Icicle Candy and Reindeer Snacks #SundaySupper

This week's #SundaySupper is all about holiday music, movies, and TV specials.

I'm not gonna lie, my first instinct was to go with the Doctor Who Christmas specials, but short of a gingerbread TARDIS, there was nothing I could think of for it. And I didn't want to make a gingerbread TARDIS. So I went with my second instinct: cheesy, kiddie, made-for-TV Christmas movies. Not the Hallmark ones, because those try too hard and are unnecessarily dramatic and have no fun things to distract me from the gaping plot holes. No, I mean the ones meant for small children. The ones with magic and reindeer and Santa Claus.

My favorite in this genre is a movie called Snow. It's about Nick Snowden, a man approaching his first Christmas as the "big SC," who lost one of his reindeer, Buddy, and has to rescue him from the zoo before Christmas Eve, or Christmas will be ruined forever.

I can't say what it is about this movie that I like so much. There's storyline inconsistencies, plot devices that don't make a whole lot of sense, and they do over-cheese a couple of scenes, but I just love it. It might just be a case of the right actors with the right script, but there's just something very charming and very real about it.

It could also be that I totally get the main female lead, Sandy. I'd totally fall for Tom Cavanagh's awkwardly charming Nick, too. And there's that scene when he's on the ladder, and she gets caught looking that I think really sets her apart from others in the holiday-movie-female-lead category. Anyway, if you can catch it on ABC Family, I recommend it. And the sequel, though that has some larger plotholes.

Since the movie is meant for children, there's obviously no cursing. In fact, all of Nick's curses are holiday terms. Including when he says, "oh, icicles."

When I thought to make icicle candy, it sounded a lot better in my head than it actually was in practice. First I tried a recipe that used the microwave, no special tools required. My microwave is apparently super powered, because I burned the sugar. Badly. It was the color of coffee. Strong coffee.

So I tried this recipe(halved) from Martha Stewart. Much harder, since it uses pulled sugar, but more reliable. Let's just say, it was the first and last time I will ever work with pulled sugar. It was a pain to work with. And painful to work with. I had on some heavy duty rubber gloves, the kind that I use when washing dishes in scalding water, and my fingertips are still red and sensitive. Plus, I only got one good looking one. I was using some expletives a lot stronger than icicles, if y'know what I mean. I did get one, so it wasn't a total fail, but I do not recommend it unless you've got seriously tough hands made out of asbestos or something.

Of course, I couldn't forget about Buddy, since the movie would have never happened if he hadn't wandered off and got captured by Buck, the jerk poacher with a thing for Sandy (that apparently thinks giving illegal reindeer to her zoo is a good idea? They never really explain that). In Snow, it's Buddy's first Christmas too, but he hasn't yet learned to fly (which is why he needs Nick's help to escape from the zoo), but as he's learning, he leaps over the fence to steal a chocolate bar from the security guard. But in the sequel, Buddy's having some trouble fitting into his harness, so Nick puts him on a diet and exercise plan.

These "reindeer snacks" are actually chocolate cherry almond granola clusters, which would be a great way to satisfy Buddy's sweet tooth while giving him the energy to hoof it up on the treadmill. Reindeer like oats and plus, I think even Santa would enjoy the (slightly) healthier, but still sweet and tasty, break from all the milk and cookies.

Full disclosure: this was not supposed to be chocolate granola. I was following my patented I-don't-need-no-stinkin'-recipe method, and I added chocolate chips, not thinking that all the way through. When I went to stir the granola, it became chocolate granola. And I might be breaking some cardinal granola rules with my haphazard method, but I haven't been able to stop eating it, so I don't think I really care.

Chocolate Cherry Almond Granola Clusters

AKA Reindeer Snacks

Ingredients

1½ cups old fashioned oats

¾ cup sliced almonds

½ cup semisweet chocolate chips

½ cup dried cherries

¼ cup packed brown sugar

½ tsp. salt

⅓ cup agave nectar (maple syrup would also work)

2 tbsp. nut butter (almond, preferably)

1 tbsp. canola oil

1 tsp. vanilla extract

1 tsp. almond extract

Directions

Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or a silpat mat.

In a large mixing bowl mix together the first 6 ingredients. In a separate bowl, whisk the remaining ingredients together until smooth (warm the nut butter to make this easier). Pour the wet ingredients over the dry, and mix until well coated. Spread evenly onto the prepared pan.

Bake for 10 minutes, then stir until the chocolate is evenly distributed. Bake for another 20 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes or so, until the oats are toasted and fragrant. Shape into clusters of the desired size, and allow to cool completely on the pan.

Recipe by Kim

Thanks to Tammi from Momma's Meals for hosting this week. Comes see how the rest of the #SundaySupper crew is getting into the holiday spirit:

Party Appetizers & Snacks:
Oven-Roasted Applesauce Scented with Rosemary & Vanilla-Inspired by the song "Christmas in the Trenches"- Shockingly Delicious
Roasted Chestnuts Inspired by the movie "The Christmas Song" - Food Lust People Love
A Popcorn Trio Inspired by the song "Let it Snow" - Hot Momma's Kitchen Chaos
Chai Tea Abominable Snow Buddies Inspired by the movie "Rudolph" - Cupcakes & Kale Chips 
Raisin Bran Muffins for a Crowd Inspired by the movie "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation" - In The Kitchen With Audrey and Maurene
Icicle Candy and Reindeer Snacks Inspired by the movie "Snow" - Treats & Trinkets
A Christmas Carol Plum Pudding Inspired by the movie "A Christmas Carol" - No One Likes Crumbley Cookies 
Yukon Mashed Potato Cakes Inspired by the movie "Rudolph" - Cookin' Mimi
Christmas Pudding Inspired by the song "Over the River and Through the Woods" - A Kitchen Hoor 
Pumpkin Pudding Inspired by the movie "Nightmare Before Christmas" - Basic N Delicious
Elf-Inspired Christmas "Grams" Inspired by the movie "Elf" - MarocMama 
Sugarplums Inspired by the movie "The Nutcracker" - Happy Baking Days 
Chai Spiced Roasted Nuts Inspired by the song "Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire" - Take A Bite Out of Boca

