Cassandra Peterson, better known as Elvira, Mistress of the Dark, is stepping out of the crypt and into the kitchen. At 73, the cult icon has released Elvira’s Cookbook from Hell, a collection of recipes, crafts, and hosting tips that reflect her campy, gothic sense of humor. The book, which arrived September 30, goes far beyond typical Halloween fare, offering creative dishes designed for adults looking to host unconventional parties.
Cassandra Peterson said she had wanted to create a guide for “the goth crowd” for years, explaining that most spooky cookbooks cater to children. With dishes like Spook-Ghetti and Eyeballs, Guaca-Morbid, and Sausage Guts, fans can expect quirky meals perfect for a macabre celebration. She noted the process involved plenty of trial and error, with many recipes failing before they reached the final version.
A Personal Touch Behind The Cookbook
Elvira’s Cookbook from Hell even includes a nod to her 1988 cult film Elvira: Mistress of the Dark. In the movie, she whips up Adraka Kozarole—a recipe that puzzled viewers for decades. Peterson revealed it was inspired by her childhood and her mother’s love of topping casseroles with potato chips and cheese. Her longtime partner, Teresa “T” Wierson, served as the reluctant taste-tester, though she usually prefers healthier meals.
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Peterson said she wanted the book to be fun, simple, and accessible, not something that required “being Julia Child.” For her, the project was a way to blend her larger-than-life persona with a more personal side. The result is a playful cookbook that still embodies the essence of Elvira, even when the star is out of costume.
Why Elvira Rarely Dresses Up Now
Although the book features photos of Peterson in her famous black wig and plunging gown, she admitted she rarely dresses as Elvira these days. With her trademark wit, she quipped that there are “two big reasons” fans don’t see her in costume as often, joking about age catching up with her. Peterson explained that she wanted to retire the look while still at the top of her game, saying, “Nobody wants to see an 80-year-old Elvira.”
These days, fans recognize her more often as Cassandra rather than just her alter ego. Since publishing her 2021 memoir, Yours Cruelly, Elvira, Peterson said she has grown used to being spotted in public. Still, whether she is in full costume or dressed down at the airport, one thing remains constant—fans always ask her to recite her most famous movie line: “How’s your head?”