Ask A Chef: Best Spooky Halloween Treats

Andrea Gillis from Brass Union has shared two exciting Halloween recipes. Check out her sticky icky spider pumpkin shortbread cookies with apple buttercream frosting and bloody scones. They are sure to be a hit to bring to the upcoming Halloween parties or for hosting a gathering of your own!

Andrea Gillis
Brass Union
70 Union Square
Somerville, MA 02143
(617) 623-9211
www.brassunion.com

Established in the summer of 2014, Brass Union is an American small plate-focused restaurant and bar that's a newcomer to Union Square in Somerville. Andrea Gillis is the Pastry Chef at Brass Union, who prides herself on serving "playful and delicious desserts" on the menu at Brass Union known as "Gilly's Throwback Snacks." Chef Gillis is not only known locally for her dessert creations but she has also been a musician in the Andrea Gillis Band for over 20 years. Check out two of her favorite Halloween recipes below.

Bloody Scones

Ingredients:

• 4 cups all purpose flour
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 tbsp baking powder
• 2 tsp kosher salt
• 2 tbsp orange zest or 1 tsp orange extract
• 3/4 lb butter (diced and cold)
• 4 eggs
• 1 cup heavy cream (cold)
• 8 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 6 oz dried cranberries

Directions:

1. Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Combine heavy cream and eggs, scramble together and refrigerate.
3. Mix flour, butter, sugar, baking powder, kosher salt and zest in a food processor until butter is pea-sized. Add cream-egg mixture and pulse until combined.
4. Remove dough and place on floured surface.
5. With hands, fold in chocolate chips and cranberries.
6. Roll out flat to 1/2-inch thickness and form into any shape you like. A biscuit cutter is good.

*Gilly's tip: Try mini scones. The more you make, the more you get!

• Place on greased cookie sheet 2 inches apart and bake until sides are golden (approx. 15-20 min).
• Cool completely before glazing with Bloody Glaze.

Related: A Guide To Halloween In Salem

Bloody Glaze

Ingredients:

• 1 cup confectioner's sugar
• 1/4 cup whole milk
• Red food coloring

Directions:

1. Combine sugar and milk to make glaze.
2. Add coloring until desired shade.
3. Top cooled scones with glaze.

Sticky Icky Spider Pumpkin Shortbread Cookies with Apple Buttercream Frosting

Ingredients:

• 1 lb unsalted butter (cold)
• 5 cups of all purpose flour
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup canned pumpkin
• 1 tsp nutmeg
• 2 tsp cinnamon

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.
2. Add all ingredients into one bowl and mix together until combined.
3. Your dough should be bread-like and a nice orange color.
4. Take the dough and shape into logs. You should get 2 or 3 good size logs. Chill logs for 10 min.
5. Take out and slice into 1/2-inch thick circles and place on greased cookie sheet about 2 inches apart.
6. Bake for 20 min or until a little tan around the edges and firm in the middle.
7. Cool completely before frosting with Apple Buttercream Frosting.

*Gilly's tip: You could have some extra frosting if you decide to make your cookies smaller. Freeze the rest and use for Thanksgiving!
Yield: 3 dozen cookies

Apple Buttercream Frosting

Ingredients:

• 1 lb butter (cool and softened)
• 1/4 cup apple sauce
• 2 cup confectioner's sugar
• 2 tbsp heavy cream

Directions:

• Add all ingredients to food processor and mix until combined and smooth. No lumps.
• Yield: 3 cups (it's so good, and you'll need it)

*Gilly's Tip: For fun spider-web effect, top with white cotton candy (can buy it pre-packaged!) and add candy corn or any other fun treats in the "webs."

Related: Best Halloween Costume Ideas