Photo: arinahabich, Getty Images.
Just because you’re celebrating a childish holiday in costume doesn’t mean your party food spread has to look like a first-grader planned it. These Halloween eats add an air of sophistication to your fête but take minimal prep time to pull together.
Graveyard Cake
This impressive dessert will trick guests into thinking you’ve been studying cake decorating in your free time. Purchase a two-layer round cake with chocolate frosting from a bakery, pick up a package of chocolate Oreos, and buy a spooky skeleton hand (available in most drug stores or dollar stores). Put several Oreos in a large Ziploc bag, crush, then sprinkle on top of frosted cake. Stick skeleton hand in the middle.
Black Candy Apples
Candy apples are a devilish treat that are even more macabre when wrapped in black coating. To make, line baking sheet with parchment paper; set aside. Insert bamboo skewers 3/4 of the way into the center of 6 apples; place on parchment paper. Combine 2 cups sugar, 3/4 cup water, and 1/2 cup corn syrup in medium saucepan. Heat over medium heat, stirring often and brushing down sides with pastry brush, until boiling. Add a few drops black food coloring to the brew and continue boiling for about 10 minutes or until a candy thermometer reads 300 degrees. Remove pan from heat, then dip and spin each apple in coating. Place stick-side up on parchment paper and repeat with remaining apples. Let cool for 1 hour or until coating is set before tempting guests.
Also: 6 Ways to Enjoy Pumpkin Without Getting Anywhere near a Latte
Strawberry Ghosts
Photo: @kazmett on Instagram.
If apples aren’t your thing, there’s yet another fruit that can terrify your guests: strawberries disguised as ghosts. To make, line baking sheet with waxed paper; set aside. Rinse 30 strawberries (do not remove leaves) and pat dry with a paper towel; set aside. Place 8 ounces white chocolate and 1 teaspoon Crisco in deep microwaveable bowl. Heat for 1 minute; stir until smooth. If chocolate is not yet melted, return to microwave and heat at 15-second intervals, stirring after each interval. Dip strawberries one at a time into melted chocolate and turn to coat. Place on wax paper. Make “eyes” by placing 2 mini chocolate chips, flat side down, into surface of strawberry. Make “mouth” by placing mini chocolate chip, pointy side down, below the “eyes”. Does your strawberry look like it’s screaming? Good. Repeat with remaining berries and chill until guests arrive. (If you must make each berry uniquely scary, skip the mini chocolate chips and pipe on faces with additional melted chocolate or black decorating gel after white chocolate coating has set.)
Halloween Candy Fudge
Photo: @lifeaficionada on Instagram.
Let’s face it: you probably bought more Halloween candy than you really need. Rather than eat it all yourself, use it to punch up a basic fudge recipe. To make, chop Halloween candy bars of choice and freeze. Line 8-inch square baking pan with aluminum foil. Combine 2 cups chocolate chips and 14 ounces of sweetened condensed milk in medium saucepan. Heat over low heat, stirring often, until chocolate has melted and mixture is smooth. Pour into prepared baking pan. Gently press chopped, frozen candy into surface of fudge. Refrigerate until firm (about 2 hours). Cut into “fun-sized” squares. Don’t forget to share.
Photo: @teningaard on Instagram.
Frankenguac
Normally, food with eyeballs is incredibly creepy, but it’s just par for the course on Halloween. Despite being inspired by a monster, Frankenguac is a friendly appetizer that makes quite an impression before everyone starts digging in. To create, spoon prepared guacamole into rectangle shape on large platter. Make “hair” with blue corn tortilla chips, “eyes” with dollops of sour cream and black olives, and a “mouth” with refried black beans (for that “you look like death” effect) or red pepper strips (for the “It’s alive!” effect). Add facial deformities as desired. Snap a pic before the guests arrive because they’re going to demolish this work of art.
Mummy Baked Brie
Okay, so this appetizer is a little cheesy in addition to being, well, cheesy, but it’s a sick addition to a Halloween party spread. To make, pre-heat oven to 400 degrees. Line baking sheet with parchment paper; set aside. Thaw 1 sheet of puff pastry, place on floured work surface, then slice into 1-inch strips. Place wheel of brie on parchment paper. For “eyes”, top brie with 2 mini pepperonis, followed by 2 sliced black olives. Wrap brie with strips of puff pastry in bandage-like form, leaving opening for “eyes”. In small bowl, make egg wash by whisking together 1 egg and 1 tablespoon water. With pastry brush, spread egg wash over surface of puff pastry. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until puff pastry is golden. Serve with crackers.
Ghoulish Pizza
Photo: @splenda on Instagram.
The trick to making an Italian pie terrifying is a ghost-shaped cookie cutter and fresh mozzarella. Cut enough ghosts to spread across the surface of your pizza, then finely chop a few black olives to make their “eyes” and “mouths”. Top pizza with ghosts during the last 5 minutes of your pizza’s normal baking time. Olive insects optional.
Bloody Eyeballs
Photo: @nechyh on Instagram.
Once again, sliced olives are essential for this petrifying party dish. Press green or black olive slices into cheese-covered meatballs and place in a pan of marinara sauce. Infuse additional fright by serving atop a pile of “worms” (cooked noodles soaked in 2 tablespoons water and 20 drops of black food coloring for 5 minutes, then rinsed). Let’s hope this display doesn’t “kill” anyone’s appetite!
