Halloweenhandbook

Halloween Handbook

Events, Costume Ideas, DIYs, Pumpkins A Plenty, Tricks & Treats October 31, 2013

9

Slacker Creativity last minute costume ideas that require very little effort—honest

by Joani Delezen or knit or paper mache or learn to do any of those things in a day. Ain't nobody got time for that. We are talking super easy, super low budget and mostly super cheesy costumes. So, while you might not win any $1,000 contests sporting one of these ideas, you'll at least avoid hearing "Why didn't you dress up?" all night.

We all know that gets old—fast.

corner hat if you can get your hands on one should do the trick.

Or if you want to mix it up, try mixing Cruz with Cruise—Ted with Tom that is. We're thinking business on top and "Risky Business" on the bottom. Ray-Bans and, again, the hat would be perfect finishing touches.

Wendy Davis

Pink sneakers, a power suit and maybe some glasses and you're good to go. Just don't forget to talk ALL night so everyone knows you're the filibustering queen.

Test Political IQs

Just because you waited until Halloween to actually think about Halloween doesn't mean you have to have a crappy costume. You just need to get creative and utilize what's already in your closet (and maybe your mom or grandma's closet too).

And don't worry—these ideas don't require that you have any Martha Stewart style crafting skills. We don't expect you to sew

Olive

It doesn't have to be a presidential election year for political costumes to be topical—trust us.

From the government shutdown to the debt ceiling debate to "dangerous" alter egos of disgraced NYC mayoral candidates, there's plenty of costume fodder for you to pick from this October.

Ted Cruz/Cruise

It's hard to say "I'm the man who shut down the government" without actually saying it. But we think a nice tie, a copy of “Green Eggs and Ham” and maybe a three

the

Obama-Care Website Glitch

We assume it won't be "fi xed" anytime soon, so this should be a pretty easy and recognizable costume. Simply draw an error message on a t-shirt with a fabric marker. Try "Heath Insurance Marketplace: Please Wait" or "Please Call 1-855-Plans-4-You While We Fix Online Glitches" or just "Try Again" with that exclamation point inside a triangle thing.

And maybe an Obama logo—just in case you want to make it extra easy for people to get.

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Anthony Weiner/Carlos Danger

The Weiner bit is easy—you just need a suit or the courage to walk around in tight grey underwear and a cell phone in hand (for sexting of course). To bring his alter ego Carlos Danger into the mix, try adding a creepy mustache and making your phone play "Danger (Been So Long)" by Mystikal every time you tell people who you are just like Jon Oliver did on The Daily Show all summer.

Be Pun-ny

Everyone loves a good play on words, right? So why not try it out in costume form. As long as you're willing to explain yourself over and over again and hear "Oh, now I get it…" all night, one of these costumes might just be for you.

Fork in the Road

Dress in all black, make "lane lines" out of white washi or duct tape and fasten a plastic fork somewhere prominent.

Pumpkin Pi

For this one you'll need to dress in all orange or at least an orange shirt. Then just print out a pi symbol and tape it on.

Ginger Bread Man

Are you a ginger? Or do you have a ginger wig? Then you're halfway there for this one. All you need is some bread. You can attach it to a string and wear it like a necklace or simply carry it around. Just don't eat it all too early into the night or your costume will totally suck.

Cat out of the Bag

Get yourself some cat ears and then buy some beer at Apple Market and when they say "paper or plastic" say "paper" and you're good to go.

Make It Pop

Pop culture is always a costume idea gold mine. Seriously, can you even imagine Halloween without Britney costumes?

Yeah, neither can we. Here are some of our favorite of-the-moment poppy ideas.

October 31, 2013

Miley Face

Sure, there are going to be a lot foam fingers and wrecking balls floating around this year. But we bet not many people will think to be one of Miley's most defining (and kind of gross) traits—that terrible tongue out face she makes all the time.

We also happen to think "Miley Face" is much, much easier to pull off than those other ideas. Just wear all pink and ruin pictures all night. This could be a great group costume too—the more tongues wagging the better.

50 Shades of Grey

You don't have to have read the book to pull off this idea–but if you're being honest, you probably have anyway. Hit up Home Depot (or really any store that sells lots of paint) and take all the grey swatches you can without getting caught.

Then just attach them to your shirt with safety pins, staples or hot glue.