Festive Main Dishes

Maple Syrup Spaghetti- Inspired by the movie "Elf"- Momma's Meals

Who Hash Inspired by the movie "How The Grinch Stole Christmas" -girlichef 

Ginger Orange Glazed Cornish Hens Inspired by the song "The 12 Days of Christmas" -Sue's Nutrition Buzz 

NY Hot Dog with Sabrett-style Onion Sauce Inspired by the movie "Die Hard" - Small Wallet, Big Appetite 

Classic Caesar Salad Inspired by the movie "The Santa Clause" - The Little Ferraro Kitchen 

Individuals Meatloaves & Horseradish Mashed Potatoes for Mommy's Little Piggies - Inspired by the movie "A Christmas Story" - The Not So Cheesy Kitchen 

Christmas Waffles Inspired by the TV special "A Claymation Christmas Celebration" - Curious Cuisiniere

Filthy Animal Pizza Inspired by the movie "Home Alone" - Foxes Love Lemons

Chicken Orzo Soup Inspired by the song "12 Days of Christmas" - Family Foodie

Brandied Candied Sweet Potatoes Inspired by the song "Christmas Is The Time To Say ‘I Love You’ " - Cindy's Recipes and Writings

Sweet Holiday Treats:

Gin and Tonic Cupcakes Inspired by Adam Sandler's " The Chanukah Song" - The Girl In The Little Red Kitchen

Chocolate Chip Shortbread Bars Inspired by the movie "Love Actually" - Magnolia Days 

Gingerbread Marshmallows Inspired by the song "Marshmallow World" - Jane's Adventures in Dinner

Hazelnut Chocolate Chip Cookies Inspired by the movie "The Gremlins" - Killer Bunnies, Inc 

White Chocolate Peppermint Fudge Inspired by the song "I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas" - Alida's Kitchen 

Snowball Cookies - Inspired by the movie "White Christmas" -The Foodie Army Wife 

Penuche Fudge Inspired by the movie "Elf" - Pies and Plots

Hot Chocolate Cookies Inspired by the movie "Santa Clause" - Mess Makes Food

South Pacific Coconut Tres Leche Cake Inspired by the movie "South Pacific" -The Ninja Baker 

Cookies & Cream Fudge Inspired by the movie "Elf" - The Messy Baker

Cozy Drinks:

Toasted Coconut Hot Cocoa- Inspired by the song "Let It Snow"- Chocolate Moosey 

The Christmas Gram Inspired by the movie "Elf" - An Appealing Plan 

Eggnog Hot Chocolate Inspired by the movie "National Lampoons Christmas Vacation" - Peanut Butter and Peppers 

Vermont Hot Cocoa Inspired by the movie "White Christmas" - Kudos Kitchen By Renee

Spiked Hot Chocolate Peppermint Ice Cream Floats Inspired by the song "Holly Jolly Christmas " -NeighborFood

This is Christmas; Wine Pairings for Holiday Themed#SundaySupper Recipes - ENOFYLZ Wine Blog

Join the #SundaySupper conversation on twitter on Sunday! We tweet throughout the day and share recipes from all over the world. Our weekly chat starts at 7:00 pm ET. Follow the #SundaySupper hashtag and remember to include it in your tweets to join in the chat. Check out our #SundaySupper Pinterest board for more fabulous recipes and food photos.

Would you like to join the Sunday Supper Movement? It’s easy! You can sign up by clicking here: Sunday Supper Movement.

Homemade Yellow Cake Mix ~ #SundaySupper

I've found I have a problem communicating about foodie things with non-foodies. I mean conversations with them sort of go like this:

Them: These cookies are really good, where did you get the recipe?
Me: No where. I made it up.
Them: Really? How do you do that?
Me: I dunno, I just kind of... do.

Or they go like:

G: Kim makes marshmallows.
Co-worker: You make marshmallows?
Me: I make marshmallows.
Co-worker: How do you make marshmallows?
Me: Oh, it's easy. You just cook some sugar to the soft-ball stage, add it to the softened gelatin, then whip it until it's nice and airy.
Co-worker: ... Right.

Or like recently:

Co-worker: And you make everything from scratch? You don't use mixes?
Me: I actually make my own mixes.
Co-worker: To sell?
Me: No, just... cause. It's fun.

You can't beat a mix for convenience when baking, I will freely admit to that. But a boxed mix tastes like a boxed mix. You can't beat homemade for taste.

That's right: the convenience of a mix plus the taste of homemade. And it's so easy to make your own mix; it only takes a few minutes, and then you can whip up an entirely homemade cake easy-peasy next time you need it. Seriously, there's no downsides here. Plus, in the cake batter All THE THINGS era we live in at the moment, you can use homemade mix instead of the preservative-laden, pricey boxed alternatives.

