Eat Drink & Be Scary

{ Via: Grandinroad }

Halloween is sneaking up on us. If you are planning a party, it is not too early to think of table and room decor, scary good recipes, and potent chic cocktails. Scroll down, if you dare, for some haute and haunted Halloween inspiration,

Enchanted Graveyard Pomegranate Punch

If there ever was an ocassion to serve a "signature cocktail," it is on Halloween. This concotion includes: pomegranate juice, vodka, spiced apple butter, and bitters, all mixed with candied ginger, ginger beer, and bubbly champagne.  Cheers!

Half Baked Harvest

Autumn Bruschetta Board

I love to serve bruschetta. Men especially seem to enjoy it. But the idea of serving as a big board is genius. Your guests will have fun creating their own.

A good looking presentation will be a chic conversation starter. 

How Sweet Eats

Black Matte & Copper Wine Glasses

These arranged at your dining table or even just at your bar setup would Fabulous!

Williams Sonoma

Set Up A Chili Bar

I have done this. Guests really enjoy "having it their way." Consider this the chili bar of your dreams.

How Sweet Eat

Black Widow Smash

What a spooky but stylish cocktail! It's made with mezcal, which has a natural smokiness about it.  The color comes from blackberries, the brightness from lemon and orange bitters. The added spook factor is achieved by lighting the sprig of rosemary.

Half Baked Harvest

Lit Wire Pumpkins

They are battery operated, so they can be placed anywhere, indoors or out. Great for the dining table or any corner of the house. Now on sale at

Pottery Barn

Pecan & Goat Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms

 Stuffed mushrooms are a holiday staple at our house. Depending on the size of the mushroom, it be a one bite appetizer. A perfect recipe for a crowd.

The Modern Proper

Les Ottomans Handpainted Eye Tray

Creepy chic. And the perfect platter to serve the stuffed mushrooms or any appetizer,

Anthropologie

Boozy Pumpkin Pie Shooters

Oh yes, I would love to drink my dessert! Easy to make and they promise to be a hit at your Halloween or Thanksgiving party. You can find a set of 12 tall shot glasses HERE for $12.99

Broma Bakery

Pumpkin Ravioli
Doesn't this look yummy!  it is an unexpected app that your guests will surely love. I keep these bamboo picks on hand. Find them here. Recipe at 

Town & Country Magazine

Halloween Party Crackers

If you are doing a sit down dinner, these would be fun at each place setting. Everyone, you and old, love cracking them.

Terrain

Smoked Glass Tea Light Set
Set the mood with a little ghoulish glow of candlelight. All six for under $20. I would use these all year long.

CB2

Disposable Marble Party Plates

Spooky style. Nothing wrong with using disposables when they look this good.  Everything is stylish in this Etsy shop.

Pret a Party NY

Moroccan Meatballs with Pomegranate Glaze

These look just a tad spooky, but sound oh so delcious. Made from lamb, and can be made ahead of time. That's key for a busy host.

Feasting at Home

The Witches Heart

More stylish than spooky. Your guests will be excited to try this magical potion.

The Flavor Bender

Foodie Friday Fabuloso!

It's Cinco De Mayo, so of course, we must celebrate with a margarita (or two), and some fabulous Mexican recipes. We at Shop This headquarters enjoy cooking Mexican meals any day of the week.  Here's a recipe roundup of fabuloso food. Olé.

Smoking Blackberry Sage Margarita 
Just when you think a margarita is good enough on its' own, enter the smoking type. I have had one without the blackberry. It not only was delicious, but oh so fun, too.

Wicked Spatuala

Lobster Tacos with Green Onion Cilantro Sauce

This recipe is my pick of the round up. I also think that it could be my "last meal" wish. It has a good deal of ingredients, but so worth it!

Heather Christo

Peach Mango Salsa

If you don't make your own salsa, you are missing out on some fabulous freshness. This recipe with the sweetness of the fruit, the zest of the citrus, and spice from the Jalapeno must be a so good.

Pizzazzerie

Strawberry Hibiscus Ginger Margarita

The most important part of any Mexican meal....a really good margarita! This one is a beauty, and quite unique. It's made with hibiscus tea of all things! You can buy dried hibiscus at Amazon

Half Baked Harvest

The Best Guacamole You Ever Had

Well, that's saying a lot, isn't it? But this recipe has a "secret sauce" or ingredient which is Worcestershire sauce! And to add a little crunch, there is bacon. Let's not forget the chopped onions, tomatoes, hot sauce, lime and more. I think this recipe sounds like a winner.

