Halloween Around the World: Snacks and Savings

Halloween in the United States is a beloved holiday filled with costumes, candy, and spooky decorations. But did you know that similar traditions of honoring ancestors and celebrating the harvest exist in cultures around the world? This year, take your Halloween celebration to the next level by exploring these international traditions and making some fun, easy, and budget-friendly snacks inspired by them.

1. Mexico: Pan de Muerto (Day of the Dead Bread)

During Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) in Mexico, families honor their deceased loved ones with altars adorned with offerings, including Pan de Muerto. This sweet, brioche-like bread is often decorated with bone shapes.

• Budget-Friendly Tip: Make a simplified version using a basic sweet bread dough recipe and shape it yourself. Look for sales on flour and sugar at Jewel-Osco.

• Recipe: [Link to a budget-friendly Pan de Muerto recipe]

2. Ireland: Barmbrack (Irish Fruit Bread)

In Ireland, Barmbrack is a traditional fruit bread often eaten around Halloween (Samhain). It’s famously baked with a ring or coin inside, and whoever finds it is said to have good fortune.

• Budget-Friendly Tip: Use a basic quick bread recipe and dried mixed fruit. You can often find dried fruit on sale in the baking aisle.

• Ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp mixed spice (cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves)
  • 1 cup mixed dried fruit
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 small, clean coin or ring (optional)

• Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a loaf pan.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and mixed spice. Stir in dried fruit.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk egg and buttermilk. Pour wet ingredients into dry and mix until just combined.
  4. Pour batter into loaf pan. If using, insert the coin/ring into the batter.
  5. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

3. Philippines: Puto (Steamed Rice Cakes)

In the Philippines, All Saints’ Day (Undas) is a significant holiday where families visit cemeteries and offer food. Puto, simple steamed rice cakes, are a common offering and snack.

• Budget-Friendly Tip: Puto uses basic rice flour, which is very affordable. You can often find it in the international aisle of Jewel-Osco or at Asian markets.

• Recipe: [Link to a budget-friendly Puto recipe]

4. Italy: Fave dei Morti (Beans of the Dead)

These traditional Italian almond cookies, often shaped like beans, are eaten around All Souls’ Day (November 2nd) to commemorate the deceased.

• Budget-Friendly Tip: Almond flour can be expensive, but you can make your own by grinding blanched almonds in a food processor. Look for sales on whole almonds.

• Ingredients:

  • 1 cup almond flour
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 egg white
  • 1/4 tsp almond extract
  • Optional: food coloring

• Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a bowl, mix almond flour, powdered sugar, egg white, and almond extract until a dough forms. Add food coloring if desired.
  3. Roll small pieces of dough into bean shapes. Place on baking sheet.
  4. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until lightly golden and firm.

This Halloween, explore these fascinating international traditions and enjoy a delicious and affordable celebration with these unique snacks!