Now, I use butter-flavored shortening in my mixes because it's shelf-stable. I know a lot of people are weirded out by shortening, and I've already been over the reasons that you shouldn't be (non-hydrogenated shortening is available if you're worried about trans fat, and shortening actually contains less saturated (bad) fat and more unsaturated (good) fat per serving than butter.), but you're not likely to change your minds on my say-so, so you can use cold butter, you just have to store the mix in the freezer.

(And please, do not suggest coconut oil to me. That is a pet peeve of mine when people assume something is healthy just because they use it. It's great for cooking, but I've done the research and it's most certainly not health food. Although, if you want coconut cake, that might work as a substitution)

That's Cupcake 'Bot, the cupcake-inspired robot I designed and got 3D printed. Isn't he sweet? (I may or may not have been completely at a loss as to how to photograph cake mix and so broke out the toy robots)

Anyway, yellow cake is one of the most basic staples in any baker's repertoire, and the best for getting that real cake batter flavor. I based this mix off of my favorite yellow cake recipe (bet you can't guess from where), and doesn't have any weirdy powdered ingredients like powdered peanut butter or powdered food coloring. (Although I did see powdered vanilla at Candyland today, and I was tempted to buy it)(I seriously may have a cake mix making problem). So take 5 minutes out of your day and make this mix. Next time you need to bake a cake, you'll be so glad that you did.

Yellow Cake Mix

Yield: Approx. 5½ cups dry mix

Ingredients

2¼ cups flour

1½ cups sugar

½ cup powdered milk (optional)

2½ tsp. baking powder

1 tsp. salt

¾ cup butter flavored shortening

Directions
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together all ingredients except the shortening. Using a pastry cutter (or pulse in a food processor) cut in the shortening until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place up to 6 months.

To bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Grease and flour, or line with parchment paper, two 9-inch round cake tins. Combine the mix with 3 eggs, ¾ water (or milk, if not using powdered), 1 tsp. almond extract, and 1 tsp. vanilla extract. Mix well until no lumps remain. Divide the batter equally between the 2 prepared pans, and bake 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool completely on wire racks.

Based on the Yellow Cake recipe from The Good Housekeeping Illustrated Cookbook

This week's #SundaySupper, hosted by DB of Crazy Foodie Stunts, has got you covered, both literally and figuratively. I've got you covered with the convenience of a mix but without having to go boxed. The rest of the group has got your back with the recipes below.

Covered Appetizers and Entreés

• Slow Cooker Cheesy Party Mix from Hot Momma's Kitchen Chaos
• Personal Steak Pot Pies from The Foodie Army Wife
• Slowcooker Bean and Ham Soup from Jane's Adventures in Dinner
• Butternut Squash & Cheddar Potatoes Au Gratin from Cupcakes & Kale Chips
• Salmon en Croute from Curious Cuisiniere
• Excellent Beef Stew from Noshing With The Nolands
• Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Gravy from Food Lust People Love
• Pigs in a Blanket (Cabbage Rolls) from Cindy's Recipes and Writings

Covered Desserts

• Banana Coffee Cake with Chocolate Chip Streusel from Killer Bunnies, Inc
• Bacon Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Frosting from Bobbi's Kozy Kitchen
• Streusel Topped Apple Pie from A Kitchen Hoor's Adventures
• Dark Chocolate Cake Batter Truffles from Take A Bite Out of Boca
• Chocolate Satin Pie from That Skinny Chick Can Bake
• Banana Butterscotch Muffin-Cake from What Smells So Good?
• Chocolate Banoffee Pie from Happy Baking Days
• 1 Easy Chocolate Macaron Recipe, 3 Japanese Wine Fillings from NinjaBaking.com
• Chocolate Covered "Party Popcorn" from Ruffles & Truffles
• Caramel Apple Bundt Cake from Pies and Plots

Not Sure What To Do? We Got You Covered

• Cilantro Turkey Salad with Farro and Mango from Shockingly Delicious covering turkey leftovers
• Back to Basics: How to Truss a Chicken for Roasting from Crazy Foodie Stunts covering a cooking technique
• Peppermint Whip Cream from Peanut Butter and Peppers covering a vegan and dairy-free dessert topping
• Gluten Free Lego Cookies from Hezzi-D's Books and Cooks covering a gluten-free dessert
• Mexican Coffee Bun from The Urban Mrs covering a dessert with an uncommon ingredient
• Cranberry Walnut Crumble Bars from Magnolia Days covering an idea for fresh cranberries
• Raspberry Swirl Cheesecake Bars from Alida's Kitchen covering a quick and easy cheesecake fix
• Prosciutto covered Rosemary Pork from Family Foodie covering a holiday meal on a budget
• Homemade Yellow Cake Mix from Treats & Trinkets covering a cake mix without the chemicals from store-bought ones
• Waffled Cranberry Cream Cheese Turkey Sandwiches from Neighborfood covering turkey leftovers
• Apple Cider Doughnuts from The Texan New Yorker covering a dish made at home so you don't need to wait in long lines for it

Join the #SundaySupper conversation on twitter on Sunday! We tweet throughout the day and share recipes from all over the world. Our weekly chat starts at 7:00 pm ET. Follow the #SundaySupper hashtag and remember to include it in your tweets to join in the chat. Check out our #SundaySupper Pinterest board for more fabulous recipes and food photos.

Would you like to join the Sunday Supper Movement? It’s easy! You can sign up by clicking here: Sunday Supper Movement.

