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Come Party With Me: Pumpkin Carving - The Look

partysugar — Fri, 19 Oct 2007 06:00:50 -0700

At my pumpkin carving parties, I like to create an inviting, rustic look in warm autumn colors. I also allow guests to pick their own pumpkins. By your front door, hang a “Pick Your Pumpkin” sign on a wheel barrel, then fill the wheel barrel with pumpkins and scatter the remaining pumpkins around it.

If you have access to hay or corn husks, liberally disperse around your walkway, and light all of the candles you have for mood lighting. Then, set up pumpkin carving stations: Cover the tabletops and counter spaces with several layers of old newspaper, arrange pumpkin carving tools and knives, and place paper garbage bags near each station where guests can dump the pumpkins' insides.

If you own any cheesy Halloween decorations, be sure to place these decoratively around the party space. Pick up or arrange with flair a Fall medley of orange and rust-colored flowers. Fill a big bucket (or cooler) with ice and instruct guests to chill beer there. Serve the food and drinks in black serving ware. Get fun Halloween-themed paper cocktail napkins from your nearby party supply store.

For the final touches, read more

When everyone has carved their pumpkins, have guests take them outside for a ceremonious pumpkin lighting. Give each guest a votive for their pumpkin and pass around a few lighters. Be sure to have your camera handy, as the lit pumpkins glowing on your front porch always makes a great party pic. Let guests take their pumpkin home or leave them, whatever they prefer.

Come Party With Me: Pumpkin Carving - Drinks

partysugar — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 07:00:59 -0700

According to the invitation, I've asked guests to bring their own beer to my pumpkin carving party. I'll be supplying the pumpkins and lots of delicious treats, so I don't feel bad about requesting guests to BYOB. Just be sure to clear a spot for beer on the day of the event; make room in the fridge or fill coolers and beer buckets with ice. That way, when guests arrive with a six pack, they can immediately chill it.

Have sparkling and still water and classic sodas like Coca Cola and Sprite as options for those who don't drink beer. I'll also have one specialty cocktail on hand to help get the party started. For the recipe to this festive, easy-to-make cocktail, read more

Orange Halloween Cocktail
From Giada De Laurentiis

2 cups orange juice
2 cups chilled sparkling water
1/2 cup maraschino liqueur
1/4 cup limoncello
Ice
Black licorice, for garnish

Combine all the ingredients, except the licorice, in a pitcher. Stir to mix.
Pour into glasses and garnish with a stalk of licorice.

Makes 4 cups.

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Come Party With Me: Pumpkin Carving - Menu (Part II)

partysugar — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 10:15:06 -0700

It’s Halloween, so there should be plenty of treats - both savory and sweet - at your pumpkin carving party. I recommend offering one homemade treat and lots of store-bought goodies. Make pecan bars dipped in melted chocolate, then fill bowls with your favorite Halloween minis: Air-Heads, Reese’s Pieces, Kit-Kats, and candy corn.

Got extra time on your hands? Make spiked (or regular, if you don't drink) Jell-O jigglers in jack-o-lantern shapes. Want these devilish recipes? All you have to do is read more

Pecan Bars
From Ina Garten

Crust:
1 1/4 pounds unsalted butter, room temperature
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3 extra-large eggs
3/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
Topping:
1 pound unsalted butter
1 cup good honey
3 cups light brown sugar, packed
1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
1 teaspoon grated orange zest
1/4 cup heavy cream
2 pounds pecans, coarsely chopped

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
For the crust, beat the butter and granulated sugar in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, until light, approximately 3 minutes. Add the eggs and the vanilla and mix well. Sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Mix the dry ingredients into the batter with the mixer on low speed until just combined.
Press the dough evenly into an ungreased 18 by 12 by 1-inch baking sheet, making an edge around the outside. It will be very sticky; sprinkle the dough and your hands lightly with flour. Bake for 15 minutes, until the crust is set but not browned. Allow to cool.
For the topping, combine the butter, honey, brown sugar, and zests in a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan. Cook over low heat until the butter is melted, using a wooden spoon to stir. Raise the heat and boil for 3 minutes. Remove from the heat.
Stir in the heavy cream and pecans. Pour over the crust, trying not to get the filling between the crust and the pan.
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the filling is set. Remove from the oven and allow to cool. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate until cold. Cut into bars and serve.

Makes 20 large squares.

