LITTLE ROCK — The creep factor may be the most important characteristic to consider when planning a menu for a Halloween get-together, but for us the taste factor is pretty important too. The following drink recipes give you one of each: The test tube shooters are all creep, while the pumpkin martinis (adults-only) are all taste.
Halloween Test Tube Shooters 1 (3-ounce) package orange color powdered gelatin such as orange, peach or apricot 1 cup boiling water 1 (15-ounce) can peaches, apricots or pears in juice or extra-light syrup, not drained 2 1 /4 cups purple grape juice (see note) 1 /4 cup hot-chocolate mix (see note) Special equipment: Blender or food processor 18 (2-ounce) test tubes and rack to hold them 1 long bamboo skewer Mixing bowl Saucepan
In a quart-size liquid measuring cup, stir together gelatin powder and boiling water until the powder completely dissolves, about 2 minutes.
Puree canned fruit in a blender or food processor until completely smooth. Add pureed fruit to gelatin, stirring to blend. Divide mixture among 18 (2-ounce) test tubes; you should fill each test tube about half way. Refrigerate until firm.
Heat grape juice in a sauce pan until simmering. Stir in the hotchocolate mix until it dissolves; refrigerate.
To serve: Fill the test tubes with the grape-juice mixture. Poke a skewer down the sides of the test tube into the gelatin so that the grape-juice mixture flows down, creating dark stripes through the orange gelatin.
Makes 18 servings.
Variation: For an adult shooter, in place of the grape juice-hot chocolate mixture, substitute 2 1 /4 cups sparkling wine.
Makes 18 shooters.
Recipe from Canned Food Alliance.
If you don't want to spook your guests, but still want to offer a seasonal beverage, consider pumpkin martinis.
Pumpkin Martini Ice 1 ounce vodka, chilled 1 ounce vanilla liqueur 1 1 /2 ounces orange juice 1 tablespoon pumpkin puree Pinch cinnamon Pinch nutmeg
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
Add the vodka, vanilla liqueur, orange juice, pumpkin puree and a pinch of cinnamon. Shake well and strain into a cocktail or martini glass. Garnish with a pinch of nutmeg.
Makes 1 martini.
Recipe from J.M. Hirsch, Associated Press food writer.
For nibbles, Curried Pumpkin Seeds are an addictive, spicy crunchy option.
Curried Pumpkin Seeds 1 /4 cup curry powder 1 /4 cup water 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon salt Dash cayenne (red pepper) or to taste 2 cups hulled pumpkin seeds (see note)
Heat oven to 350 degrees.
In a medium saucepan, combine curry powder, water, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt and cayenne and simmer over low heat for 10 minutes. Add pumpkin seeds and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Drain mixture in a colander or fine-mesh sieve and arrange seeds in a single layer on large baking sheet. Bake 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the seeds are crisp. Store in an airtight container.
Makes 2 cups.
Note: Pumpkin seeds, often labeled pepitas, are available at specialty stores and Latin markets.
Recipe from www.perfectentertaining.com
Food, Pages 56 on 10/24/2007