Strong drinks and sweet treats, what else do you need for a stellar Halloween Party menu? Well, maybe some hearty protein and healthy carbs to counteract the mixture of sugar and alcohol. Here are some delicious recipes that will keep you and your guests from wandering too far down Bad Decision Lane!
Pickled Pumpkin Heads and Pickled Daikon and Rutabaga
Equally fun and delicious, this recipe for pickled pumpkin heads and daikon “bones” transforms into a nice chutney for a dinner of roasted meats. Your Halloween party menu isn’t complete without these edible, creepy decorations.
Zombie Cocktail
Ghoulish only by name, this Zombie cocktail brings that voodoo magic, awakening the senses of the undead.
Mom’s Basic Chili
Chili is filling and can look a little bit like blood and guts. Ideal for a spooky party, no?
Fudgy Peppermint Patty Brownies
This Halloween candy baked goods recipe is as simple as can be. The only trick is to pour only half the batter into the pan before adding chopped peppermint patties, and then covering them with the other half. Placing whole patties on top about 8 minutes before baking is complete gives just enough time for gentle melting and the gorgeous appearance of a bit of creamy mint.
Easy Fruit Dip
Ditch the added sugar from marshmallow fluff, and incorporate some local honey for sweetness. Add cubes of pound cake, pretzels, or graham crackers to a variety of your favorite berries and fruits to create a tasty fruit board. Might we suggest adding a little food coloring to this fruit dip for a Halloween-tinged upgrade?
Black Death Cocktail
A complex, creamy Halloween cocktail with notes of anise and the haunting darkness of a moonless night.
Lumpia with Bottle Gourd and Carrots
These Filipino spring rolls make a tasty and healthy appetizer for those not looking to indulge in sweets.
Rum Pecan Candy Corn Blondies
Because sugar and corn syrup are not really flavor profiles anyone brags about anymore, we worked up this blondie recipe with a key ingredient: spiced rum. It elevates the recipe’s components into something brag-worthy indeed.
Candied Apples
We think candied apples should be on the dessert menu for the entire fall season, not just for Halloween. If you haven’t had one in a while, you’ll be surprised at the smile they put on everyone’s face.
Roast Chicken with Spicy Green Sauce
The spicy green sauce featured in this roast chicken recipe fits the green, orange, and black Halloween aesthetic without added coloring.
Rum Buttermilk Butterfinger Cake
No matter your stance on Halloween candy, this Buttermilk Cake with Rum Buttermilk Frosting transcends any no-sugar illusions you might be harboring. It is delicious and homey, even as it tickles the taste buds in intriguing ways. Who knew that buttermilk and spice rum could combine in such a delightful way?
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