“The cookbook is great for Halloween,” Peterson says, “but there are lots of people who live a goth lifestyle year-round.”
Her favorite recipe from the book, the Adraka Kozarole, comes with a quirky backstory. “It’s from my movie Mistress of the Dark,” she explains. “People always wanted to know what the recipe was. It doesn’t have worms in it for real — it’s green beans. It’s kind of the casserole my mom used to make when I was a kid. The best part about it? You crunch the potato chips with your butt. You also use Cheez Whiz, which was a big part of my life growing up.”
In addition to her cookbook, Elvira is haunting fans at the Los Angeles Haunted Hayride & Halloween Festival, a special Elvira-themed experience honoring her spooky legacy.
The Many Faces of Elvira
Over the decades, Elvira’s brand has expanded across film, television, and streaming. Below are eight standout titles that showcase her evolution from campy hostess to enduring Halloween royalty:
| Title | Year |
| Elvira: Mistress of the Dark | 1988 |
| Elvira’s Haunted Hills | 2001 |
| Encounter in the Third Dimension | 1999 |
| Elvira’s Movie Macabre | 1981–1986 |
| Elvira’s Halloween Special | 1986 |
| The Elvira Show (TV Movie) | 1993 |
| Elvira’s Movie Macabre (Revival) | 2010–2012 |
| 13 Nights of Elvira (Hulu) | 2014 |
| Elvira’s 40th Anniversary Very Scary, Very Special, Special | 2021 |
Each appearance cemented Elvira’s place as America’s “Queen of Halloween.” From her early B-movie hosting days to Hulu’s 13 Nights of Elvira, the character’s campy wit and gothic glamour continue to inspire.
Cassandra Peterson — From Hell’s Kitchen to the Page
Beyond the black dress, Cassandra Peterson is also a bestselling author. Her debut memoir, Yours Cruelly, Elvira: Memoirs of the Mistress of the Dark, released in 2021, offers a candid look at her personal and professional life — including her decision to come out at age 70.