Butternut Squash Cupcakes- Squashin' Winter #SundaySupper

With Browned Butter Frosting

 You know what I haven't been making enough of? Cupcakes. I mean, cupcakes are what got me into baking in the first place. They're my first foodie love. When I first started this blog, I figured it would be all cupcakes all the time. But that has not been true. There has been a surprising dearth of cupcake recipes. The occasional cupcake, some of the time.

Well no more! I'm traveling back to my baking roots with this week's #SundaySupper, hosted by Heather of girlichef. The theme this week is winter squash. So of course I made cupcakes.

Don't question it. Just smile and nod.

I actually love butternut squash. Which is weird for me, because while I have a giant sweet tooth, I very much dislike sweet with my savory. I don't like pumpkin. I don't like sweet potatoes. I don't like cooked carrots. But I love butternut squash.

The squash has a nice, subtly sweet flavor that actually lends itself well to these spiced cupcakes. It's not immediately noticeable like with sweet potato or pumpkin, but it's definitely there as a sort of flavor undertone, adding a layer of complexity. Plus the squash keeps the cupcakes nice and moist (if a little on the dense side).

And since butternut squash and browned butter are basically best friends, I frosted these with the maple browned butter frosting from my maple cornmeal cupcakes, I just reduced the maple extract and added a pinch of salt (I've been on a kick lately where I add a little salt to my frostings. It just helps develop the flavor and cuts the sweetness a little.)

If you've never had browned butter frosting, then you have been deprived and that should be rectified immediately. Like right now. At this very moment. March on over to your stove and start cooking that butter. This blog will still be here when you're done; but it's more important that you don't go another minute without mixing browned butter and powdered sugar and then spooning it straight into your mouth.

Butternut Squash Cupcakes
Yield: 24 cupcakes

Ingredients
2 cups flour
2½ tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. salt
½ tsp. nutmeg
¼ tsp. ginger
¼ tsp. ground cloves
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup packed brown sugar
2 eggs
½ tsp. vanilla extract
1½ cups cooked and mashed butternut squash
¾ cup milk

Directions
Preheat oven to 350°F. In a medium mixing bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, spices, and salt. In the bowl of a stand mixer, or in a separate bowl with electric beaters, beat the butter and sugar on medium speed until fluffy. Add the eggs and the vanilla, beating well after each addition. With the mixer on low speed, add the flour mixture, alternating with the milk. Beat until smooth, scraping down the sides of the bowl as necessary.

Line a muffin tin with paper liners. Fill about ⅔ of the way (about 2 tbsp.) with batter. Bake 15-20 minutes, until an inserted toothpick comes our clean. Cool completely on wire racks.

Recipe by Kim

Browned Butter Frosting

Ingredients
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
3 cups powdered sugar
⅓ cup whipping cream
¼ tsp. maple flavoring (or vanilla)
Pinch salt

Directions
In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Continue to heat, whisking constantly, until the butter turns a light, golden brown. Remove from heat and allow to cool to room temperature.

Add the sugar, salt, and maple flavoring to the bowl of a stand mixer and mix together on the lowest speed. Slowly stream in the browned butter and continue to mix until the mixture looks like small peas. Add in the whipping cream, gradually increase the mixer speed to high, and whip until fluffy.

Recipe by Kim

Get ready to get your squash on:

Breakfasts and Breads

• Maple Butternut Squash Donuts from Mess Makes Food
• Pumpkin Sweet Rolls from Basic N Delicious
• Vegan Pumpkin Scones with Maple Nutmeg Icing from Killer Bunnies, Inc

Appetizers, Starters, and Condiments

• Butternut Squash and Couscous Patties-Indian Inspired from Soni's Food
• Pumpkin Hummus with Spiced Lamb from girlichef
• Quick Pumpkin Butter from Shockingly Delicious

Soups, Sandwiches, and Salads

• Black Bean and Butternut Squash Chili from Supper for a Steal
• Black Bean Pumpkin Soup from What Smells So Good?
• Butternut Squash and Bacon Grilled Cheese from Ruffles & Truffles
• Butternut Squash Soup from That Skinny Chick Can Bake
• Hearty Quinoa Chicken Stew with Butternut Squash from Citronlimette
• Roasted Buttercup Squash and Black Bean Soup (Dairy free) from The Not So Cheesy Kitchen
• Roasted Butternut Squash and Vegetable Soup from Kudos Kitchen By Renee
• Roasted Squash and Mexican Black Bean Salad from Peanut Butter and Peppers
• Roasted Squash and Sesame Noodle Salad from Jane's Adventures in Dinner

Main Dishes

• Butternut Squash and Spinach Quesadillas from The Dinner-Mom
• Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Balsamic Brown Butter from Crazy Foodie Stunts
• Butternut Squash Lasagna from Hip Foodie Mom
• Butternut Squash-Sage Cream Sauce with Sausage Spaghetti from Daily Dish Recipes
• Carnival Squash with Maple Sausage Stuffing from Cindy's Recipes and Writings
• Chorizo-Stuffed Acorn Squash from Small Wallet Big Appetite
• Butternut Squash with Spicy Wild Rice and Queso Fresco from Vintage Kitchen Notes
• Pumpkin Alfredo from Hezzi-D's Books and Cooks
• Pumpkin Enchiladas from La Cocina de Leslie
• Pumpkin Risotto with Bacon, Goat Cheese, and Pecans from The Weekend Gourmet
• Roasted Butternut Squash and Brussels Sprout Pizza from Curious Cuisiniere
• Sausage and Apple Stuffed Acorn Squash from The Messy Baker
• Spaghetti Squash in a Creamy Sausage Sauce from Cookin' Mimi
• Spaghetti Squash Shrimp Scampi from Pescetarian Journal

