Slice, Slice, Cupcake! Michael Meyers Halloween Cupcakes to Die For (Literally)

Calling all horror fans and cupcake enthusiasts! Halloween season is upon us, and what better way to celebrate than with some chillingly delicious treats? Today, we're taking a trip to Haddonfield with a batch of cupcakes inspired by the iconic slasher film, "Halloween."

A Slice of the Night He Came Home:

These cupcakes are a delightful blend of spooky and sweet. Here's how you can bring a bit of Michael Myers' mayhem to your Halloween party:

HERE'S WHAT YOU NEED:

2 cups of White Chocolate - melted

Molds for Halloween face:

Horror Movie Killer Face Silicone Molds for Keychains Michael | Etsy

Black Food Coloring Gel

FOR THE CUPCAKES:

1 1/4 cup of Flour

1 1/2 teaspoons of Baking Powder

1/2 teaspoon of Salt

1 cup of Sugar

1/2 cup of Milk

1/4 cup of Vegetable Oil

2 Tablespoons of Vanilla Silk Yogurt

1 Egg

1 Tablespoon of Vanilla

Orange Food Coloring Gel

FOR THE FROSTING:

4 ounces of Cream Cheese - softened

4 Tablespoons of Butter - softened

1 teaspoon of Vanilla

2 Tablespoons of Heavy Cream

4 - 5 cups of Powdered Sugar

HERE'S WHAT YOU DO:

Melt the White Chocolate in the Microwave, and fill the halloween Face Molds with the White Chocolate.  Place in Freezer for about 10 minutes to quickly set the Chocolate. Place 1 teaspoonful of the Black Food Coloring Gel in a small dish, and mix in 1/2 a teaspoon of the melted White Chocolate, stirring well.  Using a small Cookie Brush,  paint the outline of the halloween Face mask with the Black Food Coloring Gel/White Chocolate mixture.  Let dry for about 10 minutes. Set aside.

Make the Cupcakes:

In the mixing bowl of a stand mixer, add the Sugar, Milk, Oil, Yogurt, Egg, and Vanilla, and mix on low until blended, then mix on medium, until creamy.  In a separate bowl, place the Flour, Baking Powder, and Salt, and stir well to blend.  Add the Mixer, and blend on Low speed, until mixed, then turn up the mixer, and blend until smooth.  Scrape down the sides of the mixing bowl, and blend again until completely smooth.Add about 2 or 3 teaspoons of the orange Food Coloring Gel to the Cupcake Batter, until you have the desired color of Red.  Line a 12 count Muffin Tin with Cupcake Liners, and fill the Liners 2/3 of the way full.  Bake at 350 for 13 to 15 minutes, or until Cupcake are done, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven to a wire rack to cool.

While Cupcakes are cooling, make the Frosting:

In the mixing bowl of a stand mixer, place the softened Cream Cheese, softened Butter, Vanilla, and Heavy Cream, and mix until smooth and creamy.  Add the Powdered Sugar about a cup at a time and blend well between additions.  Scrape down the Mixing bowl, and blend until smooth.  The Frosting should be thick and creamy.  If you need to add a little more Powdered Sugar, add about 1/4 cup at a time until you have a thick and  creamy Frosting.

When the Cupcakes are completely cool, place the Frosting in a Pastry/Piping bag with the large Star tip, and Pipe the Frosting on the Cupcakes, using a swirling motion around the cupcakes and bringing the Frosting up to a point.  Place the halloween White Chocolate Faces in the Frosting and keep refrigerated until time to serve.  Serve, and Enjoy!

NOTE:  Each Halloween Face Mold makes one Face, so you'll need to order accordingly - you can just order 1 mold, and make the Faces a couple of days ahead, and keep them in the refrigerator until time to use them. 

With a little creativity, you can whip up a batch of horror movie cupcakes that are as frighteningly fun to make as they are to devour. So grab your ingredients, turn up the John Carpenter soundtrack, and get ready to bake up a storm! Happy Halloween, and remember... don't eat the last cupcake. Michael might be watching.

Find more Halloween ideas here:

Halloween Trees

Pumpkin Window Clings

Play Doh Ghost Ornaments

Honey Mustard Magic: Instant Pot Pulled Pork Sandwiches

 Calling all sandwich lovers! Today, we're taking the classic pulled pork sandwich to a whole new level of flavor with the help of your trusty Instant Pot. This recipe features a sweet and tangy honey mustard sauce that infuses the tender pork with deliciousness in no time.

