Sunday, September 27, 2020

Haunting Halloween Cupcakes by guest Ellen Byron + Giveaway

  

Today we're delighted to welcome back Ellen Byron as our Sunday guest. She's been busy with more books and more recipes. Although this will put you in a Halloween frame of mind because as we all know, it's never too early to tenjoy this tasty and tempting treat.


Usually when I share a recipe here at Mystery Lovers Kitchen, it’s from my most recent book release. But not this time.

 

MURDER IN THE BAYOU BONEYARD revolves around Halloween. Writing it brought back memories of the cupcakes I made for a variety of bake sales and Halloween parties during my daughter’s elementary and middle school years. I came up with this recipe when Eliza was little and sneaking veggies into desserts was all the rage among us helicopter parents. Eliza and I had a great time watching kids wolf down the cupcakes and then seeing them gasp when we sprung the secret ingredient on them. (And a recipe with a secret ingredient seems very appropriate for a mystery blog!)

 

Unfortunately, Peeps aren’t available this Halloween for the first time since 1958 due to Covid. I’ve included a photo from a past cupcake in addition to what I decorated for this post.

 

 

 

HAUNTING HALLOWEEN CUPCAKES

 

CUPCAKE INGREDIENTS:

1 box white cake mix

1 cup pureed cauliflower (*)

¼ cup water

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

3 large egg whites

6 oz. nonfat vanilla yogurt (I like Trader Joe’s French Vanilla because it doesn’t have fake sweeteners in it)

 

FROSTING:

See below.

 

FOR DECORATING:

Pepperidge Farm Milano cookies

Toothpicks and Peeps ghosts (if they’re available)

Candy pumpkins

Coconut

Green food coloring (you can substitute green sprinkles for the coconut and green food coloring)

Stick pretzels (optional)

Cupcake holders

 

CUPCAKE INSTRUCTIONS:

Combine all the ingredients in a large mixing bowl.  Mix on slow speed for 30 seconds to blend; then mix on a medium speed for at least two minutes until the ingredients are smooth.  Feel free to blend longer if you need to.

Fill cupcake holders 2/3rd full. Bake cupcakes according to instructions on the box.  (BTW, ignore the ingredient list on the cake box!  These ingredients are a substitute for those).

(*) NOTE:  To make the cauliflower puree, cut up a head of cauliflower and steam it until it’s tender.  Then puree it in a blender or Cuisinart until it has a smooth consistency (it may not be totally smooth but get it as close as you can). You can also buy riced cauliflower and puree it, which is what I did for this blog post.

Makes 20-24 cupcakes.

 




 

 

FROSTING INSTRUCTIONS:

I’m not a fan of canned frosting but if it makes your life easier, go for it. If you want to make your own chocolate frosting, here’s a recipe inspired by one in The Cake Doctor, by Ann Byrn. 

(Note: I make chocolate frosting because I feel like it adds a night-time touch. You can also make vanilla frosting, dye it green, and skip the colored coconut.)

 

FROSTING INGREDIENTS:

8 T. butter at room temperature

2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

3 cups confectioner’s sugar

1/3 cup milk (plus additional, if needed to thin the frosting)

2 tsp. pure vanilla extract

¼ tsp. salt

 

INSTRUCTIONS:

Blend the butter and cocoa powder in a large mixing bowl until the mixture is soft and well-combined. (If you have an electric mixer, run it on low speed.) Stop the machine and add 1 cup powdered sugar, milk, vanilla, and salt to the bowl. Run on low speed to incorporate. Repeat to add the rest of the sugar, adding a little milk if the frosting is too thick or a little confectioner’s sugar if it’s too thin.

 Makes approx.. 3 cups of frosting.

 


 

DECORATING INSTRUCTIONS:

Frost the cupcakes.

Use green food dye to color coconut and sprinkle it on top of the cupcake so that it resembles grass. (If you don’t like coconut, look for green sprinkles.)

Fill a cake decorating bag pre-set with the smallest tip with about ¼ cup frosting. If you don’t have a cake decorating set, put the frosting into small plastic lunch bag and snip a small corner from the bag.  Use the frosting to write “R.I.P.” on a Pepperidge farm Milano cookie, then stick the cookie into the cupcake.

