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Peanut Butter Fudge and Ganache Coffins, plus Salt Dough Pumpkins

Dessert Recipes, Recipes from food films and TV

Are you afraid or in love with Halloween? This year Halloween scared me into making a cemetery scene with Peanut Butter Fudge and Ganache coffins, and a few decorative Salt Dough Pumpkins.

It’s Food ‘n Flix time again, the Halloween edition! In this monthly group a host picks a movie of their choice that pertains to food. Everyone watches the movie and then makes a recipe which the film inspired. It can be any recipe you want. This month’s pick is hosted by Elizabeth at The Lawyer’s Cookbook, who she terrified us into watching the movie Hocus Pocus! I was scared I hid in my Peanut Butter Fudge and Ganache Coffins.

Peanut Butter Fudge and Ganache Tombstones

Before I get into the movie of the month, let me share with you an eerie ‘ah ha’ moment that happened to me just last week. I finished reading a boring book about the city preparations of the Chicago World Fair in the late 1890s. The only interesting part about the book was the side story of an actual real serial killer H. H. Holmes who owned a hotel he built on purpose during that time with hidden chambers, no window rooms, gas chambers and more, and picked his guests as his victims.

I am also a fan the horror TV shows and Halloween movies. I have been watching the new season of American Horror Story: Hotel. Well in the 2nd show we met the original owner/builder of the Hotel and I was like ‘this hotel is a lot like the one in my book!!!’ I googled it and I was right: that character was loosely based on H. H. Holmes. Can you believe the odds of coming across this creepy coincidence a week before Halloween? The hair stood up on the back of my neck!

Hocus Pocus

Hocus Pocus  is a 1993 comedy fantasy film that stars Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker and Kathy Najimy. They play a trio of witches named the Sanderson Sisters, who are accidentally resurrected by a teen and friends in the town of Salem, Massachusetts (witch capital). The witches want to keep (or get back ) their youth by sucking out the soul of Salem’s children on a regular basis, so the teens must defeat the witches before the sun rises at the end of Halloween, at which time the 3 witches will be turned to dust. It is a silly, fun for the whole family movie that has since become a cult classic.

Peanut Butter Fudge and Ganache Tombstones squares

There are actually several food inspired moments in the film, like a dead man’s toe, zombie fingers, candy Clark bars, lobster, 7 Up, salt and scrod (young white-fleshed fish). I was inspired by a cemetery scene and Halloween pumpkins. A 2-toned ganache and white chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge is cut into coffins shapes, the decrepit walkway is made of squash seeds, add a few Salt Dough Pumpkins, and finally if the fear has brought up a thirst feel free to refresh yourself with a sip of the Green Magic Potion.

I brought over these sweet treats at a friend’s for a Gin cocktail party, on top of the Roasted Kabocha Salad. The girls got regular peanut butter fudge squares but most of my Halloween batch was cut into coffins shapes to fit in with my cemetery shoot. Whichever way you cut them, they will be a hit. I believe Rebecca, our host, said: these are like Reeses Pieces, but way better”.

Peanut Butter Fudge and Ganache Tombstones

Peanut Butter Fudge and Ganache Tombstones

Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Servings 8 x8 square pan

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound white chocolate chips
  • 1 cup peanut butter room temperature
  • orange food coloring or mix 1 red for 2 yellow
  • 1 1/2 cups dark chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream

Instructions
 

  • Line an 8x8 square baking pan with parchment or waxed paper, both bottom and sides.
  • Melt the white chocolate chips in a microwave (for 30 seconds at a time) or in a double boiler. Stir until chocolate is all melted. Mix in the peanut butter until homogeneous. Add food coloring till desired color is achieved.
  • Spread peanut butter fudge into your prepared pan and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes before the next step.
  • Melt the dark chocolate chips with the cream in a microwave (for 30 seconds at a time) or in a double boiler. Stir until chocolate is melted and homogeneous.
  • Pour over peanut butter fudge and smooth over the top. Chill for at least 3 hours or until firm. Cut into small squares or tombstones for Halloween.

making salt dough pumpkins

salt dough pumpkins

And here is a bonus recipe for the kids of all ages. Did you ever make salt dough when you were a kid? I remember I did a few times. Well retro is back right? So why not make a few quick decoration pumpkins in salt dough!