Side Dishes

• Acorn Squash with Cinnamon and Cranberries from Noshing With The Nolands
• Butternut Squash and Apple Crumble from The Wimpy Vegetarian
• Butternut Squash Gratin with Sage Pesto & Gorgonzola from Cupcakes & Kale Chips
• Chorizo and Craisin Stuffed Acorn Squash from Family Foodie
• Parmesan-Roasted Acorn Squash from The Urban Mrs
• Pumpkin Macaroni and Cheese from Big Bear's Wife
• Roasted Butternut Squash with Balsamic Vinegar Honey Butter from Food Lust People Love
• Roasted Butternut Squash with Wilted Kale, Mushrooms and Garlic from Take a Bite Out of Boca
• Skillet Buttercup Squash with Bacon from Magnolia Days
• Slow Cooker Squash and Apples from Mama's Blissful Bites
• Sweet N Spicy Baked Chipotle Butternut Squash Fries from Sue's Nutrition Buzz
• Twice Baked Pumpkin Stuffed Sweet Potatoes from Bobbi's Kozy Kitchen

Desserts

• Butternut Squash Cupcakes with Browned Butter Frosting from Treats & Trinkets
• Pumpkin Pie Crumb Bars from Pies and Plots

Wine Pairing Recommendations for Squashin' Winter #SundaySupper from Enofylz Wine Blog

Join the #SundaySupper conversation on twitter on Sunday! We tweet throughout the day and share recipes from all over the world. Our weekly chat starts at 7:00 pm ET.  Follow the #SundaySupper hashtag and remember to include it in your tweets to join in the chat. Check out our #SundaySupper Pinterest board for more fabulous recipes and food photos.

Would you like to join the Sunday Supper Movement? It’s easy. You can sign up by clicking here: Sunday Supper Movement.

Zombie Cupcakes #SundaySupper

It was a quiet Halloween night at the local Spooky Cemetery...

...but there was a strange chill to the air that left an uneasy feeling in the heart of Joe, the caretaker's son.

"There's something wrong," Joe said to his father.

"What? Is it those kids again?" They always had a problem with teenagers breaking in each Halloween. "Let me get my shotgun. We'll scare them off once and for all."

"No it's--" Joe hesitated. "It's probably nothing. I'm just going to take a walk, make sure everything's okay."

The cemetery was silent, as it should be, but Joe couldn't shake the feeling that maybe it was too quiet. Shouldn't he be able to hear trick-or-treaters in the distance? Shouldn't there be birds or crickets or other nocturnal creatures about? Maybe all these years of living on a graveyard had finally gotten to him, Joe chuckled nervously.

Then Joe spotted something moving out of the corner of his eye. There was something rustling in the grass. It's probably just a rat, Joe thought, his feet moving forward almost of their own volition. I wanted nocturnal wildlife.

There was something rustling in the grass. Joe could hear his heart pounding in his ears as he knelt to take a closer look...

... when a hand burst out from beneath the soil, gray and emaciated, stinking of rot and decay.

Joe stumbled back. It occurred to him that he should scream, but the sounds were lodged in his throat.

The ground shifted beside his foot, and Joe moved just as another hand clawed its way to the surface.

The dead were rising. And they hungered.

Though flesh of any kind would satisfy them, the morsel that they craved the most was the brain.

There was flesh aplenty in the graveyard, but it was rotted, worm-infested fare.

No, what the dead truly wanted, what they had clawed their way out of their graves for, was fresh, healthy, human brains.

And poor Joe, tenant in the land of the dead, was in possession of just such a tasty morsel.

Joe finally found the voice to scream briefly, drawing out his father with the shotgun.

It didn't do him much good.

Cast (In order of appearance)
Cupcakes- Chocolate Almond Cupcakes (recipe below)
Tombstones- Biscoff cookies and writing icing
Spooky trees- Tootsie rolls warmed until pliable, then shaped.
Grave dirt- Crushed Oreos
Grass- Shredded coconut, dyed green
Zombie fingers- Marzipan, with slivered almonds for the fingernails, and red gel icing.
Brains- Vanilla frosting (recipe below), colored with food coloring and piped with a round tip in zig-zags. (If you don't have a round tip, just put the frosting in a zip-top bag, and snip the corner)
Blood- Raspberry Red Wine Sauce
Extras- Gummy worms, candy pumpkins, and skull and spider sprinkles (Wilton brand)

Chocolate Almond Cupcakes
Yield: 30 cupcakes

Ingredients
2½ cups flour
¼ cup cocoa powder
1 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1 cup sugar
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3 eggs
¾ cup sour cream
1 tsp. vanilla extract
½ tsp. almond extract
6 oz. semisweet baking chocolate, melted and cooled
½ cup almond milk

Directions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. In a medium mixing bowl, mix together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In the bowl of a stand mixer, or in a large mixing bowl with electric beaters, beat the butter and sugar together at medium speed until fluffy. Add the eggs, beating well after each addition. Add the extracts and sour cream, and mix until fully combined. Add in the melted chocolate. Fold in half of the flour mixture. Mix in the milk and then the other half of the flour mixture. Beat until smooth, scraping down the sides of the bowl as necessary.

Line a muffin tin with paper liners. Fill about ⅔ of the way (about 2 tbsp.) with batter. Bake 15-20 minutes, until an inserted toothpick comes our clean. Cool completely on wire racks.

