Tuesday 30 October 2012

Halloween -Witches Fingers & Apple Monsters!


 I found these two ideas in The Times today - I think kids will love to make them.
The witches fingers seem a little fiddly, but look great - and the sort of ghoulish things kids love to eat :).  I haven't given instructions for the Apple Monster as this seems pretty self-explanatory - but I like this best :)


Witches Fingers: - makes 30
Oven 180 deg.C/350/Gas 4
Blanched, slivered almonds
Red Gel food colouring
2 eggs
1/4 tsp. vanilla extract
115g (cold) salted butter
65g icing sugar
3 tbls. granulated sugar, pinch of salt, 
210g plain flour

1. Place the almonds in a single layer on baking trays.  Mix together a couple of drops of food colouring with a couple of drops of water and paint one side of each nail with a thin paintbrush.  Set aside to dry.
2. Separate one egg - put the white in a separate bowl and set aside.  In another small bowl, whisk together yolk, remaining egg and vanilla.  Set aside.
3. Cut the butter into chunks and combine with the sugars and salt.  Beat until well combined.
4. Add the yolk mix. and beat until smooth (about 2 mins) Add the flour in 2 additions, mix on low speed until just incorporated.  Wrap the dough in plastic film and chill for about 20 - 30 mins until firm.
5. Line 2 baking trays with parchment and divide the dough in half.  Keep one half wrapped in the film while working with the other one.  
6. Divide it into15 pieces and roll each piece into finger shapes 3-4" long.  Pinch the dough in 2 places to form the knuckles. and score each knuckle lightly with a knife.
7. Place the fingers on a baking tray and freeze for 5-10 mins.
8. Lightly beat the egg white with a fork - remove the finges from the freezer and immediately brush lightly with egg white.  Position on the nails, pushing on gently.
Bake until lightly browned - about 10-12 mins.
Cool on wire racks.

from: Decorating Cookies by Bridget Edwards.

bakeat350.blogspot.co.uk - 
.......... lovely website.




No comments: