As Elvira, Cassandra Peterson has become a true icon, headlining comedies like Elvira: Mistress of the Dark and Elvira’s Haunted Hills, hosting hordes of TV B-movie presentations, appearing in comic books, and much, much more. Now, Peterson is resurrecting her Valley girl vamp for Elvira’s Cookbook from Hell, a charming coffee table book that boasts goth recipes, glossy photos, crafting guides, and very Elvira-style hosting etiquette.
Peterson came by Mashable’s Say More couch for an interview with Entertainment Editor Kristy Puchko. Together, they dive into all things Elvira, including her new cookbook, how her dear(ly departed) friend and fellow horror icon Vincent Price was an inspiration, and drag queens.
Having guest judged on RuPaul’s Drag Race “Monster Ball” and The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula: Titans “Halloween House Party,” Peterson was happy to draw a connection between her Elvira character and the queens. “I do everything drag queens do,” she said of putting together her goth goddess look, “except ‘tuck’!”
Peterson also shared how Elvira’s Cookbook from Hell has been a dream project for thirty years, dating back to Martha Stewart’s rise. Loving to cook and host herself, Peterson began to pitch a cookbook for the goth crowd — but publishers wouldn’t bite. Little did they understand the vision she had, not for a Halloween-specific cookbook, but for one that brings goth flare and Elvira’s spirited sense of humor to every occasion, from a graveside picnic to a spooky cocktail hour to a chic and macabre wedding complete with a multi-tier cake. (Please note the Black Widow Smashes that Puchko tested and tasted to prepare for the interview.)
Puchko, who’s long been burrowing through Price’s cookbooks, wondered if he was an inspiration for a particular cucumber-based recipe in Elvira’s Cookbook from Hell. From there, Peterson shared a story of how Price was the source of a recipe that didn’t make the final draft of her book, but is treasured by her nonetheless. Dare you give it a try?
Watch our full Say More video to learn more about Elvira, Peterson’s cookbook, and how you’re not getting the most out of a dishwasher unless you’re using it to steam your entree.
Elvira’s Cookbook from Hell is now on sale.