Instant Pot Advantage:

The Instant Pot is a game-changer for busy cooks. It allows you to achieve fall-off-the-bone pulled pork in a fraction of the time compared to traditional methods. Plus, the pressure cooker helps lock in all the juices, resulting in incredibly flavorful and moist meat.

Honey Mustard Harmony:

The honey mustard sauce is the star of the show. The perfect balance of sweet honey and tangy mustard creates a flavor profile that complements the richness of the pork beautifully. It's a flavor combination that's sure to tantalize your taste buds.

Building the Perfect Bite:

Now, let's talk about the sandwich itself. Pile that juicy pulled pork onto your favorite toasted buns. Add a creamy slaw for a touch of coolness and crunch. Don't forget a drizzle of extra honey mustard sauce for good measure.

Recipe:

Here's what you'll need to create these mouthwatering Honey Mustard Pulled Pork Sandwiches:

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs boneless pork shoulder (butt roast)
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Hamburger buns
• Coleslaw (optional)
• Extra honey mustard sauce for serving (optional)

Instructions:

1. Add the chicken broth, Dijon mustard, honey, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder to the inner pot of your Instant Pot. Stir to combine.
2. Season the pork shoulder generously with salt and pepper. Place it in the Instant Pot on top of the liquid mixture.
3. Close the lid and seal the pressure valve. Cook on high pressure for 70 minutes.
4. Once the cooking time is complete, let the pressure release naturally for 15 minutes. Then, carefully release any remaining pressure manually.
5. Remove the pork from the Instant Pot and shred it with two forks. Discard any excess fat.
6. Return the shredded pork to the pot with the remaining cooking liquid. Stir to coat the pork in the sauce.
7. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
8. Toast your hamburger buns. Pile the pulled pork onto the buns and top with coleslaw and extra honey mustard sauce (if desired).

Tips:

• For a thicker sauce, remove some of the shredded pork and set it aside. Bring the remaining sauce in the Instant Pot to a boil and simmer for a few minutes until it thickens slightly. Then, stir the shredded pork back in.
• Leftover pulled pork can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a pan over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through.

The Takeaway:

This Instant Pot Honey Mustard Pulled Pork Sandwich recipe is a flavor explosion waiting to happen. It's the perfect combination of easy, delicious, and satisfying. So, fire up your Instant Pot, whip up this recipe, and prepare to be amazed!

Find more favorite recipes here:

Foolproof Biscuits

Maple Brown Sugar Cookies

Instant Pot Peanut Butter Noodles

The Easiest Way to Wake Up to Artisan Bread: Overnight Cheddar Loaf

There's nothing quite like the smell of freshly baked bread wafting through your kitchen. But who has time to babysit dough all day? This Artisan Cheddar Overnight Loaf is the answer to your bread-loving prayers.

Effortless Elegance:

This recipe takes the concept of "set it and forget it" to a whole new level. Simply mix the ingredients together before bed, let the dough work its magic while you sleep, and wake up to a beautiful golden loaf ready to slice.

Flavor in Every Bite:

Sharp cheddar cheese adds a delightful richness and tang to this artisan bread. Each bite is a perfect balance of savory and wheaty, with a satisfyingly chewy texture.

The Perfect Pairing:

This bread is a true chameleon. Enjoy it warm from the oven with a smear of butter for a simple yet satisfying breakfast. It also makes for the perfect accompaniment to soups, stews, or a cheese board.

Beyond Cheddar:

While the cheddar cheese adds a classic touch, feel free to experiment with different flavors! Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Herb Heaven: Add a vibrant mix of chopped fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and oregano for a burst of freshness.
• Spicy Surprise: Kick things up a notch with diced jalapenos or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper.
• Nutty Twist: For a touch of texture and richness, fold in chopped walnuts or pecans.

Knead No More:

This recipe is perfect for beginner bakers or anyone who wants delicious homemade bread without the hassle. With minimal effort, you can create a loaf that looks like it came straight out of a fancy bakery.

So ditch the store-bought bread and embrace the ease of overnight artisan bread. This Cheddar loaf is the perfect way to elevate your meals and impress your friends and family with your baking skills – all thanks to a little planning and a whole lot of flavor.

Artisan Dutch Oven Cheddar Bread

Ingredients:

3 c flour

1 1/2 c warm water 

1 package of rapid rise yeast

2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese

a pinch of salt

Pour flour into a large mixing bowl.

Add salt, yeast and cheese to the flour. 

Stir to incorporate the ingredients.