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Spiked Jello Jigglers
Modified from Kraft Foods

1-1/2 cups boiling water (Do not add cold water.)
1-cup vodka
2 pkg. (8-serving size each) Jello Brand Gelatin, any flavor

Stir boiling water and vodka into gelatin in large bowl 3 minutes until completely dissolved. Pour into 13x9-inch pan. Refrigerate at least 3 hours or until firm (gelatin does not stick to finger when touched).
Dip bottom of pan in warm water about 15 seconds. Cut into decorative shapes with Halloween inspired cookie cutters all the way through gelatin or cut into 1-inch squares. Lift from pan.

Makes 24.

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Come Party With Me: Pumpkin Carving - Menu (Part I)

partysugar — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 08:30:52 -0700

Guests will certainly work up an appetite while they create clever jack-o-lanterns at your pumpkin carving party, so offer a delicious menu of all-American food that’s sure to please even the toughest crowd. Serve chips shaped like bats, ghosts, and pumpkins with store-bought green salsa and a homemade nacho cheese dip that's hot and bubbling. Set out bowls of spiced mixed nuts and purchased marinated olives. Round out the menu with mini hot dogs wrapped in a puff pastry crust. For these tasty recipes, read more

Creature Chips
From Martha Stewart

Plain or butter-flavored vegetable-oil cooking spray
24 assorted large flour tortillas, such as plain, whole wheat, and sun-dried tomato

Preheat oven to 350°. Coat a baking sheet with cooking spray.
Using a few Halloween inspired cookie cutters, cut shapes from tortillas. Arrange as many shapes as can fit in a single layer on oiled sheet.
Coat tortillas with cooking spray, and season with salt.
Bake until slightly darkened and crisp, 10 to 12 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool. Repeat with remaining tortilla shapes, using a clean, cooled baking sheet.

Serves 8.

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Best Ever Nacho Layer Dip
From Food Network

1 can refried beans
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 cup chopped tomato
1/2 cup coarsely chopped jalapenos
1/2 cup finely chopped red onion
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup sliced scallions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
Spread beans over bottom of baking dish. Spread softened cream cheese on top.
Layer tomatoes, jalapenos, red onion and cheese.
Bake for 20 minutes or until bubbly.
Top with scallions and serve with chips.

Serves 8.

Source

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Spiced Nuts
From Emeril Lagasse

1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
4 cups unsalted mixed nuts, such as walnuts, pecans, hazelnuts, and almonds
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
6 tablespoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon salt

Mix spices and reserve.
Heat the nuts in a dry skillet and cook, stirring frequently, until they begin to toast, about 4 minutes.
Add the butter and cook, stirring, until the nuts begin to darken, about 1 minute. Add the spices, the sugar, 1 tablespoon water, and the salt, and cook, stirring, until the sauce thickens and the nuts are glazed, about 5 minutes.

Remove the nuts from the heat and transfer to a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil, separating them with a fork. Let the nuts stand until cooled and the sugar has hardened, about 10 minutes. Store in an airtight container.

Makes 4 cups.

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Mini Hot Dogs
From Instyle magazine

1 package frozen puff pastry, thawed
1/2 cup grainy Dijon mustard
1 (12-13 oz) package your favorite cocktail sausages

Heat oven to 350°F.
Unfold pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface. Cut each into 6 rectangles, than each of these into four long triangles (there may be dough leftover).
Spoon a small amount of mustard onto wide end of pastry and top with sausage; roll, pressing gently to seal. Place rolls 2” apart on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake 12-15 minutes or until golden. Serve warm.

Makes 13 hot dogs.

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Come Party With Me: Pumpkin Carving - Invites

partysugar — Mon, 15 Oct 2007 07:28:19 -0700

Just because Halloween falls on a weeknight this year, doesn’t mean that you have to miss out on all the trick or treating. Invite friends over the Friday before for a Pumpkin Carving Party that allows their inner child to come screaming out. A Pumpkin Carving Party is a stress-free Halloween party because no costumes are necessary. So grab your double sided jagged edged knives and roll up your sleeves: It's pumpkin carving time!

As this is a nostalgic party where everyone will get down and dirty with pumpkin slop, the invitations, should be fun and casual with lots of black and orange to spice things up. To see how I made these easy invites, read more

To make an invitation similar to the one seen here, you will need:

orange cardstock
black pen
scissors
fun image of a jack-o-lantern
computer and printer

To assemble the invite:

Search the web or use a photo from a previous Halloween bash as the front side of the postcard. The image should evoke the feel of the party, so make sure to include a jack-o-lantern. Drag the image into a new Word document. Print out on a plain sheet of paper and set aside.

