Halloween Snackery!

The word Halloween or Hallowe'en dates to about 1745 and is of Christian origin. The word Hallowe'en means "Saints' evening". It comes from a Scottish term for All Hallows' Eve (the evening before All Hallows' Day). In Scottish dialect, the word eve is even, and this is contracted to e'en or een. Over time, (All) Hallow(s) E(v)en evolved into Hallowe'en.

From at least the 16th century, the festival included 'mumming' and 'guising' in Ireland, Scotland, the Isle of Man and Wales. This involved people going house-to-house in costume (or in disguise), usually reciting verses or songs in exchange for food.

The tradition of trick or treating was taken from this of course by early pilgrims in North America, who over the centuries have turned it into what we know it is today. The opportunity to get free candy! I have an American daughter in law and she  absolutely loves Halloween. It is above Thanksgiving and Christmas for her as far as celebrations go! She has great childhood memories of everything that goes with Halloween and I love knowing this now. I didn't grow up with Halloween and so it always puzzled me slightly when as a teenager I lived in the USA and it was such a big deal. Having just returned from Europe, I am amazed at how much Halloween has taken hold over there. All the stores were decorated, there were spooky treats and decorations to buy everywhere. My grandkids cannot wait...parent willing! They are planning their costumes and begging dad to order stuff online for their spooky day.

I have always been a bit of grinch (if that is even a thing for Halloween) until she joined our family and over the years I have realised that it is very much about the fun of a scare, the laughter of children, and no real obligations as far as dinners or family events are concerned! So here are some of my best Halloween-ish recipes for parties, kids treats, whatever! Get spooky this year!