Well Plated

Mexican Street Style Jalapeño Dip

I think that I have mentioned before, I am not a fan of serving dips to a crowd. All of that double dipping! But I would certainly prepare this for my family. It's siad to be smoky, spicy, and very special.

Half Baked Harvest

Baja Fish Tacos

The coating on the fish is said to be the secret to this winning recipe. It stays crispy from the first bite to the last. It looks so fresh, doesn't it?

Spoon Fork Bacon

Cilantro Lime Rice

Isn't this a pleasantly presented dish? It's true, we eat with our eyes, and I am digging in. Why would anyone eat plain white rice again, when you can have this?

Feasting at Home

Pineapple Mezcal Cocktail

I recently watched Mezcal being made on a CNN special. It's fascinating. The process is why it has such a smoky flavor. If you wish to know more about the differences between Mezcal and Tequila, HERE is a good source. You'll find the cocktail recipe at...

The Feed Feed

Taco Salad

This is how I eat tacos. No tortilla unless I am at a Frontera Grill in Chicago where they are warm, homemade, and fabuloso! This recipe doesn't miss a beat.

How Sweet Eats

Dulche de Leche Cheesecake
This recipe creates a creamy cheesecake that is both sweet and salty. The perfect combination for desert in my book. The dulche de luche is sweet like caramel sauce. The longer it cooks, the richer it becomes.

Nourished Endeavors

Low Carb Fish Taco Bowls
It's made with Mahi Mahi but I am sure you could substitute your favorite white flaky fish.

Food Faith & Fitness

Mexican Chicken Tortilla Soup

My favorite soup! It might be all of the fixings that finds me loving it. This is a relatively easy recipe. Give it a try!

Ambitious Kitchen

Frozen Margarita

This recipe is included because it is not made with a mix. Most frozen margs are. It sure looks delish!

The Cookie Rookie

Chicken & Goat Cheese Enchiladas

Goat cheese adds a sophisticated taste to everything. This dish is really quite simple to make.

Love & Olive Oil

Mexican Chocolate Donuts

What a yummy way to start or end Cinco de Mayo! These sinful treats are a beautiful combination of dark chocolate and spice.

Broma Bakery

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Bar Cart Chic

The Very Best Thanksgiving Recipes

Over the years, I have scoured the best cooking blogs for the most delicious recipes for your Thanksgiving table. So this year I thought why reinvent the wheel, when I already had the best? So into my archives I went. This recipe roundup features links to over 100 tasty Thanksgiving treats.

Foodie Friday: Flip The Bird!

The word on THE bird this year, is that turkeys will be scarce and expensive, especially if you are looking for fresh. So why not think outside of the roasting pan? These ten turkey alternative recipes are fresh and festive. 

Thanksgiving Countdown: Desserts

It is my hope that this post inspires you to do a little something different for dessert. Think about poaching pears or Brûléeing  your pumpkin pie to wow your guests.

Countdown To Thanksgiving: 21 Sips, Soups & Sides

 You'll find not so classics with a twist like Buttermilk Boursin Mashed Potatoes, Cranberry Sauce with Red Wine and more.

Countdown To Thanksgiving: Talking Turkey

When it comes to cooking a turkey, I like to mix it up each year. If you do, as well, take a peek at these yummy recipes. They are quite unique.

Countdown To Thanksgiving: Delicious Desserts

HERE: 17 Sinfully Seasonal Desserts. Wishing you all some lov'n from your oven. Don't forget that the secret ingredient to any recipe is love!

Thanksgiving Starts Here: Seventeen Stylish Side Dishes

Give your guests a new favorite dish to savor.  Think about mashing the sweet potatoes, add bourbon to the cranberry sauce, or offer a pumpkin sage risotto as a gluten free option. No matter what recipe you use, don't forget to add a 

pinch of love.  

Countdown To Thanksgiving: Settle In With Starters

17 Savory Starters & Seasonal cocktails. Thanksgiving is a day of good friends, food and family. Might as well indulge! Let's make some memories of our own, and welcome our guests in with some stylish starters and a chic cocktail or two.

Countdown To Thanksgiving: Turkey & Gravy Goodness!

I have two tips I can offer from experience. First, cook a fresh organic turkey and second, create a compound butter of your choosing, and slather it under the skin of your bird.  Let's get cooking!

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Hosting At Home

Tailgates & Touchdowns: Recipes & More

{ Town & Country Magazine )

For football lovers, there is nothing better than a terrific tailgate party. I say, why not make it stylish? If you are planning one, fresh flowers can be a game changer. This roundup features ideas for serving and entertaining that are all a bit elevated.  No matter what team you are cheering for this season, these recipes and ideas will score big with your guests.