Add a candy pumpkin in front of the “tombstone.” If you want to add a broken “fence” to your decoration, use some of the frosting as “glue” to form the fence from three pretzel sticks. Place in freezer for a few minutes to harden the frosting “glue.”

Sadly, Peeps ghosts aren’t available this year, but if they are, insert a toothpick halfway into a Peeps ghost, then insert the exposed end of the toothpick into the cupcake.

 




 

 

TRANSPORTATION TIP:

Halloween is going to be quite different this year. But if you’re bringing these to a socially-distanced party or bake sale, I used the large plastic cups you get at a store like Smart and Final, flipping the cup over so that the lid served as a base.

Makes 20-22 cupcakes.

 

If you'd like to be in the draw for a signed copy of Murder in the Bayou Boneyard, tell me what's your favorite Halloween treat? I'll make the draw on Tuesday evening. Be sure to leave your email.



 

Ellen Byron/Maria DiRico

  

GOODREADS BOOK TOUR: https://tinyurl.com/ybzn5hrr

MURDER IN THE BAYOU BONEYARD

 https://tinyurl.com/y7xw8qmy

LONG ISLAND ICED TINA AVAILABLE FOR PRE-ORDER:

https://tinyurl.com/y72swf93

Cajun Country Mysteries

Agatha Award-winning series

USA Today Bestselling Series

Winner of Best Humorous Lefty Awards

The Catering Hall Mysteries (as Maria DiRico)

Sign up for my newsletter athttps://www.ellenbyron.com/

https://www.ellenbyron.com/catering-hall-mysteries

https://www.facebook.com/ellenbyronauthor/

94 comments:

  1. I love candy corn, caramels, and my co-workers cutout cookies she makes every year. And these cupcakes look very yummy too- I can't believe there's cauliflower in there!
    kozo8989(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  2. I love Reese's Peanut Butter Cups. These cupcakes are so cute. ckmbeg (at) gmail (com)

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  3. Love this, Ellen! (And I'm never going to look at Milano cookies the same way again, lol.)

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  4. Candy corn - about a handful and then I realize it's not really my favorite anymore and head for the peanut butter cups.
    sallycootie(at)gmail(dot)com

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    Replies
    1. I feel the same way about candy corn. I love it for a minute and then I'm like, I just ate a spoonful of sugar.

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  5. Trying to figure out Halloween this year.
    Usually several of the kids and moms in our neighborhood go around the block as a group. The kids clump together, except when they are running to be the first to the next door.
    Social distancing? Nope.
    And who is handing out the goodies they are getting? Typhoid Mary, perhaps?
    I'm tempted to wear a Commedia del Arte mask like the plague doctor!
    libbydodd at comcast dot net

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    1. That would be a great costume! But I feel for all the kids and parents this year.

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  7. My favorite Halloween treat is......Mallow Cups! And those cupcakes are so cute and creative! The book sounds like a great read! Thanks for the chance to win! ladyofshalott03(at)yahoo(dot)com

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    1. I used to LOVE those! They're hard to come by now.

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  8. Congratulations to all the winners! And thanks for more book recommendations and a recipe! Joliver283@yahoo.com

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  9. Chocolate. Especially Hersheys milk chocolate small bars. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

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  10. Kit Kat. Soothing and yummy. The cupcakes are delightful. elliotbencan(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  11. Cute cupcakes! Caramel apples is a favorite.

    jtcgc at yahoo dot com

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  12. Oh my goodness, these are wonderful. Thank you for the recipe. I suppose my favorite fall food is carmal apples and pumpkin bars and pie and apples quilting lady 2 at comcast dot net

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  13. Your cupcakes are so cute! I never would've guessed using cauliflower-- how devilishly clever, Ellen! My Halloween faves are mostly chocolate, like anything Reese's, and M&M's with any kind of nut. Oh, and of course Twizzlers. lola777_22 at hotmail dot com