Recipe by Kim

Vanilla Frosting

Ingredients
¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
6 tbsp. shortening
2½ cups powdered sugar
1 tsp. vanilla extract
Pinch salt

Directions
With an electric mixer, beat the butter and shortening on medium speed until smooth. Reduce the speed to low and gradually add the powdered sugar. Add the vanilla and salt and gradually increase speed to high. Whip on high until smooth and fluffy.

Recipe by Kim

This week the #SundaySupper crew is celebrating Halloween with plenty of tasty, ghoulish dishes. Thank you to Kathia of Basic N Delicious for hosting. And be sure to check out the rest of the terrifyingly tasty treats the rest of the group has in store for you...

...If you dare.

At least they don't have hungry zombies waiting to feast on your brains. :D

COCKTAILS

• Bloody Mary by La Cocina de Leslie
• Head Will Roll Cocktail by Noshing with The Nolands
• Wicked Sangria by The Messy Baker

SWEETS AND DESSERTS

• Snickers Fudge by I Run for Wine
• Halloween Pumpkin Chocolate Parfaits by Daily Dish Recipes
• White Chocolate Monster Munch by That Skinny Chick Can Bake
• Soft and Chewy Chocolate Candies by What Smells So Good?
• Candy Corn Puppy Chow by Pies and Plots
• Pumpkin Dirt Pudding Graveyard Parfaits by Neighborfood
• Candied Pumpkin (Calabaza en Tacha) by Magnolia Days
• Snickerway Truffles by Peanut Butter and Peppers
• Homemade Peanut Butter Cups by The Texan New Yorker
• Jack Skellington Oreo Pops by Big Bear’s Wife
• Halloween Crunch Truffles by The Weekend Gourmet
• Frozen “Boo” Nana Pops by Momma’s Meals

CUPCAKES, COOKIES AND MORE

• Bourbon Caramel Glazed Pumpkin Donuts by Girl in the Little Red Kitchen
• Candy Corn White Chocolate Pretzels by Alida’s Kitchen
• Soft Apple Cider Cookies by Killer Bunnies, Inc
• Spooky Cookies by Basic N Delicious
• Pumpkin Bomb Cupcakes by My Other City By the Bay
• Cinnamon Rolls à la Great Pumpkin by Ninja Baking
• Candy Corn Parfait by The Urban Mrs.
• Trick or Beet Brownies by Foxes Love Lemons
• Caramel Surprise Witches’ hat Cupcakes by Hot Momma’s Kitchen Chaos
• Dark and Stormy Gingerbread by girlichef
• {flourless} Monster Cookie Dough Dip by Cupcakes & Kale Chips
• Monster and Mummy Cupcakes by Hip Foodie Mom
• Pumpkin Cut-out Cookies by Take A Bite Out Of Boca
• Candied Pumpkin Cheese Cake with Maple Cream by Vintage Kitchen Notes
• Easy Chocolate Pumpkin Cupcakes by The Dinner-Mom
• Zombie Cupcakes by Treats & Trinkets

APPETIZER, MAIN MEALS

• Shrek’s Dirty Q-tips by Shockingly Delicious
• Green Tomato Chilli by Jane’s Adventures in Dinner
• It’s the Great Stuffed Pumpkin by Bobbi’s Kozy Kitchen
• Mummy Calzone by Curious Cuisiniere
• Pumpkin Soup by Juanita’s Cocina
• Pizza Bones by Cindy’s Recipes and Writings
• Sincere Pumpkin Patch Spicy Cheese Ball by Food Lust People Love
• Spooky Stew by Happy Baking Days
• Bloody Rice by Crazy Foodie Stunts
• Ghost Flatbread Pizzas by Family Foodie
• Witch Hats by A Kitchen Hoor’s Adventures

Raspberry Red Wine Sauce #SundaySupper

This week the #SundaySupper group is getting saucy. *Mrowr*

I decided to contribute one of my favorite gifts from the kitchen, this raspberry red wine sauce.

It's so easy to make, and super delicious. At Christmas, I get those little bitty mason jars, then I make a bunch of different dessert sauces, then I made little gift sets with a selection of different sauces and some homemade cookies and candies. This sauce always makes the cut.

Just sugar, red wine, frozen raspberries, and cornstarch make up this super delectable sauce. Just boil it together on the stove et voila, it's done. But no one needs to know just how easy it is, since it tastes completely gourmet.

Nom nom nom

You can use it to top waffles, cream puffs, even biscuits. My mother loves to put it on bagels. Me, I love it over ice cream. Maybe on top of a brownie sundae.

Truth telling time- usually I'm way too lazy to strain out the seeds, since that takes longer than making the actual sauce, so it's totally okay to skip that part. The seeds add extra texture, and then you can use it like the world's best tasting jam.

Raspberry Red Wine Sauce
Yield: About 2 cups of sauce

Ingredients
1 cup sugar
1 tbsp. cornstarch
1 1/2 cups red wine
1 (12 oz.) pkg. frozen unsweetened raspberries, thawed

Directions
In a large saucepan, mix together the sugar and cornstarch. Add the red wine. Heat over medium low, stirring until dissolved. Heat to boiling and boil, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is thickened, about 4-6 minutes. Add the thawed raspberries. Boil another 3-4 minutes until the raspberries have broken down and the sauce is thick and syrupy. Remove from heat and allow to cool. If desired, strain through a fine mesh sieve to remove the seed. Store in the refrigerator.

Recipe from BettyCrocker.com

Are you ready to get saucy?

