Spiced autumn brittle + spooky cocktails

No need to fret what to serve for Halloween with these simple and easy cocktails.  All you need to do is shake and pour - you immediately have been transformed into a mixologist!

Black Widow

Pour into a shaker filled with ice
2 oz. Blavod Black Vodka
4 oz. Bing Black
Shake vigorously and pour into a cocktail/martini glass - enjoy!

Poison Apple

Pour into a shaker filled with ice
2 oz. pressed apple cider
1 oz. Pom pomegranate juice
2 oz. silver tequila
Shake vigorously and pour into a cocktail/martini glass - enjoy!

Spiced Autumn Brittle

1 c. roasted/salted almonds
1 c. cashews
1 c. roasted/salted pepitas (pumpkin seeds)
1/2 c. dried cranberries
1/2 c. dried cherries
2 1/2 c. granulated sugar
1/2 c. honey
1 c. water
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
1 tbsp. butter

In a bowl, place the almonds, cashews, pepitas, cranberries and cherries - stir with your hands to combine and make sure the dried fruit is separated and not sticking together.

In a wide-mouthed pot over medium high heat add the sugar, honey, water, salt and pumpkin pie spice.  Place a candy thermometer inside the pot and bring to 310 degrees.  This will take some time - don't panic.  Stir this mixture regularly as it begins to reach 250 degrees so it doesn't burn.  Once you have reached 310, remove from the heat and add the butter - stir to combine.  Finally add the nuts/fruit mixture, stirring again to combine. 

Pour mixture onto a Silpat-lined half-sheet pan and press down using a silicone spatula that you coat with non-stick spray to keep from sticking to the brittle.  Repeat coating the spatula until you have spread out the brittle to the desired thickness you want.  Allow to cool for at least one hour before attempting to crack into pieces.

NOTE - I used a mixture of dried cranberries and cherries, feel free to use whatever dried fruit/nuts are to your liking.  This should merely be a guide for you to transform it to your own personal tastes.