Pour in warm water. The ideal temperature for yeast is no hotter than 110 degrees. A good way to tell if your water is too hot is to test it as you would a baby bottle.

Stir to mix. 

The dough will be sticky and shaggy.

There is no need to knead this dough. Let it sit on the counter to rise. Cover with a towel or plastic wrap.

You can let this dough rise for as little as 2 hours, or as long as 10 hours.

When you are ready to bake the bread, preheat the oven to 425 degrees.

Butter a dutch oven lightly around the bottom and the sides near the bottom of the dish.

Bake the dutch oven, with no dough for 30 minutes.

Keep in mind, the dutch oven will be HOT! Remove it from the oven.

With a mixing spoon, plop the dough out of the bowl and right into the hot dutch oven.

Smooth the dough around with the mixing spoon so it covers the bottom.

Stick the lid on it and bake at 425 for 30 minutes.

Remove the lid and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes so the crust is golden and crisp.

Allow the bread to cool in the dutch oven for 10 minutes.

Carefully remove from the dutch oven and slice.

Enjoy with butter if desired. 

This bread slices beautifully; a pro tip is when you are ready to slice, flip the loaf upside down and slice with a serrated knife.

This bead is best enjoyed within 3 days. Store the leftovers in an airtight container.

Find other favorite recipes here:

Slow Cooker Dinner Rolls

Best Dinner Rolls

Coco Puffs French Toast

Weeknight Win: Instant Pot Pork Tacos for the Busy Home Cook

Taco night is a classic for a reason: it's fast, easy, and endlessly customizable. But who says taco night can't be healthy and delicious too? This recipe utilizes the magic of the Instant Pot to create incredibly flavorful pulled pork for tacos in a fraction of the time it takes traditional methods.

Plus, with just a handful of ingredients – salsa, pork shoulder, and your favorite taco seasoning – you can whip up a crowd-pleasing meal that's perfect for busy weeknights. So ditch the takeout menus and get ready to experience taco night like never before!

Ingredients:

• 1 (2-3 pound) boneless pork shoulder, trimmed of excess fat and cut into chunks
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 (16-ounce) jar salsa (choose your favorite flavor!)
• 1 (2.5-ounce) packet taco seasoning
• 1 cup water
• tortillas, warmed (amount depends on how many tacos you're serving)
• Taco toppings of your choice (shredded cheese, lettuce, chopped tomatoes, cilantro, sour cream, guacamole)

Instructions:

Sauté the Pork: Set your Instant Pot to the "Sauté" function and heat the olive oil. Season the pork shoulder generously with salt and pepper. Add the pork to the pot and brown it on all sides, about 5 minutes per side.

Flavor Fiesta: Once browned, pour in water. Stir to combine, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.

Add taco seasoning and salsa. Stir to combine.

Pressure Cook Perfection: Close the lid of your Instant Pot and ensure the pressure valve is set to "Sealing." Select the "Manual" or "Pressure Cook" function and set the cooking time for 60 minutes on high pressure.

Natural Release: When the cooking time is complete, let the pressure release naturally for 15 minutes. Then, carefully release any remaining pressure manually using the pressure release valve.

Shred it Up: Once the pressure is fully released, carefully open the lid. Remove the pork shoulder to a large bowl or cutting board and shred it using two forks. Discard any large pieces of fat.

Warm your tortillas according to package instructions. Pile the shredded pork onto the warmed tortillas and top with your favorite taco fixings. Enjoy!

Find more favorite recipes here:

Panera Copycat Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Chocolate Covered Cherry Cookies
Maple Brown Sugar Cookies

Easy Homemade Coleslaw Dressing

Never Buy Store-Bought Dressing Again: Easy Homemade Coleslaw Dressing

Coleslaw is a classic side dish that goes with everything from BBQ to fried chicken. But who needs the store-bought dressing that's often loaded with sugar and unhealthy fats? Making your own coleslaw dressing is incredibly easy, and lets you control the flavor profile to perfectly complement your meal.

This recipe creates a creamy, tangy dressing that's bursting with flavor. It's ready in just minutes, and uses ingredients you probably already have on hand.

Why Make Your Own Dressing?

• Healthier: You can control the amount of sugar and fat in your dressing.
• Fresher: Homemade dressing always tastes brighter and fresher than store-bought varieties.
• Customizable: Like things a little sweeter or spicier? No problem! You can easily adjust the ingredients to fit your taste preferences.

