Halloween party menu

Wicked witches, creepy creatures, sinister monsters, even Batman and petite ballerinas can’t survive on candy alone. And whether the Halloween hordes gather after ringing doorbells or simply for fun and games while admiring one another’s devilish styles, an easy supper is in order to enhance the fantasy of the evening. Sure, you could have a buffet, but how about turning it into a “boo! fête”? Dreadful names and ghoulish shapes turn dishes suited to all ages into party fare.

Menu:

(serves 10 to 12)

• Spook Crisps
• Bleached Bones
• Guacamole (see our How to make guacamole video)
• Bloodshot Eyes (red radishes and pimiento-stuffed olives)
• Boil and Bubble Soup Cauldron
• Jack-o’-Lantern Bread
• Butter
• Apple Ghosts
• Bloody Marys 
• Bleeding Hearts Punch

GAME PLAN

Up to 1 day ahead, make the tortilla cutout crisps, sausage and vegetable soup, bread, and apple ghosts. Also, freeze berries that will chill the punch.

Up to 3 hours ahead, rinse radishes (you’ll need 20 to 30), cut jicama bones, and make guacamole. Use guacamole as a dip for the spook crisps, radishes, and bleached bones.

Shortly before serving, reheat soup and bread, pour the punch together, and set out your favorite Bloody Mary mixtures.