Mysterious Halloween Pumpkins: A Spooky and Savory Appetizer
Halloween brings the perfect excuse to get creative in the kitchen, and these Mysterious Halloween Pumpkins are just the trick to spook up your dinner table! A fun take on classic choux pastry, these savory delights are filled with a creamy, delicious stuffing, giving them a spooky appearance while being irresistibly delicious. Perfect as appetizers or party snacks, these pumpkin-shaped treats will wow your guests and add a festive flair to your celebrations. Let’s get started!
Category: Appetizers
Serves: 30 pieces
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Water | 100 ml |
| Butter | 50 g |
| All-purpose Flour | 65 g |
| Fine Salt | 1 pinch |
| Eggs | 2 |
| Parmigiano Reggiano (DOP) | 40 g |
| Food Coloring (yellow & red) | As needed |
| Fresh Cheese (e.g. Ricotta) | 250 g |
| Cooked Ham | 120 g |
| Milk | 2 tablespoons |
| Parmigiano Reggiano (DOP) | 40 g |
| Fine Salt | To taste |
| Fresh Cheese (e.g. Ricotta) | 4 tablespoons |
| Food Coloring (green) | 2 g (or spinach alternative) |
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Choux Pastry
- In a saucepan, combine 100 ml of water, 50 g of butter cut into small pieces, and a pinch of fine salt. Heat over medium-high until the water begins to boil.
- Once boiling, remove the pan from the heat and sift in 65 g of all-purpose flour. Stir quickly and thoroughly to avoid lumps.
- Return the pan to the heat on low and continue stirring vigorously with a wooden spoon. The dough will start to thicken and pull away from the sides of the pan, forming a ball. Continue mixing for a minute or so until a white film forms on the bottom of the pan.
- Remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool on a plate.
Step 2: Incorporate Eggs and Flavor
- Once the dough has cooled completely, place it in a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment. Mix the dough while adding the two eggs, one at a time, ensuring they are fully incorporated before adding the next.
- Add 40 g of grated Parmigiano Reggiano and a few drops of food coloring—4 drops of yellow and 1 drop of red—to achieve a vibrant orange color.
- Place the dough into a piping bag fitted with a plain round tip and pipe small round mounds onto a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
Step 3: Bake the Choux Pastry
- Preheat your oven to 220°C (430°F), and bake the choux pastry for 15 minutes. Avoid opening the oven door during this time.
- After 15 minutes, reduce the temperature to 190°C (375°F) and bake for another 10 minutes.
- Once baked, turn off the oven, crack the door slightly, and let the choux pastry sit inside for an additional 10-15 minutes to allow them to fully set.
Step 4: Prepare the Filling
- While the pastry bakes, prepare the filling by placing 120 g of cooked ham, 250 g of fresh cheese, 40 g of grated Parmigiano Reggiano, a pinch of salt, and 3 tablespoons of milk into a food processor. Blend until smooth and creamy, but not too runny.
Step 5: Fill the Choux Pastry
- Once the choux pastries have cooled, use a small piping tip to make a small hole in the bottom of each puff.
- Pipe the creamy ham and cheese mixture into the center of each pastry, filling them generously.
Step 6: Create the Pumpkin Stem
- To make the pumpkin stem, mix 4 tablespoons of fresh cheese with 2 drops of green food coloring. Alternatively, blend 4 tablespoons of fresh cheese with 1 tablespoon of cooked spinach (well-drained) for a natural green color.
- Pass the mixture through a fine sieve to remove any spinach fibers if using the spinach method.
- Transfer the mixture to a piping bag fitted with a small star tip and pipe small “stems” on top of each pumpkin.
Step 7: Chill and Serve
- Once assembled, refrigerate the Mysterious Halloween Pumpkins until ready to serve. The cold will help the filling set and make them even more delicious.
Tips & Tricks
- Flavor Variations: You can customize the filling to suit your taste by adding herbs or spices, such as a pinch of nutmeg, or even some sautéed mushrooms for an earthy touch.
- Piping Technique: Ensure the choux pastry is piped with a smooth and consistent shape for uniform baking and an even, rounded appearance.
- Presentation: For an extra Halloween touch, you can garnish the plate with a drizzle of balsamic reduction or arrange the pumpkins on a bed of greens like arugula or spinach for a pop of color.
Why You’ll Love These Mysterious Halloween Pumpkins
Not only are these Mysterious Halloween Pumpkins incredibly fun and festive, but they also combine savory flavors that will appeal to all your guests. The fluffy, golden choux pastry paired with a creamy ham and cheese filling offers the perfect balance of textures. The bright orange color makes them look like little pumpkins, while the green stems are the final spooky touch. Whether you’re serving them at a Halloween party, a fall gathering, or a special dinner, these savory little treats will definitely be the highlight of your spread.
Enjoy this spooky and delicious recipe, and may your Halloween be filled with both mystery and flavor!
