Brain Food

 We are HUGE Walking Dead fans, so for tonight's viewing, we will be enjoying "brains" for dessert.

 Simple to make, just bake a batch of red velvet cupcakes.  I was able to get 15 cupcakes, which was just the right amount to add two pitted cherries to each one.   Any light colored frosting will work and I used the Wilton "Rose" food color for that nice brain look.  If you wanted to be really authentic, you could use a little black food coloring and get that gray matter look. 

 Once the cupcakes cooled, I used a sharp paring knife & cut out the center of each cupcake and added two pitted cherries.

Brain time!  Use a pastry bag fitted with a large opening tip and go for it.  If you want to get really creepy, I saved the syrup from the pitted cherries for the "blood" effect.  I brought the syrup to a boil and added one tablespoon of cornstarch.  Remove from heat and let cool completely.  Using a small spoon, drip the cooled syrup on top of the cupcakes.  Some Kirsch or other good quality cherry liqueur would be a nice addition for adults.  I found that the syrup had just the right amount of sweetness since the frosting is already sweet enough.   Now you're ready to eat like a zombie!