Ingredients:

1 cup Mayonnaise

2 Tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar

1 Tablespoon Dijon Mustard

1 Tablespoon Honey (can use white sugar)

1 teaspoon Celery Seeds

Salt and Pepper, to taste

Directions:

In a small bowl, whisk together all dressing ingredients.

Taste and adjust to suit your personal preferences.

Makes just over 1 cup of dressing, approximately 16 servings.

Tips:

• For a creamier dressing, use full-fat mayonnaise.
• Want a lighter option? Use low-fat mayo or Greek yogurt.
• Play with the acid! Experiment with different vinegars like apple cider or white vinegar.
• Add a pop of sweetness with a tablespoon of honey.
• Love a bit of heat? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• This dressing will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Coleslaw with Personality

The beauty of homemade coleslaw is the ability to customize it to your taste. Here are some ideas to get you inspired:

• Asian-inspired: Add toasted sesame oil, soy sauce, and a sprinkle of ginger for an Asian twist.
• Vinegar punch: For a tangier slaw, increase the vinegar and add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
• Fruity twist: Chopped apples, grapes, or dried cranberries add a burst of sweetness and texture.

So ditch the store-bought stuff and create a coleslaw that reflects your unique taste. Homemade coleslaw is a versatile and delicious side dish that goes beyond BBQs and picnics. Try it alongside grilled fish, roasted chicken, or even piled high on pulled pork sandwiches.

You will love the tangy flavor this ultra easy recipe brings to the table. You can also dress this up even more to make a whole new take on a classic side.

Make this for summer picnics and bbqs or serve it on the side of a simple meal at home with the family.

This is destined to be a favorite coleslaw option with everyone who tries it.  Be prepared to share the recipe. 

You might also like this honey garlic glazed carrot recipe. It cooks in the instant for another simple and easy side dish option.

Everyone loves this Nashville hot chicken fried potato recipe.

 

Brew Like a Barista: Craft Your Own Cold Brew Concentrate at Home

Summer's heat calls for cool, refreshing drinks, and what's cooler than a delicious iced coffee? Cold brew concentrate is a fantastic way to keep your fridge stocked with a base for endless iced coffee creations. It's surprisingly simple to make and offers a smooth, less acidic coffee flavor compared to traditional hot brewing methods.

Bean There, Done That: Choosing Your Coffee Beans

The foundation of any great coffee drink starts with the beans. For cold brew concentrate, medium or coarse ground coffee works best. Since the brewing process is less intense than hot brewing, using high-quality beans will ensure a full-flavored concentrate. Consider trying a medium roast for a balanced flavor profile.

Steeped in Perfection: The Brewing Process

The beauty of cold brew is its simplicity. Here's what you'll need:

• Freshly ground coffee beans (1.5 cups for a potent concentrate, 1 cup for a milder one)
• Cold filtered water (4 cups)
• Large airtight container
• Cheesecloth or coffee filters
• Fine-mesh sieve

1. Combine: Add the coffee grounds to your container and pour in the cold water. Stir gently to combine, making sure all the grounds are saturated.
2. Steep: Cover the container and let it sit at room temperature for 12-24 hours, depending on your desired strength. For a more mellow concentrate, opt for 12 hours.
3. Strain: Patience is key! Straining slowly is essential to avoid a gritty concentrate. Line your sieve with cheesecloth or coffee filters set over a separate container. Slowly pour the coffee mixture through the sieve, discarding the grounds afterward.

Frothy Finish: Enjoying Your Cold Brew

Now comes the fun part - enjoying your cold brew! Here are some ideas:

• Classic Cold Brew: Dilute your concentrate with water or milk to your preferred strength. Serve over ice.
• Cold Brew Latte: Combine cold brew concentrate with milk and ice for a creamy treat.
• Cold Brew Frappe: Blend cold brew concentrate with ice, milk, and your favorite flavors like chocolate syrup or caramel for a thick and icy beverage.

Top Tips for Brewing Success:

• Fresh is Best: Use freshly ground coffee for the most flavorful concentrate. Pre-ground coffee can lose its potency over time.
• Grind Matters: A coarse grind is ideal for cold brew. Finer grinds can lead to a bitter concentrate.
• Storage Solutions: Store your cold brew concentrate in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

With a little planning, you can be brewing barista-worthy cold brew concentrate at home in no time. So ditch the store-bought stuff and impress your friends with your coffee-making skills!

While you are here check out these recipes for favorite homemade drinks.

Strawberry Peach Soda Pop

Blueberry Lime Soda

Bomb Pop Cocktails