I don’t like the baked look for this project so I jump-started the drying in a cooling oven and then left them to air dry. Fallen wood sticks make great pumpkin tops but I happen to have real ones from my recent visit to a squash and pumpkin farm. I find it make my pumpkins even more realistic.

[mpprecipe-recipe:306]

Visit my past Halloween themed posts here for more ideas:

Poison Toffee Apples and how to prepare your victims

Poison Toffee Apples and how to prepare your victims

Alien Hand Autopsy with Band-Aid Cookies

Alien Hand Autopsy with Band-Aid Cookies

50 Comments

  1. Nagi@RecipeTinEats on March 9, 2016 at 19:35

    Wow! These are so cute and adorable! But you seriously had me at peanut butter fudge and ganache! 🙂

    Reply
    • Evelyne on March 9, 2016 at 20:10

      Thanks Nagi, they taste as good as they sounds, so addictive lol.

      Reply
  2. The Duo Dishes on November 13, 2015 at 23:04

    Very impressive, especially those pumpkins. It’s always interesting to see crafty foods!

    Reply
    • Evelyne on November 14, 2015 at 10:49

      Thank you very much 🙂

      Reply
  3. Deb in Hawaii on November 4, 2015 at 17:27

    Yum! You had me at peanut butter fudge and ganache–even before the fabulous coffin shapes! 😉 I love your whole cemetery scene and those pumpkins are adorable. I have been watching AHS-Hotel and have been happily creeped out by it so I am definitely going to check out that book too.

    Reply
    • Evelyne on November 4, 2015 at 19:27

      Awesome Deb, another AHS fan! Thanks you for your great comment and let me know what you think of the book!

      Reply
  4. Raymund on November 3, 2015 at 03:47

    This looks really awesome and definitely delicious!

    Reply
    • Evelyne on November 3, 2015 at 12:46

      Thanks Raymond!

      Reply
  5. Debbie on November 3, 2015 at 00:27

    Ahhhh….. I would have LOVED the Gin Party!! And your coffins too!

    Reply
    • Evelyne on November 3, 2015 at 12:46

      Wow sounds like we need a gin virtual party lol

      Reply
  6. Heather | All Roads Lead to the Kitchen on November 2, 2015 at 11:04

    Was the book you read Devil in the White City? If so – I was hooked on that book…could not put it down! This fudge sounds incredible, I love me some reese’s pieces (and the pumpkins are too cute). I can totally see myself enjoying some whilst drinking gin.

    Reply
    • Evelyne on November 3, 2015 at 12:45

      Yes Heather that was the book. So glad you liked it. I am surprised so many people know it.

      Reply
  7. Debra Eliotseats on November 1, 2015 at 13:30

    Love how you shaped your pumpkins. Great post. Very inventive!

    Reply
    • Evelyne on November 3, 2015 at 12:44

      Thanks Debra those pumpkins were fun to make!

      Reply
  8. Liz on October 31, 2015 at 07:26

    I’ve read that boring book, too—the storyline about the murderer was much more interesting than the World’s fair stuff. LOVE your coffin fudge and the pumpkins are so cute!

    Reply
    • Evelyne on October 31, 2015 at 12:21

      Thanks Liz 🙂 and another one who knows the book!

      Reply
    • Evelyne on October 31, 2015 at 12:21

      Thanks Elizabeth and great movie choice!

      Reply
  10. kimberly on October 30, 2015 at 17:04

    Very groovy. Must try making one for my next coffin break.

    Reply
    • Evelyne on October 31, 2015 at 12:20

      Coffin break lol, great expression

      Reply
  11. Pam on October 30, 2015 at 15:49

    Since I live in the Chicago area, I read the book you mentioned. Best part was about Holmes for sure. Definitely funny and creepy with AHS! Your tombstones are pretty clever and cute!

    Reply
    • Evelyne on October 30, 2015 at 16:43

      Pam I am amazed by the amount of people who know the book from the comments. Thanks for your lovely comment.

      Reply
  12. Rae on October 30, 2015 at 07:53

    Really impressed with your skill! These are just so cute.

    Reply
    • Evelyne on October 30, 2015 at 09:33

      Thank you Rae!

      Reply
  13. Sugar et al on October 29, 2015 at 20:52

    You’ve done it again! You clever girl, you! To be honest, Halloween scares me but I am absolutely in love with these cute little creations of yours.

