Last updated on October 14th, 2017
I love to cook before live audiences. So when the Kinderhook Garden Club asked me to demonstrate some “spooktacular” snacks for their monthly meeting at the McNary Center yesterday, how could I refuse? I made Spider Bites, Halloweenies, Autumn Corn Muffins, and Dracula’s Bloody Punch. And here, just for you, are the not-too-spooky how-tos:
Spider Bites (pictured up top) might look creepy, but they are absolutely delicious. Here’s the step-by-step:
To start, grab some garlic-and-herb pub cheese (or use any spreadable cheese)…
And mound it, with the help of a small cookie scoop, onto large, round crackers. I used Breton crackers for my Spider Bites.
Oh. If you don’t have a small cookie-dough scoop, get thee one.
Next, take some extra-large, black pitted olives, and cut one of ’em lengthwise in half.
Place the olive half on top of the cheese — it’s the “body” of the spider.
Cut the other half crosswise into 6 strips. These are the legs.
“But Kevin,” you say, “spiders have 8 legs!”
Okay. So these ain’t exactly arachnids. But insects do have 6 legs. All insects. So feel free to call these snacks “Insect Bites” instead of “Spider Bites.” Or — here’s another idea — call them “Beetle Bites!”
Arrange the olive legs on either side of the olive body, as shown. The cheese will hold the legs in place.
Repeat the proceeding steps until you run out of cheese, or energy, or both.
For an extra-creepy effect, arrange the snacks on a cheesecloth-lined platter (you’ll see my black platter in the next recipe)…
And “garnish” the cheesecloth with very real-looking fake arachnids! You can find these creepy-crawlies at any Halloween-supply store.
Next up: Halloweenies! These mummy-like hot dogs are the oldest gag in the book. All you need are wieners, crescent roll dough, and a bit of mustard.
Grab 10 wieners, and blot them dry with paper towels.
Then open a package of crescent roll dough.
Unfold the dough, and separate it into 4 rectangles.
Pinch the perforated triangles together.
Using a pastry cutter or a sharp knife, cut the rectangles into thin strips — about 1/16th-to 1/8-inch-wide.
Wrap the pastry strips around the wieners, leaving a small gap for the mustard “eyes.”
Place the mummies on a parchment-lined baking sheet…
And bake them off until the pastry browns lightly — about 12 minutes.
With the help of a toothpick or a chopstick, paint two eyes on each weenie.
Hello, handsome!
Now fetch a serving platter…
Line it with a piece of cheesecloth…
And arrange the yummy mummies around a shot glass of ketchup! Add plastic spiders as necessary.
For Tuesday’s live-before-an-audience presentation, I also made my super-duper Autumn Corn Muffins. They’re not scary. They’re just…incredibly delicious. Here’s the step-by-step recipe.
Of course, no Halloween gathering can be complete without a spooky beverage! For this, I made “Dracula’s Bloody Punch.”
Fill a clear glass pitcher (or a hollowed out pumpkin) 1/3 full with pure pomegranate juice.
Add 1 bottle of Prosecco…
And serve in champagne flutes.
The Spider Bites, Halloweenies, Autumn Corn Muffins, and Dracula’s Bloody Punch were polished off by the lovely ladies of the Kinderhook Garden Club in no time at all. You might enjoy these same snacks and beverage, too. So do me proud, and try ’em out on the ghouls and goblins in your life!
Love ya — (and BOO!)
Kevin
Amy says
Oh, lord, as an arachnophobe the first treat gave me the heebie-jeebies!
Will be making the Dracula’s Punch for sure, though 🙂
I always smile when I see one of your posts in my RSS feeder – Happy Halloween, Kevin! Thank you for all of the invaluable garden advice – I just today covered several of my beds with mulched leaves per Kevin!
badger gardener says
Those spider bites and Halloweenies are so cute. I wish I had some Prosecco and pomegranate juice on hand to make Dracula’s Bloody Punch right now. Will have to wait until tomorrow.
Francess says
Kevin, your suggestion of using gauze on the serving plate is the perfect finishing touch for spooky apps. I am defintely doing it.
Carol Hoffman says
I love your spider crackers and will make them for sure! So easy. BUT, please, these beastie arthropods need 8 legs!
Elaine R says
Love the spider bites…something so easy and from ingredients I have at home!
Angeline says
Boo! how can i make these treats with a straight face i will have to figure it out especialy infront of a live audience oh my! But be assured delicious they will be! Thank you Kevin for sharing. This just made my Halloween.
Rose says
Kevin,
so much fun AND so artistic! I love your presentation!!
Thanks!
Rose
Julie R says
How spooky and cute are these Spider Bites. They couldn’t be any easier to make too. Thanks for the great idea. Now off to check on the other ideas that you have given us, Kevin. Can’t wait to read about them.
Kevin, if you and the Silver Fox have a Halloween party, I hope you will take and post pictures for all of us to see.
Marcia says
Both my kids have October birthdays and wanted separate parties with Halloween theme. My favorite is plastic glove, longer one is better, with a grape stem inside, then filled with water and freeze. It becomes a floating hand complete with veins punch bowl ice decoration.