Ghosts & Goblins Go Green!

Why didn’t the skeleton cross the road?

He didn’t have the guts.

I just love Hallowe’en; the decorations, the smell of roasted pumpkin seeds, gooey mushy pumpkin guts, the doorbell ringing followed by the chorus of “trick or treat,” and of course the pillowcase that is overflowing with yummy treats and treasures!

So what’s the buzz this year? I would have to say it’s all the talk about ‘Green Hallowe’en.’ 

Green Hallowe’en is a non-profit, grassroots community initiative to create healthier and more earth-friendly holidays, starting with Hallowe’en. 

Canadians spend over $1.5 billion on candy, costumes and decorations each year for Halloween.  Most of these products will be used once and then thrown away. 

I’m all for a greener Hallowe’en–lets just make sure that we don’t take all of the fun out of it!

Here are my top 5 tips on how you can start to contribute to a “Greener Halloween.”

(We might be a bit late for this year, but let’s keep it in mind for next.) 

1. Once you have carved your pumpkin, keep the seeds for roasting and don’t forget about the flesh (can be used in soups, pies, breads and casseroles). Compost the remainder of the pumpkin that isn’t used, same goes for the carved pumpkin after Halloween. (You can also compost leftover candy as long as you take it out of the wrappers.)
2. Have kids use pillowcases–just like the good ole’ days–not the store bought plastic bags (pillow cases hold more anyways!).
3. Instead of buying new Halloween costumes, try to use what you currently have at home. Go through your closets and drawers to see what you have, you’ll be surprised what your imagination can come up with, or host a costume exchange, or rent a costume.
4. Purchase organic or fair trade treats, or buy locally produced treats from local merchants. Buying locally supports your economy, and also reduces fuel consumption and pollution associated with transporting products. In Belleville we’re lucky to have the best chocolate around, Donini Chocolate . You could also hand out non-food items  (just make sure that they are fun, like seed packets).
5. When decorating, try to reuse last year’s decorations. Ask yourself, do I really need to buy new or more, or you can try to make your own. If hosting a party, avoid disposables like napkins, plates, cups, tablecloths etc. 

If hosting a Green Hallowe’en dinner party, this soup is so full of flavors it just might wake the dead. Make sure that you buy two cans of coconut milk so that you can use one to make some creepy cocktails for before or after dinner! 

Pumpkin and Coconut Curry Cream Soup 

• 2 Tbsp butter
• 1 cup finely chopped onion
• 1 large clove garlic pressed
• 1 – 540 ml can pure pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling), about 2 cups
• 2 cups chicken stock
• 1 can coconut milk (or 1-cup, just don’t use low fat version, not as much flavor)
• 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
• 1/2 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp turmeric
• 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
• 2 tsp curry powder or curry paste
• Salt for seasoning
• Freshly ground pepper to taste
• Pinch of cayenne to taste 

Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Cook onion and garlic 5 minutes, until softened. Add curry powder, cumin, turmeric, cinnamon, cayenne, ginger, and pepper, toast the spices, stirring constantly for 1 min. or until fragrant. 

Add broth and pumpkin puree, mix well and bring to a simmer. Simmer 10-15 min. Add coconut milk and heat through, without letting it come to a boil. Season soup with salt and pepper. Serve in hollowed out mini pumpkins and garnish top with pumpkin or sunflower seeds. 

Pina Ghoulada (Martha Stewart)  

Serves 10 to 12 

FOR THE “BLOOD”

•     3 tablespoons corn syrup
•    1/4 tsp red food colouring

FOR THE DRINK

•     20 ounces pineapple juice
•     1 can (15 ounces) cream of coconut
•     1/2-cup heavy cream
•     1 cup orange juice
•     10 ounces good quality rum

Directions 

1. Pour the corn syrup in a shallow bowl. Dip a toothpick into the food coloring, and stir a very small amount into the syrup to combine. Hold a glass by the stem, dip rim into the syrup mixture, and turn glass, coating entire rim. Turn the glass upright, allowing mixture to drip down sides. Dip the remaining glasses. Set aside.
2. Whisk together drink ingredients. Place 2 1/2 cups ice in a blender, and add 1-cup drink mixture. Blend until smooth; add more pineapple juice if mixture is too thick. Repeat with remaining ice and mixture. Carefully pour into prepared glasses; serve. 

Enjoy and Happy Haunting!

Tags: events, food