Halloween Party for Adults: Spooky Recipes

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.

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Dry your chickpeas as thoroughly as possible before cooking to ensure a satisfyingly crisp result. If you're planning to pack these flavor-coated, fiber-filled poppers as a to-go-snack, be sure to allow them to cool completely on a flat surface first.

This summertime treat is perfect for a potluck. They are great served at room temperature, but if you want, pop the pan into a warm (250°) oven for 2 minutes just until the chocolate softens for the full gooey experience. For a fruity twist, place thinly sliced bananas over the chocolate layer before adding the meringue.

Salty bacon, rich goat cheese, savory-sweet jelly, and roasted jalapeño—it takes teamwork to make the dream work. If you already have the grill going, these dreamy little bites are equally easy to cook outdoors.

Kids will love swapping forks for skewers to build their own kebab bites. The sweet-savory glazed chicken is perfect served with basmati rice and crisp steamed veggies.