Not the usual Law & Fiction post, but in honor of the approach of Halloween, I’m delighted to share this recipe for fake blood from Al O’Brien, an adjunct professor of Criminal Justice at Seattle University, one of the more surprising articles in the Fall Alumni magazine!

1-1/3 cups water

2 cups powdered milk

1-1/2 ounces red food coloring

25 drops green food coloring

5 drops blue food coloring

Slowly add the water to the powdered milk, stirring constantly to get a blood-like consistency. Adjust the amount of water as necessary. Add food coloring and stir well to blend. The mixture will keep about a week, but the consistency may change over time. Makes about 3 cups.

O’Brien says there are a dozen or more recipes online, using maple syrup, congealed BBQ sauce, peanut butter, soy sauce, chocolate syrup, coffee, and tomato. He credits this recipe to Elizabeth Murray, a forensic anthropologist and professor at the College of Mount St. Joseph, in Cincinnati.

Enjoy — and as always, bleed responsibly.