Savory Sauces

• Port Wine and Fig Sauce from A Kitchen Hoor's Adventures
• Jalepeno Cranberry Sauce from Hot Momma's Kitchen Chaos
• Homemade Steak Sauce from Juanita's Cocina
• Tomato Kasundi from What Smells So Good?
• Homemade Tartar Sauce from The Foodie Army Wife
• Creamy Dairyfree Mushroom Sauce from The Not So Cheesy Kitchen
• Homemade Teriyaki Sauce from Curious Cuisiniere
• Red Wine Sauce | Molho de Vinho Tinto from Family Foodie
• Guava BBQ Sauce from Basic N Delicious

Pasta Sauces and Pastas with Sauce

• Chardonnay Seafood Sauce (with Linguine) from Country Girl in the Village
• Italian-Style Tomato Sauce from Hezzi-D's Books and Cooks
• Homemade Guiltless Alfredo Sauce from Momma's Meals
• Sicilian Marinara Sauce from Growing Up Gabel
• Basil Pesto from Take A Bite Out of Boca
• Angel Hair Pasta with Neapolitan Sauce from Cookin' Mimi
• Roasted Vegetable Pasta Sauce from Peanut Butter and Peppers
• Lentil Marinara Pasta Sauce from Alida's Kitchen
• Lamb Ragout from Maroc Mama
• Black Walnut Kale Pesto with Zucchini Spaghetti from Sue's Nutrition Buzz
• Amatriciana Sauce from The Weekend Gourmet

Entreés with Sauces

• Chicken Tikka Masala from I Run For Wine
• Pork Tenderloin with Plum Sauce from That Skinny Chick Can Bake
• Garlic Mushrooms In Red Wine Sauce from Kudos Kitchen By Renee
• Jack Daniel's Honey Barbecue Baked Wings from Chocolate Moosey
• Salmon with Homemade Caper Onion Mayonnaise from Food Lust People Love
• Chicken with Mushroom Demi-Glace from Crazy Foodie Stunts
• Mrs. A's Skillet Lemon Chicken from Cupcakes & Kale Chips
• Philly Strip Steaks with Provolone Sauce and Caramelized Onions from The Texan New Yorker
• Sweet & Sour Garlic Chicken Wings from Big Bear's Wife

Sweet Sauces

• Banana Pudding Sauce from Killer Bunnies, Inc
• Raspberry Red Wine Sauce from Treats & Trinkets
• Pumpkin Applesauce from Bobbi's Kozy Kitchen
• Dark Chocolate Salted Caramel Sauce from Daily Dish Recipes
• Slow Cooker Applesauce from Citronlimette
• Apple Cider Caramel Sauce from The Messy Baker
• Port Wine Cranberry Sauce from Webicurean
• Pumpkin Caramel Sauce from Noshing With The Nolands

Desserts with Sauces

• Sticky Toffee Pudding w/ Toffee Sauce from girlichef
• Salted Bourbon Caramel Sauce (over Chocolate Rosemary Cake) from Gotta Get Baked
• Pear Tatin with Rum Caramel Sauce from Jane's Adventures in Dinner
• Bananas Foster from MidLife Road Trip
• Baked Espresso Berry Pudding from The Urban Mrs
• Caramel Apple Sheet Cake from Pies and Plots

Join the #SundaySupper conversation on twitter each Sunday. We tweet throughout the day and share recipes from all over the world. Our weekly chat starts at 7:00 pm EST. Follow the #SundaySupper hashtag and remember to include it in your tweets to join in the chat. Check out our #SundaySupper Pinterest board for more fabulous recipes and food photos.

Would you like to join the Sunday Supper Movement? It’s easy. You can sign up by clicking here → >Sunday Supper Movement.

Busy-Day S'mores Cake #SundaySupper

I don't know about you guys, but my life's been super busy right now. The job's been running me ragged: I'm training yet another temp, and last week we had about 60 drug reps in for training. I don't know how drug reps are in the real world, but in training classes, they're worse than teenagers. But not just any teenagers, the really obnoxious teenagers who think they're the shiz and can do no wrong. Absolutely no consideration for anyone beyond themselves, obsessed with their own appearance, and don't get me started on the sheer amount of cologne they bathe in each morning.

Then I have all the prep for NYCC coming up. That's been a lot of fun, but it's still taking up a lot of my time. Oh, and it's October, so that means it's time for my annual "I don't have a plot" freak out. *spastic flailing* Right on schedule.

And now I'm coming up on car troubles, so suffice it to say, cooking or baking anything too involved hasn't been too high on my to-do list.

Thankfully, this week's #SundaySupper theme of One-Pot Meals, hosted by Amy of kimchi MOM, has got my back. I think we can all agree that the absolute worst part of cooking is the cleaning, so the fewer dishes I have to wash means much less stress for me. And I could use less stress at the moment. *more spastic flailing*

My friend actually pointed me in the direction of this cake from Lucinda Scala Quinn, saying that it was her favorite chocolate cake recipe, and didn't even require a mixing bowl. Everything is whisked together in the pan you bake it in.

My only conundrum then was how to frost it. I could use my very favorite chocolate frosting recipe (which, fittingly, is Hershey's One Bowl Buttercream), but that would involve using a separate bowl and an electric mixer. I thought about maybe melting chocolate chips on top before taking it out of the oven. That's when I thought of using marshmallows. Nice, toasty marshmallows on top, all melty and gooey, who needs frosting?

Adding a couple crushed graham crackers (and some chocolate chips, because more chocolate is never wrong) makes a very simple, very easy, and very delicious s'mores cake.

