Broomsticks on the Bayou

Today we're celebrating Broomsticks On the Bayou @ Incipient Wings and The Frosted Petunia.

Marie Laveau, the Voodoo Queen of New Orleans, has cordially invited you to an informal dinner in her home.

There are many legends surrounding Marie and her pet snake Zombie.  But the most heinous one is that she doesn't rest in her tomb at the St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 because she never died.  Plus she can be much more subtle in her art as social media provides her with information freely.  This is an invitation you can't refuse!

Marie first serves absinthe as each guest arrives.

Sunlight streams through Marie's windows during late afternoon.

Wine is served!

Salt and pepper or S P ell?

Fleur candles sweeten the atmosphere.

Day of the Dead decor

Is that gris gris sprinkled on top of the cupcakes?

Gluten-Free Chocolate Cupcakes

Ingredients:

2 cups gluten-free flour (I used Cup 4 Cup)

1 cup sugar

1/4 cup baking cocoa

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 cup water

1/3 cup canola oil

1 teaspoon cider vinegar

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:

In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cocoa, baking soda and salt. In another bowl, combine the water, oil, vinegar and vanilla. Stir into dry ingredients just until moistened.

Fill paper-lined muffin cups three-fourths full. Bake at 350° for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pan to a wire rack to cool completely.

Pumpkin Cream Cheese Icing

Ingredients:

1 package (8-ounce) Cream Cheese, softened 

1/4 cup Pumpkin Purée 

1/4 cup (1/2 stick) Unsalted Butter, softened 

1 t Fresh Orange Juice 

1 t Grated Orange Zest 

1/2 teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract 

4 cups Confectioners' Sugar, sifted

Directions:

Blend the cream cheese, pumpkin purée, butter, orange juice, zest, and vanilla in a large bowl using an electric mixer set at medium speed until smooth. Add the sugar and continue to beat until light and creamy -- about 5 more minutes.

After icing the cupcakes, I sprinkled them with orange dusting sugar.  But Marie probably uses gris gris on hers!

Thanks so much, Marfi and Anna, for hosting!

I'm also hosting a giveaway!  Click on the link at the top of my sidebar!

Until next time...

Blessings!
Ricki Jill