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  14. Love this series! My favorite Halloween treats are Reese's peanut butter cups and Mounds bars.
    diannekc8(at)gmail(dot)com

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  15. Candy corn. It is such a weird little treat that you would never think of eating at any other time of the year. Delicious

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  16. Reese's Peanut Butter Pumpkins are my favorite Halloween candy.
    3labsmom at gmail dot com

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  17. When I was a trick-or-treater my favorite was Tom’s peanut butter logs. I don’t know if they’re still available.
    patdupuy@yahoo.com

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  18. Favorite Halloween treat: Milk Way Midnights, Hershey bars or Snickers. I like most chocolate things. dbahn(at)iw(dot)net

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  19. My favorite or should I say favorites, candy corn, peanut butter cups & dirt cups. No need for ghost peeps for the dirt cups because dollops of Cool Whip makes a great substitute for a ghost. Also, can dress up the dirt cups using mini peanut butter cups with frosted eyes, pumpkin candy, etc. Thank you for the chance! Buzymom2008(at)wowway(dot)com

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    Replies
    1. What a great idea! Ideas, really. Hope you make them!

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  20. Reeses peanut butter pumpkins! donnaep7@yahoo.com

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  21. My favorite Halloween treat bid popcorn balls.
    Kitten143 (at) Verizon (dot) net

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  22. Love caramels. bmedrano34@yahoo.com

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  23. Candy corn! Book looks good! shirweed1957@ yahoo.com

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  24. I love carmel apples! Nataleebassi@gmail.com

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  25. What cute - and very clever - Halloween cup cakes! My very favorite Halloween treats are Reese's Peanut Butter Cups.

    Nancy
    allibrary (at) aol (dot) com

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  26. Hershey miniatures! My husband gets all the peanut ones, and I get the rest..... teabird17 **at** yahoo )dot( com

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  27. Carmel apples and Reese's pumpkin peanut butter cups. mountainsr4me@hotmail.com

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  28. These cupcakes are amazing! I love Reese's peanut butter pumpkins. Last year I found Reese's peanut butter and chocolate cereal in spooky shapes! We ate it plain at my class's Halloween party.

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  29. These cupcakes are amazing! I love Reese's peanut butter pumpkins. Last year I found Reese's peanut butter and chocolate cereal in spooky shapes! We ate it plain at my class's Halloween party.

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  30. Peanut M&M's.
    wskwared(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  31. Almond joy with/without nuts, Actually any chocolate!! Pomegranates too, caramel apples
    Thank you for opportunity.
    Diane
    dlkdls318@att.net

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  32. My favorite treat is Snickers minis.
    turtle6422 at gmail dot com

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  33. I like the Milky Way Dark bars.
    lkish77123 at gmail dot com

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  34. Karen B
    Anything Reese's will make me happy!
    kpbarnett1941(at)aol(dot)com

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  35. These are adorable! I always liked Reeses Peanut Butter Cups. And cupcakes are a favorite. Congrats on the new release!
    Khpinelake (at) gmail (dot) com

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  36. Reeses Peanutbutter cups are my favorite. Love Halloween!

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  37. You were ahead of the cauliflower revolution!! A restaurant here does cauliflower pizza crust. The mallow creme pumpkins hold fond memories for me. egoehner(at)roadrunner(dot)com

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  38. Favorite treat is caramel apples! Congratulations !!
    cupcakesannie@yahoo.com

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    Replies
    1. I like your email name, lol. Sounds like somebody's going to be making these cupcakes!

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  39. These cupcakes look like they could be my favorite Halloween treat but I also like caramel apple anything.

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  40. Kris Harn: Candy corn

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  41. Kitkat bars. cheetahthecat1986ATgmailDOTcom

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  42. My favorite Halloween treat is Reese’s peanut butter cups. cking78503(at)aol(dot)com

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  43. cauliflower in cupcakes? such a devilish idea. lol, I've heard of adding shredded zukes to the batter, but this is a novel idea. Halloween candy, hmm, my absolute fav are from See's Candy because I love the marshmallow pumpkins.love the new book!

