Halloween parties are an annual tradition in our house, so I’m all about serving up witchy bites, brews and ‘boos’ this time of year.
But much of the Halloween recipe ideas I see these days could literally kill a party. Food should be in the spirit of the occasion, don’t get me wrong. But, c’mon, do you really want to bring your guests to this?
Halloween food should be inspired, whimsical and reasonably recognizable. Guests prefer to eat something that’s appealing. And you’re less likely to be cursing in the kitchen, assembling impossibly detailed recipes.
So aim for riveting — not revolting — this Halloween. Here are ideas to get started:
Present Party Favorites in Disguise
Take your favorite party recipes, which you know will be a big hit, and give them a disguise. Deviled eggs become spooky eyeballs, when garnished with a sliced manzanilla olive. Fresh tomato gazpacho is chilling when served in clear ‘test tube’ shooters. Buffalo chicken dip bubbling away in a mini crockpot can pass for a witch’s cauldron.
Cast the Right Hue
Go with the colors of the Halloween season to make things look festive. Serve guacamole or green edamame hummus with dark blue corn tortilla chips. Strategically arrange orange veggies, like carrots and peppers, to resemble a pumpkin or candy corn. Set the stage by switching out lamp and chandelier bulbs with amber, orange and black light bulbs.
Have Fun with Dessert
Sweet treats are often the best opportunity for playing tasty tricks on your guests. Last year, my sister-in-law’s graveyard cake, made with Pepperidge Milano cookies as tombstones, was the hit of the party. Black, white and orange swirled chocolate bark (recipe here) with sea salt is spirited and sophisticated. Toss chocolate Chex party mix with candy corn to create a great dessert snack for kids.
Bring on the Brews and Boos
Seasonal craft beers, red and white wines, and a party punch are all you need to keep the party going all night long. Oktoberfest and pumpkin beers are great to serve this time of year, like Flying Fish OktoberFish and Weyerbacher AutumnFest. Serve up spiked apple cider or red punch kept cool with this ghoulish ice hand.
Less is sometimes more when it comes to a great Halloween spread. Try these culinary tricks and your partygoers will be dying for more!
Photographs credited to Laura Koster & Kevin Kennefick.