Baby on Board

Celebrity couples and their babies (or baby bumps) always make for easy costumes. All you need is a partner, a baby doll of some kind and the right outfit. This year you could go royal and regal and channel Kate, William and Prince George. Or the exact opposite and be Kanye, Kim and baby North West. The later is probably easier for most people, but seeing a doll in a dressing gown a la George at his christwwening on the dance floor at Seville Quarter would be pretty great.

Blue Meth

"Breaking Bad" might be over, but that doesn't mean you can't still show your love for the recently departed show in costume form. And no, you don't need a hazmat suit to do it. Just think blue, blue, blue and leave the meth part to the imagination. Blue dress or top, blue eye make-up and all the blue costume jewelry you can pile on. But if you can get the suit, by all means wear that instead. {in}

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11

Carve or Get Crafty Generally speaking, the month of October and even more specifically the days leading up to Halloween are for many, traditionally synonymous with carving pumpkins in the spirit of the season. That said, it’s not the only way to show some autumn spirit and make the most out of your orange bundle of joy.

If you waited until the last minute and now realize you don't really have time to create that masterpiece you had in mind or if you just aren’t a skilled carver no matter how much time you have, there are plenty of ways to dress up a pumpkin without the mess and the hassle. All it takes is a little do it yourself initiative. Here are some of our favorite no-carve pumpkin DIYs. *Pumpkins courtesy of Flora Bama Farms

Paint It: For those with mad painting skills, we applaud you. And if painting a true work of art

on your pumpkin excites you, we say go for it. For the rest of us, there’s spray paint. Simply partition the portion of the pumpkin you don’t want to paint with painter’s tape and spray the rest to your liking. Just be sure to set your pumpkin atop newspaper to avoid painting your floor or other surface. (You can use the IN for this—it won't hurt our feelings. Just make sure you've read the entire issue first, OK?) For a contrast with the pumpkin’s natural hue, try bold, bright colors and metallics.

Bedazzle It:

Pin It: Pushpins come in many colors and can make for

quite a fancy pumpkin. Simply press the pins in your pumpkin, spaced and arranged to your liking, either in a designated pattern, or sporadically like polka dots. Consider mixing in pins that include shapes other than circles, such as triangles or squares. If you can get your hands on some old-school traditional brads—you know the ones you used to bind papers together as a kid—they can also make for a cool spotted pumpkin to display on your stoop. * Our editor Joani is obsessed with gold, so she spray painted our pushpins prior to application

When it comes to bedazzling, there are no rules. In fact, you can affix virtually anything you want to your pumpkin—beads, glitter, buttons, pom poms, rhinestones. If aren't an avid crafter and don't have this kind of stuff lying around, fear not. Target sells a $3 kit that comes complete with sequins and gold glitter paint, allowing you to do a quick bedazzling job.

And who knows, it might even be on clearance by Halloween day.

photos by Samantha Crooke 212 1

inweekly.net

Halloween’s Three-Day Weekend

by Jessica Forbes

This year’s Thursday Halloween has, as a result of its not-quite-the-weekend calendar placement, split the boo-riffic action up a bit. Whether you can make it out to party on Thursday or need to wait until the weekend, there are multiple activity options for your entertainment. Luckily, in addition to numerous Halloween parties, several local bars are taking up the Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) tradition as the theme of Friday, Nov. 1 festivities. And on Saturday, because it’s the weekend, a few establishments are also hosting events that provide last-ditch opportunities to observe the haunted holiday. Additionally, local fall farm activities—namely corn mazes and pumpkin patches—will also be making a final run over the weekend before packing up shop until next year.

Costumes, Cocktails, Cinema

Multiple costumes or laundry episodes may be necessary for those committed to attending every costume contest and/or Halloween party this year, since there is one almost every night of the week. If you’re not too exhausted from Emerald City’s Wednesdway night party, on Halloween night you can head to Seville Quarter, which is also offering up a $1,000 grand prize for the winner of its infamous costume contest.

A few blocks from Seville, the Fish House is continuing its Ladies Night specials for a “Ghouls Night” out event. Add in Emerald City’s employee cross-dressing show, Scary-oke at Cabaret, a costume contest at Old Hickory, Magnolia’s 2nd Anniversary Party, plus a totally full lineup of live music at Sluggo’s and you have a more than busy downtown-area Halloween schedule.

On Friday, the creators of Pensacon are teaming up with Play for a Dia de los Muertos event honoring cult horror films.

Weekend and VIP passes to Pensacon 2014 will be among the prizes up for grabs.

