ice

Directions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a glass and fill with ice.

Spiced rum sangria

Sangria can be a year-round treat when infused with fall flavors.

Makes 1

Ingredients:

• 1 ounce Captain Morgan Black spiced rum
• 2 ounces red wine
• 1 ounce fresh orange juice
• 1 lemon wedge
• 1 lime wedge
• Ice

Directions:

1. Squeeze lemon and lime wedge into glass.
2. Add remaining ingredients to glass and fill with ice.

Spiced apple pie cocktail

Apple pie in cocktail form? With no baking required, It doesn't get much better than this.

Makes 1

Ingredients:

• 1-1/2 ounces Captain Morgan Black spiced rum
• 1/2 ounce vanilla vodka
• 3 ounces fresh apple juice
• Ice

Directions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a glass and fill with ice.

More cocktails for fall

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While everyone has been focused on the Monday premiere of the final film in the Twilight Saga, Kristen Stewart slipped a bit of news into a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter.

The actress casually mentioned that a sequel to this summer's hit, Snow White and the Huntsman, might be coming to fruition.

Stewart told them, "No one's positive or anything, but I think there's a strong possibility."

This is big news given the fact that the entire franchise seemed to derail once the photos of the 22-year-old and the film's director, Rupert Sanders, surfaced in the tabloids. In August, the two were caught kissing in a park in Los Angeles.

Besides disrupting her relationship with Twilight co-star Robert Pattinson, the fling also caused major turmoil to Sanders' marriage to Liberty Ross and to their two children.

Rumors buzzed at the time that the young star was dropped from the franchise. However, Universal Pictures told E! News last summer that while she was not attached to the film just yet, she is still considered part of the franchise.

SWATH was not a critical darling, but the film was an international success, generating over $396 million globally.

The studio has not commented as of press time, so there is no news if the next film will star Stewart, be a possible spinoff for Huntsman co-star Chris Hemsworth, or if the original director will even be attached to the project.

Somehow, we doubt Sanders' wife will approve of a sequel.

Image courtesy of Ai-Wire/WENN.com

Donald Trump proudly has "no regrets" about, well, anything, and he'll happily declare so in the third person.

"The fact is that there’s a large group of people who like Donald Trump and what Donald Trump says," the mogul told Business Week when asked about his recent Twitter tirades. "I have no regrets. I’ve been well-received … I will have way over 2 million Twitter followers shortly."

"Well-received" is apparently open to interpretation, however. Although Donald Trump clearly likes Donald Trump, others are getting sick enough of the host of The Apprentice to start calling for change.

The 66-year-old, who has been selling ties, shirts, suits and cuff links with retail giant Macy's since 2005, "engages in especially unpleasant, nasty and despicable behavior," according to one petition on Signon.org.

The laundry list of criticisms in what's becoming known as the "dump Trump" petition include: sexist behavior, hypocritical behavior , denying the reality of climate change and perpetuating conspiracies against President Obama.

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The petition's mission statement, directed at Macy's, reads:

Macy's: Donald Trump does not reflect the "magic of Macy's." We urge you to sever ties with him. Macy's says it has a strong obligation to be "socially responsible" and that "actions speak louder than words." Indeed. It's time to act.

"We’re one of the hottest brands at Macy’s," the ever self-assured Donald Trump told Business Week in regard to all of the "dump Trump" petition hoopla.

He continued, "There is a large group of people who believe in what I say. The fact is the response [at Macy’s] will be the opposite [of a problem]."

As of Friday, however, there is also a large group of people who've had enough. The petition is on track to reach its goal of 15,000 signatures very shortly.

Do you think Macy's should "dump Trump" as the petition calls for?

Image via WENN

The best part of these cupcake place cards is that they can be as elegant or fun as you'd like. You can even get the kids in on the action.

How to make cupcake place cards

What you'll need:

• 1 cupcake or mini cupcake per guest
• 1 toothpick per guest
• Frosting in fall colors
• Chocolate or white chocolate shavings or sprinkles
• Ribbon
• Thick paper
• Tape and glue
• Scissors
• Pencil
• Markers

Directions:

1. After making the cupcakes according to your favorite recipe , allow them to cool completely.
2. Frost the cupcakes using a knife, spatula or frosting tips and sprinkle with chocolate shavings or sprinkles.
3. Cut the card stock into a rectangle or other shapes large enough to write someone's name on.
4. Use the pencil to write each person's name neatly on the card, then trace it with the marker. While colors are nice, plain black is often elegant and easier to read.
5. Decorate the card with ribbon — you can tie a pretty bow and glue that to the card or glue the ribbon in a pretty pattern .
6. Tape or glue the tip of the toothpick to the back of the card so the rest of the toothpick points downward.
7. Insert the toothpick into the top of the cupcake and place each cupcake in front of the seat you'd like the guest to take with their name facing the chair. Make sure there's a small plate for each guest to use to set the cupcake aside while they finish their meal.

Your guests will adore this simple touch. They'll also appreciate the sweet finish to their holiday meal.

More Thanksgiving craft ideas

Drink up! A DIY Thanksgiving centerpiece from beer bottles
Family activities for Thanksgiving morning
Countdown turkey