There’s something so elegant about a pure white cocktail and this White Russian recipe is the pinnacle of sophistication.

Halloween can be about tricking and treating but it can also be about mystery and masquerade. This White Russian recipe floats eerily in a martini glass and makes a perfect dessert cocktail. Adding a dash of cinnamon transforms it into a warming flavorful treat.

This cocktail will look best in a long-stemmed martini glass but don’t worry if you don’t have them since any clear cocktail glass will do.One of my favorite ways to serve cocktails when entertaining is in mixed-matched crystal glasses that I collect from flea markets and junk shops.

Using half and half instead of the traditional heavy cream makes for a much smoother cocktail. You still get all the creamy flavor with about half the calories. As for coffee liquer, your choices may be limited to the popular brand Kahlua. However, you might be able to find homemade versions at gourmet food markets.

There is of course the world’s most notable White Russian connoisseur: The Dude from “The Big Lebowski”. The Dude’s approach to a White Russian is slightly different than mine in that I like to chill the cream and coffee liqueur first in a cocktail shaker and serve it without ice. That way you get the full experience of drinking what can be described as an adult milkshake.

A Ghostly White Russian Recipe

Makes six 3 oz. cocktails

Ingredients

6 ounces half and half
6 ounces organic vodka
6 ounces coffee liquor
cinnamon

Directions

In a metal cocktail shaker combine 3 large ice cubes with 1 ounce of each: half and half, coffee liquor and vodka.

Vigorously shake for 20 seconds and pour into a martini glass. Sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon and serve immediately.

Related on Eco Salon

20 Unusual Ways to Use Vodka 

4 Retro Cocktails Making a Comeback 

11 Hipster Cocktails 

Photo Credit: Ally Jane Grossan

The post A Ghostly White Russian Recipe appeared first on EcoSalon.

Your mantle is calling for your decorating prowess.

If you’re in proud ownership of a mantle this holiday season, Halloween is the perfect time to kick off your decorating prowess. A well-plumed mantle can set the holiday tone for the entire house. Get your mantle right and you might not even bother with the front stoop.

By our count you have exactly three opportunities to perfect your mantle before the end of 2011: now, as in Halloween; Thanksgiving; Christmas/Hanukkah/Kwanza. Here are 25 exceptionally well-executed ideas to get you started.

Word of warning, I’m about to delve in Addams Family kitsch. These mantles are creepy and they’re kooky, mysterious and spooky.

You get the idea.

via Boopsie Daisy

via Just a Girl

via Home Design Interiors

via Second Sister

via Homestories A 2 Z

via The Shabby Chic Cottage

via Langes Fädchen, Faules Mädchen

via Poetic Home

via How I Keep Sane

via La Beau Rêve

via Mandajuice

via Wendy Copley

via Shaggy

via Shelterness

via Southern Living

via Little Miss Momma

via The Shabby Nest

via My Insanity

via Home By Heidi

via Modern Homes Interior Design

via Pottery Barn

via I Heart Nap Time

via Martha Stewart

Images: Occulta Gemini; Boopsie Daisy; Just a Girl; Home Design Interiors; Second Sister; Homestories A 2 Z; The Shabby Chic Cottage; Langes Fädchen, Faules Mädchen; Poetic Home; How I Keep Sane; La Beau Rêve; Mandajuice; Wendy Copley; Shaggy; Shelterness; Southern Living; Little Miss Momma; The Shabby Nest; My Insanity; Home By Heidi; Modern Homes Interior Design; Pottery Barn; I Heart Nap Time; Martha Stewart

The post 25 Wicked Halloween Mantles appeared first on EcoSalon.

I never think of Halloween until the last possible moment and then I end up with no costume, no plans, and no food ideas. I think it’s my form of rebellion after living in San Francisco for so many years (many of them in the Castro).

I don’t want EcoSalon readers to suffer the same fate so I scoured the web for ideas that involve good food without artificial colors, flavors, or other food additives. You’ll find plenty of tasty treats, a fun cocktail idea, and some general green party tips.

Enjoy a safe, healthy, and green Halloween!

Heidi at 101 Cookbooks helpfully compiled links to all of her Halloween inspired recipes last fall. And there are some good ones here. Caramel apples with all-natural ingredients, toasted pumpkin seeds with creative flavor profiles, and a roasted pumpkin salad that sounds fantastic. Heidi’s recipes are always vegetarian and use all natural, healthy whole foods, so you can’t go wrong.

Because wasting anything edible (including pumpkin seeds) is not green, you’ll definitely want to use this recipe for all-natural Pumpkin Seed Brittle from Alton Brown via The Daily Green.

Martha can always be counted on for the most creative ideas. Here’s a “bleeding heart” martini that uses pickled beets in place of olives. Try some Fair Trade Vodka instead of gin, if you’re so inclined. Or check out Peak Spirits. A small, artisan distillery that produces organic vodka and gin.

Finally, for general green party tips for Halloween or anytime, have a look at these tips from Danny Seo via Epicurious.

Image: Ack Ook

The post Halloween Harvest: Tips, Ideas and Recipes appeared first on EcoSalon.