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  44. I love Reese’s cups. legallyblonde1961@yahoo.com

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  45. Individually wrapped caramels and Candy Apples! mgshepherd2003@yahoo.ca

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  46. I love the looks of your cupcakes I guess I really don't have just 1 favorite (I hope this is ok) I love "old school" some call it that, but mine are homemade popcorn balls (my grandma and I used to make these for the kids in the neighborhood (that's when you knew all that lived near you, so it was safe to eat them) and candy apples peace4ever1983@att.net

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    1. Thank you. And I LOVE those old school popcorn balls.

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  47. I love the Reese's peanut butter pumpkins. I also really enjoy pumpkin cookies that my mom makes. mcastot07(at)gmail(dot)com.

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  48. I love the old fashioned popcorn balls!! Thanks for the chance! almaj80(at)suddenlink(dot)net

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  49. I like Halloween decorated cookies and cupcakes! Thanks for the chance to win this! lindaherold999@gmail.com

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  50. Thanks for the chance, I like Reese’s peanut butter cups. Jcook22@yahoo.com

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  51. My favorite Halloween treat is caramel apples. Thank you for the opportunity to win this wonderful prize.

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  52. I like mini candy bars. 3 Musketeers and Milky Way are two of my favs. My hubby does all the baking and he says he’ll make me the HH Cupcakes. YAY!

    Meljprincess AT aol DOT com

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  53. For Halloween when I was little, my Grandma used to make these homemade chocolate ghosts and pumpkins that sat on a pretzel stick kind of like a chocolate lolipop. Even though I haven't had them in years I will remember them as long as I live. Thank you for the opportunity to win.

    Sarah Woodhouse

    paleowoman2002@yahoo.com

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  54. My favorite Halloween treat is one that my godmother used to make while we were at school. I went to school with her daughter and on Halloween couldn't wait for school to end. We would jump in my girlfriends car and go to her house and there was popcorn balls. You never knew what she was going to make special for us and she even made one for my grandma which was so thoughtful. She was a special lady and I miss her so much. peggy clayton ptclayton2@aol.com p.s. Thank you for the chance of one of your print books so i can read and review !

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  55. Favorite halloween treat: Chocolate covered pretzels made to look like witches with coconut hair! Yummy.
    Can't wait to try these cupcakes, sound delish.
    hibnernoakes@gmail.com

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  56. Halloween decorated cookies and cupcakes. Thanks for the chance. jlb12563@sbcglobal.net

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  57. I can't resist harvest corn--candy corn with chocolate on the end. I bought a big bag--for the grandkids, of course--and am having trauble keeping away from it myself! Looking forward to the new book!
    mbunting(at)sbcglobal(dot)net.

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  58. I actually like those candy pumpkins and anything chocolate

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  59. Peanut butter cups are my fave! JL_Minter(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  60. I’m a fan of peanut butter anything... cups, pieces, etc! Mia @ hawk.com

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  61. Anything with peanut butter and chocolate! tWarner419(at)aol(dot)com

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  62. I love caramel apples, or candied popcorn..gosh and yum, yum!! Thanks! nani_geplcs(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  63. I love candied apples and candy corn! Thanks for the chance!
    Jess
    maceoindo(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  64. Baked Apple anything! And chocolate (with peanut butter a plus!) :) staceysuesouther (at) gmail (dot) com

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  65. I love roasting pumpkin seeds and using different spices to give them added flavor, both savory and sweet. I am looking forward to making the holiday themed recipes from Murder in the Bayou Boneyard, the Trinity Chicken Soup was so tasty! tracy.condie@gmail.com

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  66. I love caramel popcorn with peanuts! So yummy

    jstomalis1053 (at) comcast (dot) net

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  67. I heard of tomato soup in chocolate cake also mayonnaise in chocolate cake. I like popcorn balls or Carmel apples.

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  68. I love the Spooktacular Halloween Graveyard Cake. Thank you for the cupcake recipe, and this chance. areewekidding(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  69. I love popcorn balls made with candy corns and peanuts.

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  70. Does kettle corn count? I love kettle corn. Also love mini reeses peanut butter cups! Victoriahamel14 at gmail dot com

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