[BlackRadish]

Hey guys! I am teaching a cooking class for about 10 women on Monday. I need a Halloween recipe that is "fun", will allow them to work hands-on, but that also actually tastes good.

Any ideas on a a recipe that works for a cooking class?? I'm stumped and Monday is looming!!

[KYHeirloomer]

I'd consider something made with pumpkin, which leaves the field wide open for anything from soup to dessert.

[BlackRadish]

Originally Posted by KYHeirloomer

I'd consider something made with pumpkin, which leaves the field wide open for anything from soup to dessert.

Well, I should've explained more - sorry! The class is: One fun Halloween Treat, One Unusual Thanksgiving Side Dish, and One easy Christmas Appetizer.

I am doing my smoked Paprika glazed shrimp for the appetizer, and a thanksgiving salad with roasted butternut squash for the side dish.

[ED BUCHANAN]

Peanut butter and pumpkin soup\\

small pumpkins stuffed with mashed spiced sweet potato

[shroomgirl]

Caramel Apple Tartlets, or candied apples
Fancy funky popcorn balls.....use your imagination.
Butterscotch Pudding....the kind with scotch, do a fun brittle to top it off

[boar_d_laze]

Here are three ideas geared to different skill levels -- from rank beginner to rock-solid good cook. Since the class is ladies only, I suggest chocolate as a "can't go wrong."

Chocolate truffles: A very useful skill to have for a variety of purposes. You can decorate with orange, zig-zag piping for a traditional Halloween look.

Dia del muerte mousse au chocolate made with Mexican chocolate and dark rum: Everyone loves chocolate mousse, but it's an idea that's gone somewhat out of fashion. Bring it back from the dead without explanation or apology -- like Dracula in a Peter Cushing/Hammer film. You might want to think about some dia del muerte decoration if it's not to late to find them in your neck of the woods (it never is in mine). Mexican chocolate has sugar, cinnamon, vanilla and almond already in it and a slightly grainy texture. With a little more best vanilla and some smooth dark rum like Brugal, it makes a superb mousse.

Souffle au chocolate with creme anglaise: If you've got a wide, deep streak of sadism, there's nothing more fun to teach a cooking class than souffle. There are three highly technique-dependent places to screw up royally (folding, marking the top hat, and getting in and out of the oven), so the tension is incredible.

BDL

[shroomgirl]

more like masochistic.

[boar_d_laze]

Originally Posted by shroomgirl

more like masochistic.

It's not my pain.

You know, I thought about saying how good I thought your suggestions were, and how much I admire your always good taste; but it seemed excessive. Now I'll never tell you.

So there,
BDL

[BakeAholic]

How about Pumpkin Muffins?? 15 mins to prep, 35 mins to cook and ready in about an hour The recipe for this Halloween treat is at Recipe Search the Safeway site is great for money saving recipes ex. how to make 2 meals in 1. I hope this recipe works for your group of 10! Good luck Monday.

[Koukouvagia]

Butternut Squash Cupcakes - Jamie Oliver

- 400 grams squash (you don't have to peel)
- 400 grams unrefined sugar
- 4 eggs
- pinch of salt
- 300 grams flour
- 2 heaping tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp cinammon
- handful of walnuts
- 175 mililiters evoo

1. Cut up the squash in chunks and puree in the FP
2. combine all the ingredients in a mixer
3. Fill baking cups 3/4 of the way full.
4. Bake at 350 for 20 minutes.
5. Frost

Frosting
- 1 lemon zested and juiced
- clementine zest
- 1 cup sour cream
- dash of vanilla extract or pod seeds
- 2 tbsp confectioners sugar

Sorry about the grams and milliliters, I haven't converted the recipe yet.