Create another new Word document for the reverse side of the invite. Type the party details on the left hand side, leaving room for the guest’s name and address on the right hand side.
When sending invites as postcards, don't put your home phone number or address for safety purposes; use your email address as a way for people to RSVP instead.

Since you are the hostess and this is a party where you are providing your guests with an activity, furnish pumpkins and have them bring a six-pack of beer. Ask guests to RSVP so you know how many pumpkins to buy. When they RSVP, let them know the location of the party. The day before the party send out a quick email or text message reminding guests of the event.

On my invite I wrote, in the font Herculanum,

Miss Partysugar
Invites you to
join her for
Pumpkin carving
To celebrate Halloween
Friday, October 26
8:00 pm
Pumpkins Provided
BYOB
RSVP pSugar@sugar.com

Print out on a plain sheet of paper and check for grammar mistakes.

Hold the two test pages of the invite next to each other back to back against a light. Make sure that the text will line up evenly with the image.

Print out the text side of the invite on orange cardstock. Slide the same piece of cardstock into the printer and print out the pumpkin picture on the other side.

Cut down to size, address, stamp, and send them out.

View 22 Photos ›

Come Party With Me: Pumpkin Carving - The Look

partysugar — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 06:50:09 -0700

Think pumpkin-patch-chic when staging the decor for a pumpkin carving party. Place a wheelbarrow next to the front door, fill it with pumpkins, and when guests arrive, ask them to pick one. For a rustic feel, throw some hay in with the pumpkins. Inside the house, set up carving stations: cover tables and counters with old newspapers, carving tools, and place lots of garbage bags nearby. Leave the chili in a big pot on the stove and stack black bowls next to it. Fill jack-o'-lantern bowls with chili toppings and candy. Display the pumpkin cake on a black cake stand and invite guests to put their beer in an oversize ice bucket. A single bouquet of Fall flowers is festively elegant. Don't forget to stock up on tea lights. Once everyone is done carving their pumpkins, place a tea light in each one and set them outside on the porch.

Come Party With Me: Pumpkin Carving - Menu

partysugar — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 07:50:19 -0700

From 2003 to 2006, every October I hosted an annual pumpkin carving party. In 2007, I threw a huge Halloween bash, and last year, I didn't do anything!

Now, I've decided it's time to bring back my beloved pumpkin carving dinner. I supply the pumpkins and a hearty Fall dinner and ask everyone to bring a bottle of wine or a six-pack of beer. Since the party is all about creating interesting pumpkin designs, I like to serve a menu that guests can enjoy at their leisure.

For starters, I'll offer an orange and black cheese ball and spicy sausages wrapped in pizza dough.

A huge pot of vegetarian chili will bubble on the stove, and in between carving pumpkins, guests can grab a bowl and top it with an assortment of items like cilantro, avocado, and sour cream. A side of jalapeño cornbread muffins are ideal for dipping. To look at these recipes, read more.

Cheddar Cheese Ball
From Martha Stewart

Ingredients

1 1/4 pounds extra-sharp cheddar, shredded
1 cup sour cream
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, melted
1/3 cup dry sherry
1 1/4 teaspoons coarse salt
Pinch of cayenne pepper
1/3 cup poppy seeds

Directions

Process all ingredients except poppy seeds in a food processor until smooth.
Transfer to a large bowl lined with plastic wrap. Refrigerate until firm, about 1 hour.
Unmold onto a plate. Press poppy seeds evenly over surface, rounding top. Refrigerate until ready to use, up to 2 days.

Serves 12 to 15.

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Spicy Sausage in Carrozza
From Michael Chiarello

Ingredients

6 spicy Italian sausages
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus extra for brushing
15 whole garlic cloves
Salt and pepper
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
3 (4-ounce) pieces pizza dough, store bought

Directions

In a saucepan add 1/2-inch water to the pan. Immerse sausages in water and simmer for 10 minutes. Remove sausage and dry the pan.
Return to the heat and add the olive oil on medium heat. When hot return the sausage to the pan with garlic cloves and saute until medium brown all over.
Remove garlic to a bowl. Remove sausage to a plate to cool.
Use a fork to mash the garlic with salt and pepper. Stir in mustard and set aside.
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
Cut each piece of dough into 2 and roll out until 1/4-inch thick. Cut 6 pieces of dough about 3 inches wide and 1/2-inch shorter than the length of sausage, just enough to wrap around sausage with the ends peeking out.
Spread bottom of each dough with a tablespoon of garlic/mustard paste. Set sausage on top, moisten 1 dough edge with a wet finger so it sticks together and roll. Press the seam firmly and set them on a lightly floured sheet pan, seam side down.
Brush with olive oil. Bake until brown all around.
Remove and let cool for 5 minutes. Cut into 3/4-inch long pieces and serve.

