review: ghoulish goodies

I previously reviewed Candy Construction which was written by Sharon Bowers and published by Storey and I really enjoyed her creativity and ideas in it. I was happy to see Ghoulish Goodies, a cookbook with Halloween themed foods, each with a spooky names. Sharon tells how she has always encouraged a love of Halloween in her children and tries to “recreate the carefree Halloween” of her youth, with fun food ideas being the focal point of the holiday.

Ghoulish Goodies has lots of creepily fun illustrations and stunning photos throughout that help to set a ideal Halloween feel. There are recipes for sweets and foods that are ideal for a Halloween supper or party. Some of the yummy sweets are Pumpkin Spice Vanilla Fudge, Orange Popcorn Balls, and Swirled Chocolate Pumpkin Brownies. I loved how she made the Glowing Jack O’Lantern cookies by using crushed hard candy like the popular stained glass cookies from Christmas time. The Whistling Past the Graveyard Cake has adorable little marshmallow ghosts peeking out from behind cookie tombstones and candy pumpkins.

The party and supper food in Ghoulish Goodies has lots of themed suggestions, like the Candy Corn Pizza (with orange and white cheese), Ghostly Mashed Potatoes and Haunted Shepherd’s Pie. There are also useful side tips on things like rolling marzipan, how to make a perfect spiderweb on your cakes or cookies, or how to make your own pumpkin pie spice.

There are a few spooky treats, but most of the ideas in Ghoulish Goodies are just lots of Halloween fun!