Enjoy drink specials including $2 Fireball Whiskey shots, $2 specials on a variety of retro American beer brands, and a custom Halloween-themed cocktail menu. Sluggo’s is hosting a Dia de los Muertos dinner and movie night. The Elbow Room will also host a double-header horror film nights Friday through Sunday where no one will judge if you decide to come in character.

Can’t let go of the spirit/need to wear that costume just one more time? The Cabaret is hosting a Halloween Ball and Costume Contest on Saturday, while its Jefferson Street neighbor Sluggo’s has one last sanctioned costumed event, providing two last chances to have your 2013 costume creativity recognized.

October 31, 2013

Thursday, Oct. 31

SEVILLE QUARTER’S $1000 HALLOWEEN COSTUME CONTEST 7 p.m. registration begins, contest at 9 p.m. Costume contest with prizes for Top 20 costumes. 130 E. Government St. $10 cover. 21 and over. sevillequarter.com GHOULS’ NIGHT: HALLOWEEN AT THE FISH HOUSE 5 p.m.-close. Halloween Ladies Night. Fish House Deck Bar, 600 S. Barracks St. No cover, $2 drinks for ladies. 470-0003 or goodgrits.com.

SCARY-OKE AT CABARET 9 p.m.-close.

Halloween karaoke party, costumes encouraged.

101 S. Jefferson St. No cover.

607-2020.

SLUGGO’S HALLOWEEN EXTRAVAGANZA 9 p.m.-close.

Costume contest and live music from Lil' Wimp, Company of Ghosts, JPEGASUS, MCNC, Week of Wonders, and Paul "The P Funk" Fresh’s Farewell Pensacola Performance.

101 S. Jefferson St. $5 cover. 791-6501.

WHAT THE HELL? AT EMERALD CITY Doors at 9 p.m. First show at 11 p.m. Halloween EC Employee Turnabout Show. 406 E. Wright St. $5 cover. 18 and over. 433-9491 or emeraldcitypensacola.com.

THE TIN COW’S HALLOWEEN COSTUME PARTY Registration from 7-8:30 p.m., contest begins at 9 p.m. The Tin Cow’s Second Annual Costume Contest promises over $1,500 in cash prizes, along with drink specials and door prizes. No cover. 21 and over. 102 S. Palafox St. OLD HICKORY WHISKEY BAR COSTUME CONTEST 12 a.m. A bar tab is up for grabs for the winner of Old Hickory’s costume contest; even if you don’t place first, everyone kind of wins with select $5 cocktails and $3 shots. 123 S. Palafox Pl. 619-9994 or facebook.com/OldHickoryWhiskeyBar. MAGNOLIA’S HALLOWEEN ANNIVERSARY PARTY 5 p.m. Magnolia’s 2nd Anniversary Party, complete with costumes and “spooky” food and drink specials. 2907 W. Cervantes St. No cover. 912-6196 or facebook.com/TheMagnoliaEPH.

Friday, Nov. 1

PLAY AND PENSACON’S DIA DE LOS MUERTOS PARTY 7 p.m.-close. Dia de los Muertos/ Cult Horror Movie Theme Party and Costume Contest. Play, 16 S. Palafox Pl., Suite 200. No cover, $2 beer and Fireball Whiskey specials.

466-3080 or iplaypensacola.com.

DIA DE LOS MUERTOS AT SLUGGO’s 7 p.m.

Dinner Special and a Movie ( Title TBA). 101 S. Jefferson St. 791-6501.

THE ELBOW ROOM’S “SÉANCE ROOM AND DINNER THEATRE” Show times at 7 and 9 p.m.

Friday-Sunday. Horror movie double-headers (Titles TBA, check ER’s Facebook for more info) Friday, Nov.1 and Saturday, Nov. 2. 2213 W. Cervantes St. 434-0300

Saturday, Nov. 2

CABARET’S GARDEN OF EVIL HALLOWEEN BALL & COSTUME CONTEST 9 p.m.-close.

Contest has prizes for Best Couple/Group and Best Individual Costume, with Tomato providing live entertainment.

101 S. Jefferson St. No cover.

607-2020.

HIP HOP SHOW AND COSTUME CONTEST 9:30 p.m. Costume Contest and live music from D.P., Cookies and Cake, Sincere Logic, Johnny Panic, and Mad Love.

Sluggo’s, 101 S. Jefferson St. $5 cover. 791-6501.

