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A Halloween Party for All Ages

black bean soup recipe

A festive black bean soup, spicy nibbles, savory cornbread, and sweet treats.

A big pot of soup (orange and black, no less!) is the perfect main dish to warm trick-or-treaters before they head out, or for goblins staying in. Round the meal out with savory cornbread, prosciutto-and-tomato-studded salad, and an assortment of homemade candies and sweets. This menu serves eight, with leftover treats to take home.

the menu

You'll need to double the Caramel Apples and Roasted Pepitas recipes; the shopping list reflects scaled-up amounts

Shopping List

Fresh Produce

12 small red apples, such as Braeburn, Gala, or Pink Lady
2 medium yellow onions, chopped
2 medium sweet potatoes
2 ears of corn
1 fresh serrano or jalapeño chile
7 oz. mixed salad greens, such as mesclun
4 medium tomatoes
1 bunch fresh flat-leaf parsley, chives or chervil
1 bunch fresh thyme
2 medium lemons
1 lime
1 bulb garlic

Meat, Eggs & Dairy

6 thin slices prosciutto (about 3 oz.)
1 egg
1-1/4 cups buttermilk
1 cup heavy cream
18 Tbs. (9 oz.) unsalted butter
1/2 cup plain yogurt
4 oz. extra-sharp Cheddar cheese

Other Groceries

2 quarts lower-salt chicken broth or homemade vegetable broth
Four 15.5-oz. or two 29-oz. cans black beans
2 cups large raw pepitas (pumpkin seeds)
12 oz. semisweet chocolate
1 cup lightly salted peanuts (extra large, if available)
6-7 oz. day-old French bread
One 7-oz. jar marshmallow creme
2/3 cup evaporated milk
1/3 cup cacao nibs
One 3-1⁄2-oz. package plain (unbuttered natural flavor) microwave popcorn

Pantry Staples

4-2/3 cups granulated sugar
1 cup packed light brown sugar
5 oz. (1 cup) stone-ground yellow cornmeal
4-1/2 oz. (1 cup) unbleached flour
2/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1⁄4 cup light corn syrup
1 Tbs. pure vanilla extract
1-1/2 Tbs. ground coriander
1 Tbs. baking powder
1-1/4 tsp. table salt
1 tsp. ground cumin
1 tsp. dried dill
3/4 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. aniseed
Pinch cayenne (optional)

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The Recipes

Crunchy Roasted Pepitas

Black Bean Soup with Sweet Potatoes

Tex-Mex Cornbread with Cheese & Green Chiles

Fast and Easy Nibby Fudge

Crunchy Roasted Pepitas Black Bean Soup with Sweet Potatoes Tex-Mex Cornbread with Cheese & Green Chiles Caramel Apples Fast and Easy Nibby Fudge

Make it Tonight

Beef Burgers with Blue Cheese and Caramelized Onions

Cookbooks, DVDs & More

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