Store-bought candy's the norm for Halloween, but those willing to spend an hour or two in the kitchen can turn out bewitching homemade treats.

"Halloween is a time of year we can all be kids, so get in the kitchen and have some fun. This is a holiday that celebrates sweet things with a scary twist," says Slade Grove, baker-owner of Wicked Witch Bakery in Phoenix.

This year, retro treats are the rage, from popcorn balls to Frankenstein cookies.

"It is human nature to look backward to ease anxiety, to yearn for the comforts of childhood, the safety of hearth and home. And with the uncertainty of today's world, from economy to elections and war, retro is big," says Michelle Moran, editor of The Gourmet Retailer, a New York City-based business-tobusiness publication and trend tracker.

At Wicked Witch, Grove's retro treats range from popcorn balls spiced with cayenne and peanuts, or sweetened with M&M's, to haunting coffin brownies and pumpkin caramel chews. All are easy enough for the novice baker to try at home. And two of Grove's goodies require only simple assembly:

Brownie Coffins: Bake your favorite brownies. Cut a coffin-shaped pattern out of parchment or regular paper. When brownies are cool, use the pattern to slice brownies in the shape of a coffin. Decorate with edible white or red dots available in the baking sections of most grocery stores.

Frankenstein Cookies: These are made by dipping two Oreo cookies in chocolate and topping them with a marshmallow for the monster's signature, square head. The screws and bolts are made of pretzel sticks.

Use a paring knife or small scissors to slice a mouth in the marshmallow. Dot on eyes with black food dye, and insert small pieces of stick pretzels in the side of the head. Next, follow the package directions for melting milk or dark chocolate. When melted, use tongs to dip two stacked Oreo cookies into the warm chocolate. Place on a clean dry surface to dry. While the chocolate is still warm, attach the marshmallow head.

Both these treats are easy enough for kids to help make. Along with serving to family and friends, they also can serve as table centerpieces for Halloween parties.

"This is the year people will be spending the time to make special holiday treats," Moran says. "It's all about comfort food, and that goes for Halloween, too."