Halloween Party for Adults: Spooky Recipes

Photo: Romulo Yanes

Spooky Halloween Recipes

Halloween treats are too much fun for kids to have all the fun: sorry, kids. These treats have a nice grown-up kick that will spice things up at your next Halloween party—and they're lighter, too.

Photo: Romulo Yanes

Bittersweet Chocolate Cookies

Use gingerbread cutters to make spooky skeletons out of these scary-good Bittersweet Chocolate Cookies. You can also use 2 1/2-inch cat or bat cutters, if you prefer. Look for meringue powder at craft stores or in the craft section of some big-box retailers.

View Recipe: Bittersweet Chocolate Cookies

Photo: Romulo Yanes

Cinnamon-Cider Candied Apples

Apple cider, Red Hots candies, and brandy provide a perfect, bloody coating for Granny Smiths. Tip: Wash the apples well to remove any waxy coating, and dry thoroughly before dipping them. Work quickly, but if the syrup begins to set, you can reheat it over low heat to liquefy.

View Recipe: Cinnamon-Cider Candied Apples

Photo: Romulo Yanes

Peanut Butter Caramel Corn

Devilishly divine Peanut Butter Caramel Corn would tempt Jenny Craig, the saint of dieters.

View Recipe: Peanut Butter Caramel Corn

Photo: Romulo Yanes

Honey-Orange and Chocolate Marshmallows

Which of these marshmallows is more wickedly tempting: cocoa-flavored–with a nice bite from dark chocolate drizzle–or orange-and-honey?

View Recipes: Honey-Orange Marshmallows
Chocolate Marshmallows

Photo: Romulo Yanes

Thai Cashew Brittle

Sharp shards of crisp Thai Cashew Brittle combine salty cashews and hot chile paste.

View Recipe: Thai Cashew Brittle

Photo: Romulo Yanes

Chocolate Spider Cupcakes

It's easy to make spiderweb designs on cupcakes: Simply pipe concentric circles and drag a wooden pick through wet frosting to create a webbed effect. No bourbon? Use water instead in the frosting.

View Recipe: Chocolate Spider Cupcakes

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

Spiced Cider

Don't forget the drinks! Welcome guests to your home with a warm cup of spiced cider spiked with brandy.

View Recipe: Spiced Cider

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

Orange Chipotle-Spiced Pecan Mix

Prepare a batch of this smoky-sweet mix to have on hand when visitors drop by. Or pack them into jars to give as gifts.

View Recipe: Orange Chipotle-Spiced Pecan Mix

Photo: Randy Mayor

Jackson Pollock Candied Apples

Named for the abstract expressionist's signature paint-splattered canvases, these apples make great Halloween treats. Green Granny Smiths go well with the sweet white and bittersweet chocolates, but use any apple you like. Look for wooden sticks at craft supply stores, or use forks instead.

View Recipe: Jackson Pollock Candied Apples

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

Gingered Pear and Brandy Cocktail

This is a timely concoction for a party: Simply prepare the gingered sugar syrup (step 1), and refrigerate it until you're ready to shake and serve the cocktails.

View Recipe: Gingered Pear and Brandy Cocktail

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

Vampire-fighting Chicken with 40 Cloves of Garlic

Vampires won't be crashing this party. The wonderful mild flavor and deep aroma of roasted garlic will suffuse your whole house, and the tender braised chicken is comfort food for almost everyone.

View Recipe: Chicken with 40 Cloves of Garlic

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

Maple-Chile Popcorn

Maple syrup provides a touch of sweet, while ground red pepper adds heat to this quick and easy appetizer. A heatproof spatula works best to combine and spread the ingredients into the pan.

View Recipe: Maple-Chile Popcorn

Photo: Johnny Autry

Black Cauldron

After the kiddies retire to inventory their candy haul, grown-ups can drink from our Black Cauldron—a spiked ice-cream float that bubbles and burbles.

View Recipe: Black Cauldron