Brains. A staple food group for zombies everywhere and the topic of today’s post. So gather around because if you don’t have any, you’ll want to get some!
It used to be that zombies took a backseat to their monster cousins, the vampires, werewolves, and witches. For the most part, they were largely ignored, only given the occasional nod whenever George Romero’s Night of Living Dead made an appearance. (They’re coming to get you, Barbara!)
But the tide started to turn on World Zombie Day, October 27, 2007, when Thrill San Diego & Zombie Walk partnered up with Thrill The World to host a world-record-breaking dance to Michael Jackson’s Thriller.
A year later, on October 26, 2008, over 50 cities participated in World Zombie Day with marches, crawls, and shuffles, grunting, groaning, and dragging along in homage to the undead.
And, then, on a day that will go down in monster history – October 31, 2010, the zombie flood-gates spilled open in all their gory glory with the premiere of AMC’s The Walking Dead.
The zombie is one of the most fun and versatile characters to costume. Anyone can be a zombie – a businessman, princess, animal, superhero – any character can be turned (pun intended). And, by simply distressing your costume, adding some Texas Dirt (or real dirt if you must), and a little makeup, you can get that fresh-from-the-grave look.
But, if you are hosting a zombie-themed Halloween party, you will want to be sure to have the zombie’s favorite snack.
We used this recipe to make several brains for one of our Halloween parties as part of a game where each team assigned a member to eat the brain. These things are pretty good-sized, but our guest list did not disappoint as nearly every team completed the task.
So let’s get cooking!
You will need:
Jello brain mold
Non-stick cooking spray (unflavored)
6 3 oz boxes of Watermelon Flavor JELL-O Gelatin (or 3 6 oz boxes)
2 c boiling water
1 12 oz can fat free evaporated milk
1 c cold water
Green food coloring
Wash and thoroughly dry your mold, then spray it with a light coat of non-stick cooking spray.
Empty the watermelon JELL-O into a bowl and add the boiling water. Stir until dissolved, approximately 3 minutes.
Stir in the cold water and evaporated milk for about 2 minutes.
For a more grey toned brain, add a few drops of green food coloring.
Pour into brain mold and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or until set.
Unmold and garnish as desired.
Tip: If your mold does not release, set it in a sink or large pan of hot water for about 10 seconds.
And, now my friends, you have braaaains!
There are several recipes for JELL-O brain molds. I prefer this one with the watermelon JELL-O because it has a “semi-fresh from the coroner” look.
Add more green food coloring and toss in some purple for a more dark, decayed and gnarly appearance.
And, while you’re making brains anyway, grab a second mold and make a giant brain ice cube for your bloody punch bowl. Get a third and use it to mold your dip. Brains for everyone!
I hope this sparks a few ideas for your next zombie or mad scientist party.