Take a Tour, Catch a Fright

Halloween and the following three days will be the last opportunity to visit many of this year’s fright- and fall-themed happenings in Pensacola and Milton; however, Pensacola is home to enough ghost stories to support a few haunted activities year round. The Pensacola Lighthouse’s “Haunted Lighthouse” set up will come down after Halloween, but the lighthouse and keeper’s quarters—both believed to be actually haunted—are open for tours and “Ghost Hunts” throughout the year.

Likewise, Emerald Coast Tours has found its Ghosts, Murders, and Mayhem Segway Tour to be so popular they are planning to offer it throughout the year. As far as the haunted houses, corn mazes, and zombie hayrides go, you’ll have to work them into your schedule over the weekend, as they’ll be closed for the season by Monday.

Last Chance on Thursday

HAUNTED LIGHTHOUSE 6-9 p.m. Costumes are welcome at what organizers promise to be “A fun, friendly and frightful event for the entire family, based on a traditional haunted house.”

Pensacola Lighthouse and Museum, 2081 Radford Blvd. $6 for adults, $3 for children. 393-1561 or pensacolalighthouse.org.

GHOST AND HAUNT TOUR OF PENSACOLA 9 p.m., reservations required. Walking tour billed as “A hair-raising 90-minute tour into the spirit

realm of this historic town.” Meets at Dharma Blue, 300 S. Alcaniz St. $18 for adults, $10 for children ages 8-14, free for children 7 and under.

390-4102 or pensacolaghost.com.

PENSACOLA HISTORICAL SOCIETY’S “DEATH AND MOURNING IN THE VICTORIAN PERIOD” 2 p.m., sign up by 1:30 p.m. Guided tour explains death customs of the late 1800s while exploring buildings from that era. Meets at Tivoli High House, 205 E. Zaragoza St. $6 for adults, $3 for children ages 4-16. 595-5993 or historicpensacola.org.

WHISPERING PINES HAUNTED HAYRIDE Sunset-9 p.m. On this hayride, guests will protect the caravan from attacking zombies with paintball guns. Whispering Pines Christmas Tree Farm, 1603 Penton Road, Milton. $7 for adults, free for children age 4 and under. 304-1559 or facebook.com/WhisperingPinesTreeFarm.

Open Over the Weekend

GHOSTS, MURDERS, AND MAYHEM SEGWAY TOUR 7:30. Reservations required, organizers recommend calling 24 hours in advance. A onehour tour highlighting “strange and macabre” aspects of Pensacola’s past. Emerald Coast Tours, 5 W. Main St. $45 per person. $40 for locals, students, and military. 417-9292.

“YOUR FINAL DESTINATION” HAUNTED HOUSE 7 p.m. Main Street Milton’s Annual Haunted House promises “thrills, jolts, and terrors around every corner.” Oct. 31 and Nov. 1. 5232 Willing St., Milton. $5. facebook.com/mainstreetmilton.

HOLLAND FARMS PUMPKIN PATCH 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. on Sundays through Nov. 2. Pumpkin Patch and Hayride.

2055 Homer Holland Road, Milton. $10 a person for a pumpkin and all activities or $6 for a single pumpkin.

675-6876 or hollandfarmsonline.com.

SWEET SEASON FARMS CORN MAZE 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturdays, 1 p.m.-5 p.m. on Sundays through Nov. 3; open 6 p.m.-10 p.m. Fridays in October. Corn Maze, Nighttime Hayride, Farm Games and more. 2260 Horn Road, Milton. $10 a person on Fridays, $8-$10 a person on Saturday and Sunday. 675-3573 or sweetseasonfarms.com.

Go For a Pumpkin Run

It may seem somewhat out of place on this list, but the Pumpkin Run is a fall tradition in the City of Five Flags. If you’d like to add some cardio to your weekend, Saturday’s run is a festive way to do so and the course through East Hill is certainly more scenic than the inside of a gym. In its 29th year, the race benefits the Sacred Heart Cathedral School. Kids can get in on the fun, too, with a 1-mile “Little Pumpkin Fun Run.” And if a runner’s high isn’t enough to motivate you to get up and moving, consider the famed Pumpkin Bread handed out at the finish line.

THE GREAT PUMPKIN RACE 8 a.m. start for 5K, 1-mile fun run begins at 9 a.m. 1603 N. 12th Ave. $25 for all ages (late registration price). shcs.ptdiocese.org/pumpkinrun.html {in} 13

A Taste of Pumpkin

by Sarah McCartan

Pensacola Bay Brewery's Pumpkin Vanilla Porter / photos by Samantha Crooke Pumpkins aren’t simply eye candy. In fact, when prepared accordingly, this delightful squash can work its way seamlessly into many a delicious seasonal treat. And you don’t even have to feel bad about indulging on said treats.

