I need to make something Halloween themed (but not sweet) for a work party...

[Lisa0825]

Usually at the Halloween party almost everything is a desert... finger cookies, cakeball eyeballs, etc. I'm not really into sweets, so I want to make something like an appetizer or entree, but I scanned recipes for an hour and nothing jumped out at me. I'm thinking I might just do spinach-artichoke dip with orange food coloring and purple tostada chips, unless I can find something more creative that sounds good to me.

Any suggestions?

One caveat... if it is much more trouble to make it "Halloween themed" than the regular recipe, I will probably pass. LOL

[NRaleighLiberal]

1. Idea? Roasted spiced pumpkin seeds as a good savory finger food....

essentially spray pumpkin seeds with cooking spray or even a bit of canola oil (if doing so, mix in a bowl) - add a mix of spices that you like, a pinch of salt, chile powder, bit of cayenne, etc - roast at 300 for 30-45 min or until slightly browned....

You can find a lot of variations just by googling "roasted spiced pumpkin seeds" - the one I use above is really easy - and you can get other variations like this

http://allrecipes.com/recipe/spiced-pumpkin-seeds/

[Lisa0825]

2. I have never actually had pumpkin seeds....

Not sure from the picture in that recipe... do you have to crack and discard the shell like when you eat sunflower seeds?

[NRaleighLiberal]

3. no, you eat the whole thing - they are nutty, crunchy, toasty, savory...yummy!

they are so quick you can try a small batch and see what you think!

[Lisa0825]

4. Sounds good, thanks! :-) nt

[mtnester]

5. Some ideas

http://www.marthastewart.com/275177/our-favorite-halloween-recipes/@center/276965/halloween#259449
scroll through the slideshow..the black chicken wings are a great idea

http://www.tasteofhome.com/Recipes/Holiday---Celebration-Recipes/Halloween-Recipes
totally cool making mashed potatoes be the "ghost" in the goulash. Other ideas there as well,,including Yummy pork Mummy


http://www.neatorama.com/2010/10/19/15-cool-and-creepy-halloween-party-foods/
Fun!

http://www.ourbestbites.com/2011/10/easy-halloween-party-food/
More fun

http://www.brittablvd.com/Halloween/recipes.html

http://www.toppartyideas.com/gory-foods/
particularly disgusting are the used qtips recipe



I love Halloween!

[NEOhiodemocrat]

6. Pumpkin shaped cheeseball

My daughter made one for party last night. Just shape it into correct shape, used something for pumpkin stem (I just saw picture, so not sure, could use pepper slice or something like that) Put crackers and pretzels around it and all done

[GoCubsGo]

7. Check out Lucinda's thread from a few days ago.

Some good ideas and links there, as well: http://www.democraticunderground.com/115715840

[Tab]

8. What are the flavors?

Halloween flavors (excluding candy) are autumn flavors, like pumpkin, apple, cider, and so forth. Pumpkin seeds are a good idea. I used to make cider fries (cider-flavored fries) but they are a PITA to make. An easy one would be caramel-coated apples, always a fall favorite. Toss in cinnamon or something else to flavor it up. My recommendation, though: make a batch of mulled cider if you can keep it hot there. Basically get fresh cider, toss in some cinnamon sticks, a split orange or two, some raisins, warm it up, let it sit - no muss, no fuss - just requires a decent sized pot and a place to warm it. That said, I don't know where you are and if you can get cider or not.

[cbayer]

9. How about deviled eggs with a black olive on top.

Kind of looks like an eyeball.

[Major Nikon]

10. You can substitute pumpkin for most any squash

Since after all, that's what a pumpkin is.

There's lots of recipes out there for dip made with squash. That would be my first pick for something easy to bring to work. Serve it inside a hallowed out pumpkin for effect.

[msanthrope]

11. I just made wasabi eggs---perfect for a Halloween party.

12 hard-boiled eggs.
Trader Joe's wasabi mayo or 1/3 cup mayo and 2 teaspoons wasabi (I like wasabi!)
A ripe avocado
2 limes

A few black olives--make thin slices
A strip of red pepper--cut into small bits

Split the eggs, and dump the yolks into your food processor. Then add the mayo and the avocado, and the juice of one lime. Pulse, then process. Taste and add salt if you want it, maybe more lime juice. Stuff the eggs, then top with a black olive slice with a bit of red pepper. I squeezed a bit of lime juice on the stuffed eggs, the kept their color pretty well (the avocado can turn.)

I made these for a Halloween party, and they looked and tasted great.

[sinkingfeeling]

12. How about some mummie dogs?

The entire blog is Halloween food heaven. http://www.ourbestbites.com/2011/10/easy-halloween-party-food/

[blaze]

14. Hahahaha!!!!

Those are great!!

[Lisa0825]

13. Thanks for all the suggestions!!!

I'll be taking a look at the recipes tonight

[blaze]

15. Stuffed Pumpkins!

I don't have the exact recipe handy... but this is close.

Pie Pumpkin... cleaned out and innards coated with butter.

Stuff with a mixture of:

Ground buffalo, cooked
Wild rice, cooked
Dried apricots, chopped
Dried cranberries, chopped
Hot, spicy mango chutney
Nuts, if you like

Pop in oven for about an hour... I think it was at 350.

Very pretty presentation and yummy to boot!!!

[Lisa0825]

16. Thanks everyone!!!

I made the pumpkin seeds and the artichoke spinach dip with orange food coloring. The pumpkin seeds were good! I never had them before! The dip looked interesting with orange food color, since the spinach Tostitot made made orange and black tortilla chips, so it looked nice.