Halloween Party Foods

Directions

1. Carve a 7-8 cm (3 inch) segment from a large carrot, then slice it into rounds.
2. Shape each slice: curve the top edge and create a zigzag pattern on the bottom using a knife.
3. Punch out eyes and a mouth shape with a metal straw.
4. Remove the peel from all clementines.
5. Top each clementine with a small basil stem piece to mimic a pumpkin stem.
6. Gently heat the dark chocolate until fully melted.
7. Pour the melted chocolate into a small serving bowl.
8. Submerge just the tops of the grapes into the melted chocolate.
9. Affix a candy eye on each chocolate-dipped grape and let harden.
10. Attach candy eyes to items using edible adhesive.
11. Create a mouth shape by pressing a metal straw dipped in melted dark chocolate onto the surface.
12. Cut each kiwi in half lengthwise.
13. Score a horizontal line across the upper third of each kiwi half.
14. Use a peeler to strip away the kiwi skin below that scored line.
15. Pat the kiwi dry with a paper towel.
16. Place candy eyes on top.
17. Add scar and mouth lines using a toothpick dipped in melted dark chocolate.
18. Insert pretzel stick ends into the sides of the Frankenstein kiwi monsters.
19. Strip the leaves off the strawberries.
20. Dip a small spoon into melted chocolate, then transfer a chocolate dot onto the front of a strawberry to form a mouth. Add almond flake or white chocolate disc teeth.
21. Let the chocolate set.
22. Slice the cheddar into small blocks—approximately 4 cm by 2 cm (1.5 by 0.8 inches).
23. Cut broom bristles into the lower half of each cheese block by making two or three crosswise cuts on both sides.
24. Use a metal straw at the top of the block to carve out a hole; gently twist the straw to extract the cheese.
25. Carefully insert a pretzel stick into that hole.
26. Cut the cantaloupe into slices.
27. Shape tombstone forms by hand—use a glass to create a rounded top if desired.
28. Blot the melon pieces with a paper towel to remove moisture (this helps the chocolate adhere).
29. Fill a piping bag with melted dark chocolate and pipe the letters 'RIP' onto each tombstone.
30. Wait for the chocolate to harden.
31. Arrange all the creations on a serving platter.