Not only are pumpkins delicious, they’re nutritious. Pumpkin seeds have been attributed to promoting heart health and can boost levels of serotonin, keeping you jolly through the season. When it comes to the bright orange flesh of the pumpkin, this fibrous food is high in potassium and can even act as a substantial immune booster thanks to packing Vitamin C, iron and zinc. On top of that, pumpkins have carotenoids that are said to keep cancer at bay while keeping your skin healthy.

In the spirit of the mighty pumpkin, we’ve compiled a mix of local menu items and DIY recipes we encourage you to indulge upon this season.

Hot Coffee & Cold Gelato: Yes, Pumpkin Spice Lattes are all the rage, but Starbucks isn’t the only way to get your seasonal pumpkin spice fix. You can easily 414 1

Dolce's Pumpkin Spice gelato doll up your cup of coffee, espresso or chai crafted at home with the help of some pumpkin spice seasoning, which you can purchase in the spice aisle. Or, you can simply mix up your own seasoning, using a combination of spices you have currently available in your cabinet—primarily cinnamon and nutmeg.

Still, there’s something about sipping on a hand-crafted beverage made by someone other than yourself that makes it feel like more of a well-deserved treat. The espresso bar at Dolce allows you to warm up with a pumpkin spice latte, or even a pumpkin spice chai combination for an added spicy kick. Dolce uses Monin syrup, which adds a light yet rich, flavorful taste to your beverage, without being overwhelming. For those with dairy aversions, Dolce offers both soy and almond milk as alternatives.

For a colder sweet treat, Dolce’s handmade gelato offerings change with the season. The dynamic lineup currently includes Pumpkin Spice.

Dolce 221 E. Zaragoza St. dolcepensacola.com

Old Hickory Whiskey Bar's The Smashing Pumpkin

Seasonal Brews:

With the return of every fall comes seasonal beers and ciders. Sure there are the big names on the market, but our very own brewery, Pensacola Bay Brewery, has its own seasonal offerings for you to sip on. Although it will only be available for a short time longer (meaning get it before it’s gone) Pensacola Bay Brewery is currently offering their Pumpkin Vanilla Porter for a third season. The taste changes slightly every year as they continue to experiment with the recipe to adjust the flavor and fine-tune the taste.

Fans of their Lighthouse Porter will enjoy the additional subtle hints of pumpkin and vanilla in this seasonal variety. This year the brewery crafted 15 barrels and used a whopping 180 pounds of pumpkin.

Pensacola Bay Brewery 225 E. Zaragoza St. pbbrew.com

Signature Cocktails: Many

bars enjoy taking cocktails to all new levels with the changing of the seasons.

Recently, Old Hickory Whiskey Bar rolled out a pumpkin cocktail that is far too fancy and flavorful to pass up. They were nice enough to share the recipe, but you can also just stop in and order one from the bar.

The Smashing Pumpkin

Kyle Wagner-Lau, Old Hickory Whiskey Bar Ingredients: 1 oz Crop Spiced Pumpkin Vodka 1/2 oz Art in the Age SNAP 1/2 oz Cointreau 1/2 oz Shrub and Co. Wildflower Honey Shrub 1 Egg White Method: Shake in cocktail with no ice vigorously.

Once egg white is frothy, add ice and shake again. Poor in footed Collins glass and sprinkle with pumpkin pie spice.

Old Hickory Whiskey Bar 123 S. Palafox Oldhickorywhiskeybar.com inweekly.net

Bake Up, Bite Down

From the quick and easy roasting of pumpkin seeds to more involved dishes, a little baking can result in delicious pumpkin delicacies in no time. For more involved recipes, we reached out to area chefs who thrive on using local and seasonal ingredients in their restaurants on the regular, and were generous enough to share some of their favorite pumpkin recipes with us, so that we in turn could share with you.

BAKED PUMPKIN BREAD: Each year parents of students at Sacred Heart Cathedral School make pumpkin loaf in bulk for the masses to munch on after completing the Great Pumpkin Run. If you don’t get to indulge this weekend at the 29th Annual Great Pumpkin Run, or even if you do and simply want more, they’ve passed along their signature recipe so that you can make your own at home.

