13 Nights of Halloween

For those of you who happen to watch the childish movies or teen dramedies ABC Family is famous for, you know exactly what I'm talking about in the title. For those of you who don't, every year ABC Family runs a 13 day countdown to Halloween where they show a different Halloween themed movie. And because you all are now painfully aware of my love of Halloween, it's not too big of a surprise that I tune in anxiously every year for this countdown!

So of course I've been waiting somewhat patiently for this to start and I am happy to say that tonight marks the first night!! In honor of this glorious time of year, I've decided to make one Halloween themed dinner for each night. They may not be the most inventive or intense recipes, but I can guarantee they'll be spooky!

But first, a quick Wonton Wednesday post - Mini apple pies complete with lattice tops!

I used a variation of this recipe I found and added the lattice tops and sprinkled with cinnamon sugar. This actually used up all of our wontons, so I guess Wonton Wednesday is dead until I can find another package of vegan wontons!

Now, for the main event and to kick off the 13 Nights of Halloween - Tofu cutlet tombstones with smashed potatoes!

I was inspired by a Halloween post I saw on Very Vegan Holiday. The cutlets are made from Vegan Dad's Crispy Tofu recipe and the gravy is just a quick Bisto mix. And of course no graveyard would be complete without some broccoli shrubs and a tofu cutlet coffin!

What Halloween movie do you like to watch to get you in the mood?

Potluck and A Moment of Silence

...and the Halloween themed potluck dinner finally arrived this past Friday and it was everything I had always dreamed it would be! Ok, well to be honest, it was a bit of a stressful event considering I happen to be the biggest overachiever and spent the entire week planning all of the genius Halloween themed finger foods I could make - but hopefully my craziness paid off!

Take one house full of Halloween decorations, add several bottles of wine and a large pitcher of homemade butterbeer, mix in a table full of food, and end with 5 lovely ladies and I'd say you have quite the recipe for success.

Enjoy!

Chipotle black bean and pumpkin sliders from Very Vegan Holiday

Spinach dip in a cauldron bread bowl

Candy corn shaped crudite display for dipping

Moldy cheese log made of Sunergia blue cheese and Tofutti cream cheese with black sesame seeds

Black bean and pepper quinoa salad (courtesy of the lovely Meg)

Spooky ghost tortilla chips with "dried bat wing" chips

Mini Halloween shaped cheezy crackers from Have Cake Will Travel

The poor pumpkin wasn't feeling so well and vomited up a heap of guacamole!

Shortbread witches' fingers with almond nails and jam from Chef Chloe and "Just Bitten" red velvet cupcakes from Vegan Cupcakes Take Over the World

The desserts and butterbeer (butterscotch schnapps and cream soda = heaven in a glass)

And the full spread:

Overall it was an awesome evening and I can't wait for Halloween!!

And now for the serious part of this entry. A tragedy occurred Saturday that I think needs to be brought to light. As a present for my friend's ho-down themed first birthday party for her son I spent hours slaving over the cutest vegetable themed cupcakes (adapted from Hello Cupcake) only to have them destroyed in a monumental accident involving my friend's mother, a cupcake tier, and a lot of broken glass.

And so, in their honor, a moment of silence for our fallen brethren and one last chance to see them in all their glory. Cue Will Ferrell and "Dust in the Wind".