Pumpkin Goat Cheese Dip With Caramelized Onions

Goat Cheese, Cream Cheese, Caramelized Onions, and Pumpkin. How could this be bad? I would say this is your "go to" appetizer all season long.

Running To The Kitchen 

Sloppy Joes Sheet Pan Totchos

Totchos? That's right. A totcho involves tater tots, and who doesn't like them? In fact this recipe combines, three fan favorites - Sloppy Joes, Nachos, and Tater Tots - to create one sensational snack.

How Sweet Eats

Better Than Crack Brownies

Don't they look sinfully delicious? With Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, Milk Chocolate Chips, Peanut Butter, and Rice Krispies, how could they be anything but good?

How Sweet Eats

Everything Ranch Cheese & Pretzel Snack Mix

This takes me back. My Mother always had a big tin of homemade snack mix made by the bar. I remember loving it, and I think she would love this recipe. One word ~ addictive!

Half Baked Harvest

Bloody Mary Bar

If you are starting early, a bloody bar will be fun and appreciated. Here's how to do it. Please don't forget the garnishes. If you are serving Bloodies, you need a decent looking glass. Solo cups don't cut it for everything. Head to Smarty Had a Party for some fancy shmancy disposable glassware.

Crowded Kitchen

Individual 7 Layer Dip Servings

A clever and safe way to serve everyone's favorite dip. No double dipping! You can find the Weck Jars with clamped lid at Amazon

Williams Sonoma

Lacquer Bean Bag Toss

I remember my first tailgate. I saw so many of these in the parking lot! It certainly seemed like "the" game to play. Typically it is called Cornhole.  I like Bean Bag Toss better. None of the games I saw were as nice as these. Best yet, they are on sale.

Mark and Graham

Grilled Chicken Sliders

A slider is so much easier to eat standing up than a full burger. Grill the chicken on the spot. A simple dish to prepare and ever so tasty!

Pizazzerie

Baked Apple Cider Donuts

Fall on a plate. These look irresistible.  I love an ooey gooey donut, but these are simple and so much easier to eat. To bake them you will need a donut pan. This set of two from Amazon is well priced.

Sally's Baking Addiction

Baked Brie Football

If you aren't inclined to create your own tailgate food, or you are invited to one, send this cheesy concoction ahead of time. Cute, right?

Williams Sonoma

Waterproof Blanket

For sitting sideline at the game or picnicking in the the sun. This beautiful blanket will keep you comfy cozy. A great gift when personalized, too.
Mark & Graham

Flaming Hot Cheetos

I haven't had a hot dog in so many years, I can't remember. Eating healthy spoils the fun. But I do know that this meal in a bun would be a big hit with my family, especially the boys!

How Sweet Eats

Giant Pumpkin Pop Tart With Maple Icing

Remember Pop Tarts? I loved the cinnamon ones, even though they tasted like cardboard. I am sure that these are 100 times better and healthier. Easy to transport, as well.

Broma Bakery

Slow Cooker Pulled Pork 

This is a great recipe. I love how one marinates the roast in the fridge for at least two hours with a dry rub. That is something I haven't done. But what they don't do is sear and brown the pork roast before you put it in the slow cooker. If you don't give it a good hard sear, you will have tons of grease in the finished product. Also, I love the "bark" that I get on the roast by searing it. Trust me, you need to do that. 

Cooking Classy

Baked Sweet Potato Chips With Blue Cheese, Bacon & Green Onion

Fred's Restaurant at Barney's New York served this tasty treat. Theirs had goat cheese instead of blue. We always ordered it as an appetizer. It was so good, you guys! 

Cooking For Keeps    

Mac & Cheese Stuffed  Zucchini

I am not sure that I know anyone who would turn down a "bite" of Mac 'N Cheese! "It's cheesy, it's “fried" and it's veggie loaded. Mac and cheese is sandwiched between two slices of zucchini, then breaded and oven “fried" (read: baked) to perfection."

Half Baked Harvest

Football Snack Servers
These are fun for individual servings of snacks, dips or even the mac and cheese bites above.

En Fete

Chocolate Pretzel Caramel Apples

Sweet and salty. The perfect fall dessert. These are not hard to make at all. A couple tries at the caramel sauce and you will have it down. Your guests will be delighted.

What's Cooking Love

Disposable Plates

Details do matter. These cork design plates look casual enough for an outdoor party, but the flecks of gold elevate the look.

En Fete

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Farm Fresh Fall Flavors