    Reply
    • Evelyne on October 30, 2015 at 09:33

      Thank you, these are adorable and do not bite lol

      Reply
  14. Juliana on October 29, 2015 at 13:53

    Oh Evelyne, the little pumpkins are so cute…very creative…and the peanut butter fudge tombstone looks delicious…
    Hope you are enjoying your week 🙂

    Reply
    • Evelyne on October 29, 2015 at 14:26

      Thanks you Juliana! Have a great week too!

      Reply
    • Evelyne on October 29, 2015 at 14:25

      Thank you so much Wendy!

      Reply
  16. Maureen | Orgasmic Chef on October 29, 2015 at 03:06

    I wondered how you did that when I saw the little pumpkins in the photo. You are very clever!! I want some now.

    Reply
    • Evelyne on October 29, 2015 at 14:25

      I cannot claim the original idea with the string, many do it, but work beautifully!

      Reply
  17. Tandy | Lavender and Lime on October 29, 2015 at 01:51

    love the pumpkins! I am not a fan of horror movies, but I will read books about serial killers. Have a happy Halloween 🙂

    Reply
    • Evelyne on October 29, 2015 at 14:24

      I like some psychological horror but not major gore or torture pron. Thanks for your comment Tandy!

      Reply
  18. GiGi Eats on October 28, 2015 at 23:08

    OMG I AM SO IN LOVE – and I bet these smell as amazing as they look!!!

    Reply
    • Evelyne on October 29, 2015 at 14:23

      Thanks Gigi and yes the smell that good!

      Reply
  19. Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella on October 28, 2015 at 18:22

    These are ADORABLE! Love the idea of PB fudge and ganache too. And I’m going to watch Halloween movies all day on the 31st and then go out for a ghost tour and dinner!

    Reply
    • Evelyne on October 29, 2015 at 14:20

      Thanks Lorraine! I may watch a few movies before my party, have a great 31st evening!

      Reply
  20. Daniela on October 28, 2015 at 17:45

    OMG, these little pumpkins are so cute!
    And did you say peanut butter fudge and ganache? I’m in.

    Reply
    • Evelyne on October 29, 2015 at 14:19

      Thank you Daniela and the fudge is amazing!

      Reply
  21. Viviane Bauquet Farre on October 28, 2015 at 16:57

    Spooky scary, Evelyne! And very cool on the salt dough pumpkins. When I first saw the photos, I thought they were the real thing 🙂

    Reply
    • Evelyne on October 29, 2015 at 14:19

      Really they looked so real 😀 ? thanks Viviane

      Reply
  22. Kia / house of KTS on October 28, 2015 at 15:16

    Hrm.. did you say peanut butter? Oh I am so here for peanut butter anything lol. I just love these creations. I’m not a horror film or tv person myself, but that doesn’t mean I can’t enjoy these fudge delights. I love them Evelyne.

    Kia / KTS
    http://www.houseofkts.com

    Reply
    • Evelyne on October 28, 2015 at 16:29

      Finally I hit an ingredient you do love already! I bet you would adore them for sure!

      Reply
  23. John / Kitchen Riffs on October 28, 2015 at 12:58

    I know that book! Haven’t read it, but Mrs KR has. She liked it OK, but I think it was the serial killer part that really intrigued her. Anyway, what fun “coffins!” Peanut butter? ’nuff said. 😉

    Reply
    • Evelyne on October 28, 2015 at 13:51

      My gosh I did not expect so many to know what book I was talking about lol! Reading the whole thing deserves a fudge coffin!

      Reply
  24. Devon on October 28, 2015 at 07:03

    Oh, my gosh! You are so right about that book. I still haven’t finished. The only thing that bring me back is the serial killer.

    Reply
    • Evelyne on October 28, 2015 at 10:30

      Devon I literally skipped the rest of the book and only read the serial killer part. I don’t regret my decision

      Reply
  25. Angie's Recipes on October 28, 2015 at 06:09

    Peanut butter and white chocolate…my husband will be crazy for these fudges!
    And the dough pumpkins look so GREAT! An excellent job, Evelyne.

    Reply
    • Evelyne on October 28, 2015 at 10:30

      Thank Angie, this was a really fun post to bake and shoot. Hope you make the fudge for your hubby.

      Reply

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