The Seasonal Gourmet

Halloween can be just as much fun for adults as it is for the little ones.  It falls on a weekend this year, which means it’s a great excuse to get everyone together to celebrate.  Why not whip up some cocktails and hors d’oeuvres to celebrate the season?

Here are some simple ideas that are quick to pull together:

Fill bowls with brown and orange M&Ms or orange and black jellybeans for people to munch on.

Use Halloween themed cookie cutters to cut up slices of bread.  Fill with your favourite cheese, butter the outside and make miniature grilled cheese sandwiches as finger food.

Make mini quesadillas: Cut flour tortillas into 4″ rounds.  Fill with salsa, cheese and any other favourite fillings (such as cooked chicken, diced peppers, onions, crabmeat, etc).  Fold over and brown in a skillet. Serve with sour cream and guacamole.

Tortilla chips and Goulish Guacamole

Creepy Crab and Avocado Stuffed Tomatoes

Haunted Herb and White Bean Dip is excellent with toasted pita breads or carrot and celery sticks

Morbid Mushroom Crostini

And of course, what’s a party without drinks?  Here are a couple of Halloween cocktails to get your party started:

Vampire Slayer

This is similar to a Bloody Caesar or Bloody Mary but of course contains garlic to keep vampires at bay.  To make a Virgin Vampire Slayer, leave out the vodka.  For a Spicy Vampire Slayer, increase the tabasco sauce. Warning: it’s for garlic lovers only!

Makes 1 drink (can easily be doubled)

Rimmer:

• 1 Tablespoon celery salt
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

Drink:

• 1-1/2 oz. vodka
• 1/2 clove garlic, very finely minced
• 1-1/2 cups clamato OR tomato juice
• 1/4 teaspoon Worchestershire sauce
• 1/4 teaspoon Tabasco sauce, or to taste
• A handful of ice cubes
• Celery stalk or lemon wedge for garnish

1. Mix celery salt and garlic powder until combined on a small plate.  Moisten the rim of a highball glass with a lemon wedge or water and dip into celery salt mix until the entire rim is coated.
2. Place ice, vodka, garlic, juice, tabasco and worchestershire sauce in a cocktail shaker.  Shake well and strain into glass.  Garnish with a celery stalk or lemon wedge.

Vampire Slayer

Witch’s Kiss

Melon liqueur can be found quite easily at most liquor stores.  Midori is a common brand name and McGuinness makes one called ‘Melon’.  It’s bright green and has a refreshing melon flavour.

Makes 1 drink  (can easily be doubled)

• 2 oz. Melon liqueur
• 1 oz. vodka
• 1 oz. fresh squeezed lemon juice
• A handful of ice cubes
• Sparkling wine OR club soda

1. In cocktail shaker, add melon liqueur, vodka, lemon juice and ice cubes.  Shake until well combined.  Strain into a martini glass and top with sparkling wine or club soda.

Witch's Kiss

Bon Appetit and Happy Halloween!

(Pumpkin clip art courtesy of Kaboose Free Clipart)