The cake really is the star, though. It's so easy to make, and uses such basic ingredients, but you get this moist, tender, flavorful chocolate cake that tastes like you slaved over it all day. Then the graham crackers and toasted marshmallows on top give it a nice added texture and layer of flavor that complements the cake well.

This is some seriously good cake, people. And at only 10 minutes of hands on work, there's no excuse not to make it. Plus, if you sub in some vegetarian marshmallows, the cake is vegan. No eggs or dairy to be found.

Seriously, make this cake.

Busy-Day S'mores Cake
Yield: 8 servings

Ingredients
1½ cups flour
1 cup sugar
3 heaping tbsp. unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tsp. baking soda
½ tsp. fine ground sea salt
6 tbsp. vegetable oil
1 tbsp. apple cider vinegar
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 cup cold water
8-12 graham crackers, roughly crushed
Approx. ½ cup mini marshmallows
Approx. ¼ cup semisweet chocolate chips (optional)

Directions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line an 8x8 inch square pan with non stick foil or parchment paper. Sift the dry ingredients together directly into the pan. Make a well in the center and add the wet ingredients. Whisk together until well combined.

Bake for 35 minutes. Sprinkle the top with graham crackers, marshmallows, and chocolate chips if using. Bake for another 5 minutes, until the marshmallows start to turn golden brown. Allow the cake to cool on a wire rack before cutting.

Note: The cake is easier to cut after it's completely cooled, or even chilled. However, the cake is gooey, messy deliciousness while still a bit warm. Your choice.

Recipe adapted from MarthaStewart.com

Today we're proving easy doesn't have to mean sacrificing quality. Check out the rest of the One Pot Meals from the #SundaySupper crew:

“Take the chill off” Chilis, Soups, and Starters

• Spicy Sausage and Sweet Potato Soup by Bobbi's Kozy Kitchen
• Eggplant Parmesan Soup by The Texan New Yorker
• Cream of Tomato and Tortellini Soup by Noshing With The Nolands
• Chicken Tortilla Soup by What Smells So Good?
• Chicken Corn Chowder by Cupcakes & Kale Chips
• Spinach and Mushroom Tortellini Soup by Neighborfood
• Lasagna Soup by The ROXX Box
• Beefy Skillet Nacho Bake by The Weekend Gourmet
• German Onion Soup by Kudos Kitchen By Renee
• White Bean and Spinach Soup by Ruffles & Truffles
• Korean Oxtail Soup (Kkori Gomtang) by kimchi MOM
• Fall Squash Chili by Pescetarian Journal
• Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili by Alida's Kitchen

“Put meat on your bones” Stews

• Brew Stewed Beef by The Foodie Army Wife
• Dr. Pepper Shredded Chicken (slow cooker) by girlichef
• Pepper Beef Stew by The Not So Cheesy Kitchen
• Slow Cooked Beef Stew with Red Wine, Carrots and Tomatoes by That Skinny Chick Can Bake
• Fabulous French Cassoulet by Webicurean
• Slowcooker Coq Au Vin by Jane's Adventures in Dinner
• Claypot Braised Tofu by My Trials in the Kitchen
• Moroccan Lentil Ragout with Poached Eggs by The Wimpy Vegetarian

“Make room for seconds” Main Dishes

• Slow Cooker Hawaiian Kalua Pork by Shockingly Delicious
• Chicken and Dumplings by Hip Foodie Mom
• Spicy Tomato Pasta by Supper for a Steal
• Spicy Coconut Chicken Casserole by The Urban Mrs.
• Carnitas with Queso Fresco Enchiladas by Casa de Crews
• Slow Cooker Garlic and Herb Pork Chops and Veggies by Cookin' Mimi
• Jambalaya by Country Girl in the Village
• Easy Oven Sweet & Sour Chicken by Momma's Meals
• Asian Chicken Rice Pot by a distinguished palate
• Quick One Pot Red Beans and Rice by A Kitchen Hoor's Adventures
• Sweet & Sour Vegetarian Stir Fry by Foxes Love Lemons
• One-Pot Lentil Chicken by Small Wallet, Big Appetite
• Beef and Quince Tajine by MarocMama
• Slow-Cooked Italian Beef Sandwiches by Juanita's Cocina
• Sunday Supper Pork and Chorizo by Family Foodie
• Mediterranean Chicken Bake by The Dinner-Mom
• Easy Chorizo, Corn and Potatoes by Mama's Blissful Bites
• Crockpot Roasted Corn, Tomato and Broccoli Risotto by Take A Bite Out of Boca
• Quick 'n Easy Asian-Style Quinoa by NinjaBaking.com
• Pan-fried Chicken with Bacon and Asparagus by Food Lust People Love
• Vegetarian Chipotle Tamale Pie by Curious Cuisiniere
• Turkey Sausage and Noodle Pesto by Cindy's Recipes and Writings
• One Pot Coconut Rice Shrimp Pilaf by Sue's Nutrition Buzzz
• One Pot Spicy Pasta by Mess Makes Food

“Can’t say no” Desserts

• Vegan Chocolate-Peanut Butter Pudding by Killer Bunnies, Inc
• Busy-Day S'mores Cake by Treats & Trinkets
• Mascarpone Pumpkin Cheesecake in the Microwave by Peanut Butter and Peppers
• Slow Cooker Pumpkin Pie Spice Apple Crisp by Hot Momma's Kitchen Chaos
• Flourless Almond Butter Cookies by Pies and Plots