For many of us mortals, mummy sausage wraps, pumpkin bread, butterbeer, and caramel apples are typical Halloween delicacies. But if you've ever wondered how the supernatural feast on the other side, just take a peek inside this Unofficial Hocus Pocus Cookbook, by Bridget Thoreson, and the Sanderson sisters are sure to ask for a seat at your table. Packed with over 60 frighteningly good Halloween recipes, the book includes savory dishes like Life Potion Soup and Mischief Night Pasta, all guaranteed to be tastier than the "little children" the Sanderson sisters have on the menu.
If your taste buds err more on the sweet side, the cookbook also includes recipes for Chocolate-Covered Finger of a Man Named Clark and Clever Little White (Witch) Chocolate Chunk Cookies inspired by Allison and her makeshift salt protection circle. There's even a recipe for a tuna biscuit dinner that any familiars furry friends, Binx included, would want to get their claws on. Personally, I can't wait to snack on the indulgent Brown Butter "Booooook" Blondies while Winnie Sanderson serenades me to the tune of "I Put a Spell on You" this Halloween.
Whether you were born in the '90s or you've seen Hocus Pocus too many times to count, carefully brew yourself a fiery Black Flame Cocktail (recipe below) and flip through some of the spookiest concoctions in The Unofficial Hocus Pocus Cookbook ahead.
Serves: 6 | Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 35 minutes
Ingredients:
4 medium zucchini, shredded with a cheese grater
1 medium white onion, thinly sliced
1/2 cup salted butter
2 1/2 cups chicken broth
1/4 cup packed fresh basil leaves
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Freshly ground pepper
Sea salt
Directions:
Serves: 8 | Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 12 minutes
Ingredients:
8 hot dogs
1 package Pillsbury crescent rolls
1 tablespoon ketchup
1 tablespoon your favorite kind of mustard
Directions:
*Variation: For a fancier manicure, you can make a mustard glaze by heating 1/4 cup Dijon mustard, 1/8 cup Worcestershire sauce, and 1/8 cup light brown sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat until the ingredients melt together and thicken. Brush on the nail beds before the hot dog buns go in the oven.
Serves: 1 | Prep Time: 10 minutes
Ingredients:
1/8 cup sugar
food coloring
lime wedge
2 ounces Captain Morgan Black Rum
1/2 ounce dry vermouth
blackberry, for garnish
1/4 ounce Bacardi 151
Directions:
Serves: 16 | Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients:
2 sticks (16 tablespoons) unsalted butter
1 1/2 cups packed dark brown sugar
1/4 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 cup chocolate chips
1 1/2 to 2 cups mix-ins such as chocolate chips or crushed pretzels (optional)
16 white chocolate Kisses
Directions:
Serves: 8 | Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 12 minutes
Ingredients:
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 eggs
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 (11-ounce) bag white chocolate chips
Directions:
Serves: 1 | Prep Time: 22 minutes
Ingredients:
1 1/2 ounces espresso
1 ounce vodka
1 teaspoon simple syrup
1 ounce heavy cream
Directions:
Serves: 8 | Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients:
6 eggs
3 tablespoons heavy cream or half-and-half
2 tablespoons olive oil
6 ounces grated cheddar cheese
3/4 cup chopped white onion
3/4 cup chopped zucchini
3/4 cup chopped tomato
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
Directions:
Serves: 6 | Prep Time: 30 minutes | Cook Time: 20 minutes
Ingredients:
3 boneless chicken breasts
3 cups flour
4 eggs
3 cups seasoned bread crumbs
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
Olive oil
Directions:
Serves: 8 | Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 1 hour
Ingredients:
1 1/2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and diced
1/2 cup heavy cream
5 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium white onion, diced
1/2 cup diced celery
3/4 cup chopped green bell pepper
2 pounds ground beef
1 cup crushed tomatoes
2/3 cup seasoned bread crumbs
1 1/2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 1/2 tablespoons tomato paste
Fresh parsley, for garnish
Directions
Serves: 8 | Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 25 to 30 minutes
Red Velvet Cake Ingredients:
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup Dutch-processed cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 cup buttermilk
1 tablespoon distilled white vinegar
2 tablespoons red food coloring
Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients:
2 (8-ounce) blocks of cream cheese, softened
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar, divided
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon kosher salt
Directions:
Serves: 6 | Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients:
Homemade Pasta*
2 pounds ground sausage
2 heads broccoli, cut into medium-sized florets
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
2 teaspoons minced garlic
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
2 cups freshly grated pecorino romano cheese
1/2 teaspoon salt, plus an extra pinch for the water
1/4 teaspoon pepper
fresh parsley, for garnish
Directions:
*For a tasty homemade pasta recipe, check out the full recipe in The Unofficial Hocus Pocus Cookbook.