Food 
A Taste of the Macabre: Exploring Ireland’s Barmbrack
Who knew that the quaint Irish tradition of baking fruitcake could take such a spooky twist during Halloween? Known locally as Barmbrack or simply “brack,” this festive treat isn’t just delicious—it’s a game of fortune-telling that sparks tons of fun at Halloween dinners. Imagine this: each loaf is baked with secret treasures hidden inside, like a ring, a coin, or a snippet of fabric. Each item has a special meaning—finding a ring might hint at an upcoming wedding, and a coin could suggest a prosperous year ahead.
Reminiscing about my time in Dublin, I tried my hand at making Barmbrack. Soaked in aromatic tea and loaded with sweet raisins and sultanas, it’s a real treat! And oh, the look on friends’ faces when they uncover a hidden trinket—it’s just priceless! Want to bring this charm to your Halloween party? Here’s how you whip up a vegan Barmbrack: soak 1 cup (200g) of mixed dried fruits in strong black tea overnight. Next day, stir in 1 cup (130g) of flour, ½ cup (100g) brown sugar, 1 flaxseed egg, and a pinch of cinnamon. Don’t forget to include your wrapped tokens! Bake it at 350°F (175°C) for about an hour. It’s a surefire way to add some mystique to your gathering!
Mexico’s Día de Los Muertos: Festive Pan de Muerto and Sugar Skulls
Set amidst the vibrant colors and profound emotions, Mexico’s Día de los Muertos around Halloween is a heartfelt tribute to loved ones who have passed away. Merging indigenous Aztec rituals with Catholic traditions, it features beautiful altars and delicious treats. Central to this celebration is Pan de Muerto, a soft, sweet bread adorned with bone-shaped pieces, offering a physical reminder of the departed. Often sprinkled with sugar, and sometimes infused with orange blossom water, its unique flavor is as rich as the culture.
Another captivating tradition involves sugar skulls, or calaveras. Made from sugar or chocolate, these ornate creations are as meaningful as they are striking, representing the departed souls with vivacity and respect. My eyes were wide with wonder when I saw these crafted skulls in Oaxaca; their vibrant decorations at local markets were a sight to behold. Whether edible or decorative, these skulls are a powerful symbol of life’s eternal cycle.
Ghoulish Sweets in Japan: The Art of Pumpkin Wagashi
While Halloween isn’t steeped in old traditions in Japan, it’s embraced with a flair for creativity and craftsmanship, especially in the form of wagashi—traditional Japanese sweets. In October, artisans mold these treats into festive shapes like pumpkins, using nerikiri—a bean paste that’s delightfully smooth and moldable. The meticulous artistry involved is truly mesmerizing.
During a workshop in Kyoto, I watched skilled artisans deftly tint and shape this paste into tiny, spooky marvels. The natural ingredients, often merely sweetened bean paste and subtle vegetal colors, offer a stark contrast to the overt sweetness of typical Halloween candies. It’s more than just food; it’s a quiet celebration of Halloween through the serene art of wagashi, marking a delightful intersection of culinary skill and cultural adaptation.
America’s Halloween Craze: The Evolution of Pumpkin Spice and Candy Corn
Nowhere does Halloween quite like America, with its full-on embrace of pumpkin spice everything and the iconic candy corn. From its humble beginnings in pie seasoning, pumpkin spice has skyrocketed, finding its way into coffees, desserts, and even non-edible products, becoming synonymous with the entire season. It’s more than a taste; it’s an aromatic announcement that fall has arrived, with all its cozy and crisp delights.
Then there’s candy corn, that tri-colored confection that dates back to the 1880s. Known initially as “Chicken Feed,” this candy has sparked countless debates—is it the quintessential Halloween treat, or just filler for the candy bowl? These debates became a hilarious highlight at every Halloween party I hosted back in Columbus. Love it or hate it, candy corn remains a hallmark of American Halloween, a symbol of childhood nostalgia and spirited discussions in equal measure.
If you enjoyed this recipe or have suggestions on how we can improve it, please leave us a comment below. Also, make sure to check out other dishes I’ve created or stories I’ve written about food culture – here.
