(halloween) dinner party

As I mentioned last year, Halloween just really isn't my scene. I'm all for getting dressed up but, just not in an over-the-top costume, per say. Instead, I'd rather consider it the perfect opportunity to give my new LBD a spin which I haven't been able to find the appropriate christening venue for. But a faux-Halloween dinner party would easily allow me to wear the silk, backless little number, no questions asked. Just don't ask me what I'm dressed up as.

chicken liver pâté with grilled bread

Vernaccia di San Gimignano

pumpkin and goat cheese lasagna

fall salad with maple-dijon vinaigrette

Oregon Pinot Gris

caramel popcorn squares

Bubbles

I couldn't help but go the pumpkin-route here. It was just way too easy. But hopefully you'll find this application of the big orange gourd to be a nice departure from the desserts-only category. Additionally, butternut squash puree could just as easily be substituted for the pumpkin if that tickles your fancy. The starter, I'm sure, will garner an "ewww" factor from some of your guests at first (although, really, shame on them) but just one bite of Marco Canora's (of Terroir) Chicken-Liver Crostini will send shivers down their spines. Scary good. (Although feel free to pick up your favorite store-bought pâté for an even easier but equally satisfying fix. My lips are sealed.)

And remember: There's nothing scarier than a dinner party without wine. So give an Oregon Pinot Gris and Vernaccia di San Gimignano (a Tuscan white with gorgeous apple notes) a try. I don't doubt they'll freak you out.

RECIPES

Chicken-Liver Crostini

Pumpkin and Goat Cheese Lasagna

Fall Salad

Caramel Popcorn Squares

Photo above courtesy of John Harvey Photography