“Horrible Hand” Ham and Cheese Board Recipe

Every year around this time, I like to joke about how scary, terrifying, and spooky Halloween foods are never actually any of those things. Theyre goofy, funny, and sometimes gross, but they never actually scare anyone. However, this Horrible Hand Ham and Cheese Board may be the exception. Not my version, though since I dont have the sculpting skills, or anatomical knowledge to create a truly realistic skinned and amputated hand. But you might, and I hope you do.

Regardless of how terrifying yours turns out to be, this would be a welcome addition to any Halloween-themed snack table. The cheese spread is simple to make and can be customized in countless ways. Plus, the prosciutto flesh can be done with just a few ounces of meat, so this wont break your shopping budget. This dish would go great with any type of bread or crackers, but the black sesame crisps were perfect, so be sure to check them out!

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 pounds cream cheese, softened
• 1/3 cup finely chopped roasted red pepper
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh Italian parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 pinch cayenne pepper
• 6 ounces thinly sliced prosciutto, or other cured ham
• Crackers or bread to serve

Directions

1. Add the cream cheese, roasted red pepper, parsley, black pepper, garlic powder, salt, and cayenne pepper to a bowl. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
2. Cover the surface with plastic wrap and chill the mixture until it firms up, about 30 minutes.
3. Once chilled, trace your hand onto a piece of parchment paper. Flip the parchment over and place it on a baking sheet.
4. Use two teaspoons to carefully fill in the hand template with the chilled cheese mixture. Build up the cheese to create a 3-dimensional shape of the hand and wrist.
5. Cover with plastic wrap and freeze until very firm, about 1 hour.
6. After freezing, use a knife to separate the fingers from the hand, and the hand from the wrist.
7. Wrap each piece with prosciutto, tucking any extra meat underneath to ensure a snug fit.
8. Cover each piece and place them in the freezer for about 1 hour, or until ready to assemble the hand completely.
9. Start assembling the hand on a serving board. First, place the hand section, then attach the fingers and wrist in their proper places, using your own hand as a reference.
10. Use additional prosciutto to cover any seams and add more detail and definition to the hand.
11. Refrigerate the finished hand until ready to serve.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories	116
Total Fat	11g (13% DV)
Saturated Fat	6g (30% DV)
Cholesterol	34mg (11% DV)
Sodium	304mg (13% DV)
Total Carbohydrate	2g (1% DV)
Dietary Fiber	0g (0% DV)
Total Sugars	1g
Protein	4g (8% DV)
Vitamin C	4mg (4% DV)
Calcium	29mg (2% DV)
Iron	0mg (1% DV)
Potassium	80mg (2% DV)

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

History of the "Horrible Hand" Ham and Cheese Board:

The "Horrible Hand" Ham and Cheese Board is a modern creation that plays on the tradition of Halloween-themed foods, which often involve eerie and grotesque elements to add fun to seasonal parties. This dish, with its creepy hand-like presentation, first gained popularity in the 21st century as part of Halloween-themed snack tables. Combining the art of cheese sculpting with a spooky aesthetic, it has become a viral favorite in recent years, especially among food bloggers and social media influencers.

Regional Variations:

Though this dish is widely associated with Halloween in North America, similar creative, spooky snacks have emerged globally. In Europe, particularly in countries like the UK and Germany, Halloween-themed parties often feature elaborate savory and sweet boards. The "Horrible Hand" is a particularly American take on Halloween horror food, where creativity and humor play a big role in the presentation. However, different regions may add their own local twistssome might use different types of meats, cheeses, or spices, reflecting the flavors typical of their culinary cultures.

Differences from Similar Dishes:

While charcuterie boards are a popular appetizer for many events, the "Horrible Hand" Ham and Cheese Board stands out due to its macabre appearance. Traditional charcuterie boards feature an assortment of meats, cheeses, fruits, and nuts arranged aesthetically, with an emphasis on color and flavor balance. In contrast, the "Horrible Hand" is less about flavor variety and more about creating a visually shocking experience. The hand-shaped cheese mold, wrapped in prosciutto, makes it a standout Halloween centerpiece, unlike more traditional platters which focus on variety and presentation rather than a single, thematic form.

Where Its Usually Served:

This dish is primarily served at Halloween parties and other spooky-themed gatherings. Its gruesome appearance makes it a conversation starter, perfect for themed events where the goal is to amuse and surprise guests. Additionally, it's an excellent choice for creative food lovers looking to add something unconventional to their party spread. Though not commonly found on restaurant menus, its perfect for home entertaining where guests expect both food and fun to go hand in hand.

Interesting Facts:

• The "Horrible Hand" is usually served very cold to maintain its shape, and it's often accompanied by a "bloody" hot sauce dip for added effect.
• Despite its spooky appearance, the dish is simple to make, consisting of basic ingredients like cream cheese, prosciutto, and spices.
• The name Horrible Hand is both a playful and unsettling twist on traditional Halloween food names. Its not just about the scare factor but also about bringing humor into the festivities.
• Some variations of the "Horrible Hand" involve incorporating additional Halloween elements like fake blood, edible eyes, or gory effects using ketchup or food coloring.
• The concept of using cheese and meat in Halloween-themed foods has a long history, dating back to the practice of creating creepy foods for themed events during the early 20th century.

FAQ about “Horrible Hand” Ham and Cheese Board Recipe

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