Serves 6.

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Spicy Vegetarian Chili
From Whole Foods

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive or canola oil
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
1 large carrot, chopped
1 stalk celery, chopped
1 medium green bell pepper, cored, seeded and chopped
1 medium red bell pepper, cored, seeded and chopped
3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 to 3 tablespoons finely chopped chipotles in adobo 1 tablespoon dried oregano
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes, with their liquid
3 cups cooked red kidney beans, drained
1 1/2 cups cooked black beans, drained

Directions

Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions, carrots, celery, peppers and garlic and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, until vegetables are softened but not browned.
Add chipotles, oregano, cumin, chili powder and salt. Stir to blend. Add tomatoes and 4 cups water. Gently simmer over low heat, uncovered, for 45 minutes.
Add beans and simmer an additional 30 minutes. Garnish individual bowls with green onions or sour cream, if desired.

Serves 6-8.

Nutrition Per serving (about 17oz/495g-wt.): 230 calories (45 from fat), 5g total fat, 0.5g saturated fat, 0mg cholesterol, 1200mg sodium, 37g total carbohydrate (13g dietary fiber, 9g sugar), 11g protein.

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Jalapeño Corn Muffins
From Everyday With Rachael Ray

Ingredients

One 8.5-ounce box corn muffin mix
1/2 cup milk
2 cups fresh corn kernels (3 ears)
4 ounces jalapeño jack cheese, shredded (about 1 cup)
1/2 cup chopped fresh basil
Salt and pepper

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°.
In a large bowl, prepare the mix according to the package directions, using the milk in place of water. Stir in the corn, cheese and basil; season with salt and pepper.
Grease a muffin pan and fill each cup with batter. Bake until lightly golden, 30 minutes; let cool.

Serves 6.

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Come Party With Me: Pumpkin Carving - Dessert

partysugar — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 10:15:04 -0700

Along with a hearty Fall meal, at my annual pumpkin carving party, I like to serve a pumpkin themed dessert.

In the past I've done ice cream sandwiches and pumpkin bars, but this year I've been all about cakes, so I'll be whipping up a relatively easy pumpkin cake.

The batter is seasoned with orange zest and the frosting is a decadent blend of caramel and cream cheese.

The resulting cake is festive and seasonal and can be made several days before the party. To take a look at the recipe I plan on using, keep reading.

Come Party With Me: Pumpkin Carving - Drinks

partysugar — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 15:00:21 -0700

Not only is my annual pumpkin carving party about creating cool pumpkins, it's also about celebrating the flavors of Fall.

To get people in the mood to party, I'll be pouring a potent punch made from pear nectar and sparkling apple cider. It's fruity, bubbly, and refreshing - what more could you ask for in a punch?

In case people want to imbibe something other than hard alcohol, I've asked my guests to bring an assortment of seasonal ales and sparkling sodas. To check out the easy punch recipe, which would be welcome at any large event, read more.

Pear and Sparkling Cider Cocktails
From Martha Stewart

Ingredients

2 cups pear nectar, chilled
2 cups sparkling apple cider, chilled
2 cups seltzer, chilled
4 ounces (1/2 cup) bourbon whiskey, such as Knob Creek
1 Bosc pear, unpeeled, cored, and cut lengthwise into 8 wedges

Directions

Stir together pear nectar, cider, seltzer, and whiskey in a pitcher.
Divide pear wedges among glasses, and pour in cocktail. Serve immediately.

Serves 8-10.

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Yummy Links: From Beard Blog Awards to Sticky Apple Cake

partysugar — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 06:45:35 -0700

The James Beard Foundation is accepting nominations for the 2009 awards and they've announced a new category for food blogs. - Eater SF
This year make your own Halloween candy bars. - Chow
Learn how to properly pair beer with food. - Beer Utopia
Two hundred reasons to eat pizza. - Epi-Log
Enter the Serious Eats pumpkin-carving contest! - Serious Eats
Sticky Spiked Double-Apple Cake With a Brown Sugar-Brandy Sauce. Need I say more? - The Kitchn
Get creative and throw a portrait party. - Hostess With the Mostess

Source