Halloween Treats

Freaky Fingers, Brainballs, and Bloodthirsty Squash!

Halloween Treats

Freaky Fingers

  • 1 cup butter, softened
  • 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon almond extract
  • 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • red decorating gel
  • 1/2 cup sliced almonds
  1. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar. Beat in the egg and extracts. Combine flour, baking powder, and salt; gradually add in the creamed mixture. Divide doughs into fourths. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes or until easy to handle.
  2. Working with one piece of dough at a time, roll into 1 inch balls. Shape balls into 3 inch by 1/2 inch fingers. Using the flat tip of a table knife, make an indentation on one end of each for fingernails. With a knife, make three slashes in the middle of each finger for knuckle!
  3. Place 2 inches apart on a lightly greased baking sheet.  Bake at 325 degrees for 20-25 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool for 3 minutes. Squeeze a small amount of red gel to ooze around nail. Remove to wire racks to cool.

Brainballs
• 3/4 cup popping corn
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil, plus extra for shaping
• 2 tbsp butter
• 3/4 cup marshmallows

  1. Place the popping corn and vegetable oil in a large pan set over a medium heat. Stir the kernels around the pan to coat in the oil. When the kernels starts to pop, place a lid firmly on top and turn the heat down to low. Cook, shaking the pan often to stop the popcorn burning or sticking, until the corn has stopped popping, about 5 mins.
  2. Tip into a bowl, discarding any unopened kernels. Heat butter and marshmallows over a low heat until melted. Pour over popcorn and mix well until coated. Lightly rub oil over your hands and shape the popcorn into small balls. Set aside on a tray lined with baking parchment and leave to set.

Bloodthirsty squash
• 1 liter lemonade
• 1 liter cranberry juice
• Juice 3-4 limes

  1. Fill up a kitchen glove with water, secure the end with a freezer clip or rubber band and place in the freezer overnight.
  2. When ready to serve, stir together 1 litre each lemonade and cranberry juice with the juice 3-4 limes. Pour into a punch bowl. Remove the hand from the freezer and use scissors to carefully take off the glove. Place in the punch bowl and serve.

Recourse: www.bbcgoodfood.com