For those readers who know me well, you know that I adore Holidays. And, Halloween is definitely one of my favourites. Not only do I love dressing up, but I love the opportunity to be crafty and make my costumes myself. This year, I am taking Halloween one step further and applying that same DIY method to the food and drinks I serve my Hallow’s Eve party-goers. So, read on for some hauntingly good recipes that will surely make your party a scream…

Trick or Treat Punch:

This party-punch is definitely a treat for the tastebuds. I’ve modified it to include alcohol, but it can be served virgin as well. In a large punch bowl, combine:

• 1 thawed can of frozen orange juice (from concentrate)
• 1 2 Litre bottle of Sprite or 7-Up
• 1 Can of Pineapple Juice
• Pureed Orange Shebert (as much as desired)
• 6 oz. Triple Sec or Orange Liquer
• 1 750mL bottle of Sparkling Wine (Preferably Sweet)

Now comes time for the trick! (Although, still delicious!) Give your party guests the willies by adding an individual eyeball to each serving of punch.

• Scoop vanilla ice cream into thge appropriate sized balls on a cookie-sheet, lined with wax paper.
• Add one frozen blueberry to the top of each ice cream ball to make the pupil. (At this point, the ice cream will be soft enough to push the blueberry securely into place).
• Place the tray in the freezer for 30 minutes to let the ice cream re-freeze into shape.

• Using a thin paint brush and red food colouring, give the eyes a “bloodshot” appearance.
• Add 1-2 drops of blue or green food colouring around the blueberry for another splash of colour.
• Freeze for at least 24 hours, if not longer.

Jack-O-Lantern Jello Shooters:

Everytime I visit my friend Rhiannon, she always serves up jello shots for her guests. A timeless treat to get your guests in the spirit, here is her tried-and-true recipe (modified for Halloween) for the perfect shooters:

• Pour 2 1/4 cups of boiling water over 1 (6 oz) package of Orange Jello.
• Let the jello mixture cool until it reaches room temperature (approx. 30 minutes).
• Stir in 1 3/4 cups of Orange flavoured vodka.
• Pour the mixture into shot glasses & Refrigerate for 4-6 hours.

I am planning to arrange my jello shots into the shape of a jack-o-lantern:

Instead of making a small number of green and black shooters, I will use a coloured whip-cream topping to create my jack-o-lantern. (To make “black” food colouring, combine equal parts red and yellow food colouring, and equal half parts blue and green). I will add a dollop of colour to the appropriate shooter!

Witches’ Fingers:

This twist on the classic “Lady Finger” cookie is sure to be a hit with your guests. I’ve given you the recipe for an original, but I’ve also included tips on how to make these cookies even creepier.

• Combine 1 cup of softened butter, 1 cup of sugar, 1 egg, 1 teaspoon of almond extract and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract in a mixing bowl.
• Beat together with an electric mixer, gradually adding  2 2/3 cups of flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder and 1 teaspoon of salt.

• Add green food colouring to the dough (at your discretion).

• Refrigerate the mix for 20-30 minutes.
• Pre-heat over to 325 degrees.
• Place almonds (approx. 3/4 cups) in a bowl and drizzle red and yellow food colouring over the nuts. Stir almonds until they are evenly coloured orange.
• Place almonds on a paper-towel lined platter to dry.

• Remove the dough from the refrigerator and scoop small dolops onto a cookie sheet, covered in wax paper.
• Roll each section into the rough shape & size of a finger. (You can do this with bare, freshly washed hands. Use the waxed paper to help if needed).
• Place one red almond at the tip of each cookie, to resemble a long finger nail.
• Squeeze the tip and middle of each cookie to form the finger tip and knuckle.
• Press into the cookie with the tips of a fork to create the appearance of knuckles.
• Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the bottoms turn golden brown.

To make the fingers look even scarier, brush red food colouring onto the bottom ends, to give the appearance that they have been ripped out of their sockets! (EW!)

Candy-Corn Infused Liquer:

I first heard about infused vodka and gin when I was searching for Thanksgiving themed cocktails. Unfortunately, I was not aware that the infusion process takes a full 24 hours. This time, I’m not letting anything get in the way of trying an infused martini!

The infusing process:

• For every 2 and a half cups of vodka or gin, use 1 cup of candy corn.
• Put your alcohol and candy in an air-tight container and let stand for 24 hours.
• Strain gin & serve! The candy corn gives the alcohol a sweet taste and an orange colour!

Candy-Corn Martini (serves two):

Combine the following in a shaker, with ice:

• 4 oz. infused liquer
• 3 oz. triple sec or orange liquer
• A generous splash of sparkling wine (Preferably sweet)
• Strain into a frosted martini glass & Add a candy corn for garnish

What are your favourite Halloween recipes? Let us know in the comments or drop us a line: [email protected]