I have a pile of papers…

I have a pile of papers to grade, but all I want to do is browse Pinterest and plan the menu for my Halloween party / dinner. Some items are fixed, but others are more...flexible. In flux. Waffly. No, I'm not serving waffles. Aiming towards food that is a bit spooky, but not actually gross. Maybe when the kids are older, we'll try the gross stuff, but it is not my cup of tea. So to speak.

Appetizers:

squash leaf canapes? (so cute, and I have the cookie cutters already, but too much trouble?)

pakoras (sort of creepy-looking, given the green, and easy, since they're from TJ's)

spiderweb eggs (made last year, easy to make ahead) or devilish eggs? (tastier, but more finicky to assemble)

guacamole graveyard (easy and always devoured)

shriveled potatoes with romesco sauce (easy to make ahead)

cured epidermis (okay, it's just prosciutto!)

cheese tray

samosas (Huzefa and Fatema are bringing)

a tray of spooky fruit (easy and healthy; dark grapes, plums, etc.)

Mains:

butternut/acorn squash soup with gruyere croutons (definitely)

green cauldron curry (Thai tofu curry, spicy), with rice

pasta with spicy sausage, chicken, red peppers and cream (why I've been craving this, I don't know, but I'm going with it)

pomegranate pear walnut goat cheese salad (I think yes -- I'm not sure why this is calling to me this year, but it just is, and I'm going to go with it)

roast beast (roast beef) mini-sandwiches with caramelized onions and horseradish

Dessert:

birthday cake for Ellen Fuller

pumpkin flan (Kevin's job)

cookies

Still have to figure out drinks. We're expecting around 30 people. Should be fun! :-)