Candy Cornucopia Bowl Food

SWIRLED EDIBLE BOWLS

Steps:

• Inflate 8 small balloons; gently wash the tops and pat dry. Melt 1 1/2 cups white candy melts and 1/2 cup each red and blue candy melts in separate bowls; let cool slightly. Spread 8 small circles of the white candy onto a parchment-lined baking sheet (these will be the bases of the bowls).
• Spoon the red and blue candy into the remaining white candy, then use a skewer to gently swirl (don't over mix). Dip the top quarter of each balloon in the candy; twist the balloon slightly to create a swirled look, then lift out and let the excess drip off. Place the balloon candy-side down on a circle of white candy melts. Refrigerate until set, 30 minutes to 1 hour.
• Carefully make a small cut near the knot on each balloon to slowly deflate it, then gently peel the balloon away from the bowl. Refrigerate or freeze the bowls until ready to serve. Fill with ice cream or berries and whipped cream.

THANKSGIVING TURKEYS

Steps:

• Place the chocolate chips in a medium stainless steel or glass bowl. Set the bowl over a saucepan of barely simmering water. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chocolate has melted, about 4 minutes. Set aside to cool slightly.
• For each turkey, push 5 candy corn candies, tip-side down, into the cream filling of a chocolate sandwich cookie to make the feathers for the turkey. Lay the cookie on a work surface.
• Dip the flat, larger end of a peanut butter cup in the melted chocolate allowing any excess chocolate to drip back into the bowl. Place the peanut butter cup, chocolate-dipped end down, onto the sandwich cookie.
• Dip a malt ball into the melted chocolate allowing any excess chocolate to drip back into the bowl. Place the malt ball above the peanut butter cup to make the head of the turkey.
• Dip the flat end of the white candy corn tip in the chocolate. Place on the malt ball, to make the turkey beak. Refrigerate until the chocolate has set, about 10 minutes.
• Place the Red Frosting in a piping bag. Using scissors, cut a small opening in the end of the piping bag. Pipe a small piece of frosting under the malt ball to make the turkey's beard.
• Place a cookie (with top half removed) on a platter. Stand the turkey upright into the cream filling. Repeat with the remaining ingredients.
• In a medium bowl, using an electric hand mixer, beat the butter until smooth, about 20 seconds. Add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract and milk. Beat on low speed until combined. Increase the speed to high and beat until the mixture is smooth. Color the frosting by mixing in 1 drop of red food coloring at a time until the desired color is reached.

BIBIMBAP BOWL

Steps:

• For the rice: Bring the water to a boil in a pot. Add the rice and bring back to a boil; boil for 5 minutes, uncovered. Cover, reduce heat to low and cook 7 minutes more until water absorbs. Remove from heat and let stand 5 to 10 minutes to serve.
• For the bibimbap sauce: Whisk up gochujang, water, brown sugar, sesame oil, vinegar and garlic in small bowl and serve in ramekins on side of bowls for topping.
• For the mushrooms: Heat oil in medium-large nonstick skillet over high heat. Brown mushrooms, reduce heat to medium, add salt, pepper, shallots and garlic and toss 1 to 2 minutes. Add Shaoxing or sherry and let it absorb. Transfer mushrooms to a bowl or platter and return skillet to heat for the asparagus.
• For the asparagus: Heat oil in skillet over medium-high heat. Add asparagus and saute 3 minutes. Add salt, pepper and juice of 1 lemon or lime. Transfer asparagus to a bowl or platter and reserve skillet for the chard.
• For the protein: Heat oil over medium-high heat in separate nonstick skillet, add meat and break it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned, about 5 minutes, then season with salt and pepper. Stir in soy sauce, sesame oil and chili garlic paste.
• For the spinach or chard: Meanwhile, heat oil over medium to medium-high heat in reserved skillet; add garlic and stir 1 minute. Wilt in spinach, season with salt and pepper, add sesame oil and seeds, remove from heat and transfer to a bowl.
• For the eggs: When ready to serve, melt butter over medium heat in small nonstick skillet. Add eggs, cover pan and cook to easy or medium, 3 to 5 minutes.
• Fill bowls with rice and arrange toppings: protein of choice, vegetables and bean sprouts. Top with scallions and egg and pass sauce.

BLOODSHOT BUCKEYES

Steps:

• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper; set aside.
• In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, or in a large bowl, cream the peanut butter, butter and salt to combine. Gradually add the confectioners' sugar and combine until smooth.
• Use a small ice cream scoop or spoon to make thirty-five 1 1/2-inch portions, then use your hands to roll into balls and place on the prepared baking sheet. Refrigerate until firm, 10 to 15 minutes.
• In a heat-proof bowl set over but not touching simmering water, melt the white melting wafers over medium heat. Once the peanut butter balls are firm, dunk them in the melted wafers to coat completely. Use a fork to lift from the bottom, let the excess coating drip off and set back on the prepared baking sheet. Place an eyeball in the center of the ball and repeat the process with the remaining balls.
• Let sit until the white coating is set, about 15 minutes.

SPICY SHRIMP AND BOK CHOY NOODLE BOWL

Steps:

• Heat a medium soup pot over medium-high heat. Add vegetable oil, 3 turns of the pan, crushed red pepper flakes, garlic, ginger, mushrooms, and bok choy, then season with salt and pepper. Add chicken broth and seafood stock or clam juice. Put a lid on the pot and bring soup to a boil.
• Add shrimp and noodles and cook 3 minutes. Add in scallions and cook 2 minutes, then turn off soup and let it sit 2 to 3 minutes more. Adjust salt and serve.

FRIENDSGIVING CORNUCOPIA BOARD

Steps:

• For the roasted sweet potato rounds: Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
• Put the sweet potato rounds on a baking sheet and generously drizzle with olive oil on both sides. Season with a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Roast, flipping halfway through, until tender and browned on both sides, 20 to 25 minutes. Place the sweet potatoes on a rack to cool.
• For the friendsgiving board: In a small serving bowl, combine the apricot jam and Dijon mustard. Add some plain Dijon mustard to a second small bowl for serving.
• Place a cornucopia basket on the corner of a large rectangular cutting board. Put the baguette slices, Cheddar, turkey, Camembert, salami, blue cheese and crackers in and around the cornucopia, allowing them to elegantly drape over the edge onto the board. On one corner of the board, lay the apple slices, sweet potato rounds and plain Dijon mustard with a spreading knife. On the opposite corner of the board, dollop the cranberry sauce. Arrange the walnuts next to the bowl of mustard-infused apricot jam, along with a knife for spreading. Place mini pumpkins and gourds in the empty spaces of the board to fill it with fun and festive flare.