Spooky Halloween Recipes
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.
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.
Peanut Butter Caramel Corn
Devilishly divine Peanut Butter Caramel Corn would tempt Jenny Craig, the saint of dieters.
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?
Thai Cashew Brittle
Sharp shards of crisp Thai Cashew Brittle combine salty cashews and hot chile paste.
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.
Spiced Cider
Don't forget the drinks! Welcome guests to your home with a warm cup of spiced cider spiked with brandy.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Crispy Parmesan Chickpeas
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.
Sheet Pan S'mores
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.
Bacon-Goat Cheese Jalapeño Poppers
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.
Chicken Yakitori
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.
