Halloween Food
Food in its various forms is an essential part of a Halloween party. We buy it, cook it, give it away, carve it, play with it... Halloween is truly a feast! Here are a few examples of how food forms an integral part of Halloween:
Traditional
Many countries have particular traditions and customs concerning Halloween food. In Ireland Halloween used to be a day when no meat was eaten, instead they would eat vegetarian dishes including potatoes and a fruit bread known as barnbrack cake. In England decorated sweet and spicy soul cakes used to be popular. In the US candy corn is eaten extensively.
Candy
If you were to pile up all the candy given out to trick or treaters on Halloween, you'd have... well, a very large pile of candy! And, of course, it's not just the everyday sugary sweets and treats - you can buy all sorts of themed candy designed to be deliciously revolting! Gummi brains, anyone?
Pumpkins
The hollowed out Jack o'Lantern pumpkin head is, of course, an essential element of Halloween. Which leaves an awful lot of pumpkin to be used up. Many recipes take advantage of this, most famously pumpkin pie.
Apples
Apple bobbing is a popular halloween party game. Admittedly not much eating actually goes on, but it's the thought that counts!
Toffee Apples
For those who want a less energetic, more decadent apple then the idea of one covered with syrup, toffee or even chocolate may appeal.
"Decorative" Party Food
Halloween gives the creative cook a great opportunity to come up with weird ideas for gross looking recipes, everything from the liberal use of food colouring to unpleasant effects with runny cheese.
Dumb Supper
For a really atmospheric and spooky meal you might want to try a dumb supper - a meal eaten in total silence, preferrably at midnight.