Sacred Heart Cathedral School: Pumpkin Bread

(This recipe makes two loaves of bread) Ingredients: 3 cups flour 2 cups pumpkin puree 2 cups sugar 1 cup oil 1 teaspoon salt 4 eggs, beaten 2 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 cup water 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg 1/2 teaspoon allspice 1 cup chopped nuts 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon pecans or walnuts Method: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Sift together the flour, sugar, salt, baking soda, nutmeg, allspice and cinnamon. Set it aside.

In a large bowl, mix the pumpkin puree, oil, eggs and water.

Combine the flour mixture into the pumpkin mixture. Mix just until moistened.

Fold in the nuts.

Pour into two greased 9 inch x 5 inch x 3 inch loaf pans. Bake for 50-60 minutes or until you can see the edges pulling away from the pan. Do not bake in the microwave. Remove from the pan and cool completely.

Canned pumpkin equivalents: 15 ounce can = 1 3/4 cups pumpkin 29 ounce can = 3 1/2 cups pumpkin

Pumpkin Orange Muffins:

If you are looking for a sweet and savory treat with a local touch, look no further than Pumpkin Orange MufOctober 31, 2013

Add the pumpkin and vanilla and mix all ingredients well.

In two batches, stir in the flour mixture alternating with the “pumpkin buttermilk,” just until combined.

Pour the batter into the EVOO-oiled muffin cups to about 3/4 full. Tap the pan on the counter a few times to set the batter and remove any air bubbles.

Sprinkle the pecan pieces on the top of each muffin.

Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center of a muffin comes out clean, about 20 minutes. Cool in the pans for about 15 minutes. Then run a knife around the insides of each muffin cup and remove them carefully.

Enjoy them warm or at room temperature. If kept in an airtight container they will keep in the fridge for Check out about 3 days or the freezer for up to inweekly.net for 3 months. an additional recipe: Makes 12 Muffins.

Maple-Pumpkin Bread Pudding provided by The Bodacious Olive Kiley Bolster of 407-D S. Palafox The Magnolia bodaciousolive.com

fins. The best part about these muffins is that two key ingredients can be purchased from The Bodacious Olive. Their Pumpkin Spice Balsamic Vinegar can be combined with their Blood Orange Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) to make for these seasonally infused muffins.

Ingredients: 1 cup whole wheat flour 1 cup all purpose flour 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger 3/4 cup dark brown sugar, firmly packed 3 tablespoon molasses 1/4 cup plus 1 teaspoon Bodacious Olive Blood Orange EVOO 2 large eggs 1 cup canned pumpkin 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 3/4 cup low fat milk 2 1/2 teaspoons Bodacious Olive Pumpkin Spice Balsamic 1/4 cup to 1/2 cup of pecans, broken into pieces Method: Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together both flours, the baking soda, salt and the four spices (cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and ginger).

Pour the 1/4 cup plus 1 teaspoon of blood orange EVOO into a measuring cup.

Instead of greasing your pans with butter, dip a brush into the oil and coat the insides of your muffin pans. Save the rest of the EVOO for the recipe.

Make your “pumpkin buttermilk” by adding 2 1/2 teaspoons of the pumpkin spice balsamic into the 3/4 cup of milk. Set aside for 5 minutes. Meanwhile, in a large bowl combine the remaining EVOO, sugar, molasses, and one of the eggs. Whisk together well. Add the second egg and whisk again.

Pumpkin-Ginger Pepper Jelly

MariCarmen Josephs, Carmen’s Lunch Bar “My pepper jelly recipe was inspired by a pumpkin jelly that I picked up at a market in Italy a few years back. It is sweet and spicy and pairs wonderfully with goat cheese and crackers.”

Ingredients: 3 cups grated sugar pie pumpkin 1 1/4 cups white balsamic vinegar 1/2 cup Cointreau Liquor or other orange liquor 5 cups sugar 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger 1 cup chopped fresh jalapeno or Serrano peppers 2 tablespoons orange juice 1 package liquid Certo gelatin Method: Combine all ingredients except the Certo gelatin in a large stockpot. (Make sure to use a large pot as it will bubble up high very quickly.) Boil for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally with a whisk. Remove from heat and stir in liquid Certo. Bring back to a boil and cook for just 1 minute, stirring constantly. Pour mixture evenly into 4 sterilized 12-ounce jars. Let the jelly cool completely, then close and refrigerate.

(I simply refrigerate the jelly and use it within a month. If you want to keep it longer or make it for a gift, you will need to properly sterilize and seal the jars according to jarring methods.)

Carmen’s Lunch Bar 407-B S. Palafox Carmenslunchbar.com 15