Skeleton Hand Pudding Recipes

SKELETON MEAT PLATTER

Steps:

• For the skeleton head: Cook the bacon in a medium nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until golden and crispy, 7 to 8 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer to a paper towel-lined plate; set aside.
• In a large bowl, combine the cream cheese, Cheddar, scallions, bacon, some salt and a few grinds of pepper and mix until fully incorporated.
• On a piece of parchment, mold the cheese mixture with your hands into the shape of a skull, then wrap the head in the prosciutto. Make 2 divots for the eyes and place the olive halves in the divots. Pinch the middle of the face together to make a nose and create an indent below the nose to make a mouth. Refrigerate until firm, about 20 minutes.
• For the skeleton body: Prepare a grill or grill pan for medium-high heat.
• Grill the pepper whole, rotating occasionally, until charred on all sides and slightly soft, about 10 minutes. Cut the pepper from stem end to bottom on one side to create one long piece of pepper. Grill the sausage coil in one piece, flipping halfway through, until opaque and completely cooked through, 10 to 12 minutes.
• To assemble: Position the skeleton cheese head at the top of a board or platter. Place the red pepper directly underneath the head and fold it slightly to create a heart. Align the baby back rib racks around the heart, one on each side, with the bony parts facing up to resemble a rib cage. Position the sausage coil under the rib cage to resemble intestines.
• Fill the space around the intestines, heart and rib cage with the pulled pork, tucking it under as needed. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
• Serve with sliced baguette and assorted crackers.

SKELETON HAND PUDDING

Steps:

• Make the icing hands: Line 3 baking sheets with parchment paper. Beat the meringue powder and water in a large bowl with a mixer on medium speed until medium glossy peaks form, 3 to 4 minutes. Beat in the vanilla. Gradually beat in the confectioners' sugar until the icing is thick and stiff peaks form; add more water, 1/2 teaspoon at a time, if the icing is too thick to pipe. Transfer to a pastry bag fitted with a 1/8-inch round tip.
• Pipe hands (2 1/2 inches tall and 1 1/2 inches wide) onto the prepared baking sheets. (Do not press the pastry tip against the baking sheet -- the hands might break.) Pipe and fill a 1-inch triangle "anchor," pointed-side down, at the bottom of each hand. Pipe knuckles onto each finger. Reserve the remaining icing in a resealable container to fix any broken bones. Let the hands dry overnight.
• Make the pudding: Whisk the milk, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, cornstarch and salt in a large saucepan until smooth. Cook over medium heat, whisking occasionally, until thickened slightly, about 15 minutes.
• Whisk the egg yolks in a medium bowl. Gradually whisk about 1/2 cup of the warm milk mixture into the egg yolks, then pour the mixture into the saucepan. Continue to cook over medium heat, whisking, until thickened, about 9 minutes. Remove from the heat and whisk in the chocolate until melted and smooth. Whisk in the butter and vanilla. Divide the pudding among 12 small bowls. Place a piece of plastic wrap directly on the surface of each and refrigerate until set, at least 2 hours or overnight.
• Loosen the hands from the parchment with an offset spatula. Use the reserved icing to repair any broken bones. Gently press the hands into the pudding cups and sprinkle with crushed cookies.