I love to host a party around Halloween time -- dressing up is optional, eating is a must! Every year I'm reminded of a story my Granny tells at Halloween. She is the queen of holiday celebrations and always had plenty of food, decorations and guests.

One Halloween, as she was giving away the best treats in the neighborhood, my family cat, Ariadne -- black as night -- decided to show off by stretching and cleaning her paws in the window. Just then, a little boy from across the street rang the doorbell. "Hey lady, did you rent that cat?" he asked my Granny, who responded quickly, "Yes, we just got her yesterday but she expires tomorrow!"

After the jump, find a recipe for Pumpkin Tortellini with Sage and other menu ideas to host your own "Black and Orange" Halloween fest. The catch? You'll have to rent your own black cat!

Pumpkin Tortellini with Sage

Makes 40 tortellini

12-ounce package wonton wrappers
15-ounce can pumpkin puree
1 cup part-skim ricotta
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 egg, lightly beaten
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/4 cup fresh sage leaves
1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
1/4 cup grated Parmesan

Place walnuts in a large, dry skillet over medium heat. Toast 8 to 10 minutes until the walnuts begin to brown. Transfer to a plate.

In a medium bowl, mix the pumpkin, ricotta, salt and pepper.

To form the tortellini, place 1 teaspoon of the pumpkin filling into the center of each wonton wrapper. Use your fingertips and press two corners of the wrapper together. Fold the wrapper over diagonally. Dot one edge of the tortellini with the beaten egg and press together. Repeat until all the tortellini are made.

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add half the tortellini and boil for 4 minutes or until they float to the top. Using a strainer or slotted spoon, carefully remove tortellini to a plate. Repeat with remaining tortellini.

In a large skillet, melt the oil and butter over medium heat. When butter and oil are sizzling and start to brown, tear sage leaves into the pan and fry for about 20 seconds. Add the tortellini and toss to coat. Sprinkle over the nuts, nutmeg and Parmesan. Serve immediately.

Other Halloween menu ideas:
Roasted Butternut Squash Soup
Butternut Squash Risotto
Mac and Cheese
Devil's Food Cake
Gingerbread Cookies

Learn more about Jennifer at skinnychef.com, and read her exclusive Slashfood blogs every Monday and Friday.