This content originally appeared in the 2024 issue of Spooky Little Halloween—The Magazine. Photos courtesy of Ghoul at Heart. All October posts are part of the Countdown to Halloween!
Dearly departed, we are gathered here today to honor you with a beautiful cemetery picnic.
Often when it comes to Halloween recipes, it’s easy to find single items — usually sweets. It takes a bit of hunting to uncover savory ideas that actually look appetizing.
Enter Lori Castellon (she/her) of ghoulatheart.com. Since 2020, Lori has been sharing her love of cooking and creating slightly elevated but easy to execute recipes with a Halloween twist on her website. She’s also just published her first cookbook, “Scare-cuterie.”
She returned to the 2024 issue of Spooky Little Halloween—The Magazine with a full meal inspired by picnicking in a cemetery.
Kick off your picnic with a quinoa-based salad full of earthy beet worms. Dine on sandwiches that will have you in their death grip. Finish with a dark and delicious red velvet brownie, and cheers with the viral milk tea so good it might kill.
Death Grip Finger Sandwiches
You may have seen literal finger sandwiches before, but these flavors are next level! Keep it simple with a classic PB&J (far right), elevate it slightly with cream cheese and cucumber (far left), or try something new with the brie, jam, and onion sandwich (middle).
Six Feet Under Salad
I definitely fell in love with the quinoa trend several years ago — it’s such a versatile ingredient you can take in so many directions! But Lori’s salad, complete with jellied beet worms, is one of THE most creative takes I’ve seen on this grain-like seed that I’ve ever seen.
Boneyard Brownies
I’ve been baking brownies since I was 7 years old…but never quite like this! This striking red velvet recipe certainly sets these apart. Each brownie is topped with crumbled sandwich cookies (to look like cemetery dirt) and handmade chocolate chip skulls. (It’s easier than it looks — the recipe link has the products you’ll need to achieve this look!)
Dearly Depart-Tea
This has gone viral more than once on Instagram — and for good reason! Lori’s creative take on a milk tea includes a brown sugar milk tea recipe and is topped with brown sugar ginger jelly skulls.
Will you go on a cemetery picnic?
Let us know in the comments, and be sure to give Lori a follow on Instagram at @ghoul.at.heart or over on TikTok at @ghoulatheart for regular food and decor inspiration, all year long.
By the way, if you enjoyed these recipes then you’ll likely enjoy the fall feast Lori created for the 2025 issue of the magazine too! Grab a copy.
