Just in time for Halloween…Tim Burton Cupcakes

        Our god daughter, Olivia is very special to us.  We were there the night she was born and she’s been a wonderful part of our life ever since. She’s lovely to be with, so much fun and so full of personality.  When I see her with Uncle Andrew, I realize what a phenomenal father he would have been—patient, generous and interested in everything Olivia is doing.

When her birthday comes around, Uncle Andrew goes all out in the baking department every year.  Last year, he made something like 144 cupcakes for her Beach Party Birthday.  This year, at Olivia’s request, he channeled her favorite movie director and invented Tim Burton-themed cupcakes.  There were two odes to Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and a delicious take on “James and the Giant Peach”.  As you can see from this shot, these cupcakes were the hit of Olivia’s 11^th Birthday Party.  And we think they may be just the thing to bring Halloween to the next level.  Here are the recipes which are not only odes to Tim Burton, they’re phenomenally delicious treats that will appeal to everyone at your Halloween Party.

Quick Chicken Parmigiano

        Who doesn’t need a weeknight supper they can get on the table in under 30 minutes?  This dish from Fine Cooking is a keeper.  It really was on the table in no time.  It’s got a lot of flavor and crunch.  It gives you the pleasure of fried food but it’s not.  It’s sautéed.  The secret here is Panko breadcrumbs.  These great Japanese imports are a terrific addition to any pantry.  They’re far superior to Italian breadcrumbs. You can even find them at Whole Foods in a whole wheat variety.  The other tip here is to use the recommended Muir Glen Fire Roasted tomatoes.  They really have a significantly better taste than ordinary diced tomatoes.  Of course, they’re organic but they’re only slightly more expensive than plain old diced tomatoes.  Then there’s the cheese.  Parmigiano is a staple at our house. I always have it on hand.