26 Oct 21

Halloween Treats From Around The World

written by Claire James

Halloween is just round the corner, and whilst some of us may prefer to stay indoors with lights down low, those of us with younger children are just as likely to be getting ready for some Halloween fun, with costume preparations and stocking up on delicious Halloween-themed treats.

Halloween Around The World

Halloween carries a number of monikers around the world. Also known as All Hallows Eve and All Saints’ Eve it is celebrated annually on 31^st October across the world to remember those who have faithfully passed from this world, including Saint and Martyrs.

Over in Mexico, the celebration takes place on the 1st and 2nd November and is known as The Day of the Dead. Rather than a solemn affair, Dia de Muertos, truly is a day of celebration, with friends and family meeting up to remember lost loved ones and retell anecdotes about their dearly departed.

Of course, Halloween rituals and activities will vary from country to country but generally include dressing up in scary costumes, going Trick or Treating, pumpkin carving, apple-bobbing, lighting bonfires, playing pranks and visiting haunted attractions.

So join us as we take a look at some of the most popular Halloween foods and traditions from around the world.

Ireland

Irish festivities for Halloween centre around a Samhain parade which is held every year (with the exception of October 2020 due to Covid-19 restrictions). This year the festival begins on Sunday 31st October and usually ends on the 1st November and marks the beginning of Winter.

Traditionally a pagan celebration, the ancient celts recognised this event by building huge bonfires, and people brought along harvest food to share in a communal dinner.  

Today, the celebrations take on a slightly different approach but Samhain treats such as Barmbrack – a quick bread with added sultanas and raisins – is still enjoyed by many, hoping to find a hidden item inside which may reveal their future fortunes.

Mexico

In Mexico, Pan de Muertos, otherwise known as Day of the Dead Bread is a core product across many bakeries throughout the country.

These sweet, soft rolls are often sprinkled with sugar and are decorated with bone-shaped bread decorations along with a central ‘teardrop’ which many say represents the tears that have been shed for the dead.

Italy

Italians are renowned for their love of food and, as with many cultures, their food is inspired by the seasons. One such baked delicacy in Italy are Ossi Di Morto Cookies.

Literally translated to Bones of the Dead, these cookies are twice baked given them a crunchy but chewy texture similar to biscotti. 

Irregular in shape, these long biscuits resemble bones and are usually served alongside coffee or Hot Chocolate as they’re perfect for dipping.

America

In North America, Halloween is synonymous with Candy Corn. Made using a combination of corn syrup, sugar, fondant, vanilla extract and food colouring, this seasonal treat creates divided opinions throughout America – with just over half of Americans saying they love it, meanwhile the rest can’t stand the taste of it, according to various online reports.

UK

Over this side of the Atlantic Ocean, us Brits just can’t resist another excuse to indulge in Halloween-themed chocolates and sweets, from chocolate spiders to creepy skeletons, the UK confectionery industry is pulling out all the stops to ensure Halloween 2021 is a great success following last year’s Covid restrictions.

Here at The Gourmet Chocolate Pizza Company, our resident zombies (sorry chocolatiers) have been working hard to ensure all of our Halloween-themed treats are as delicious as ever.

Those of you who are holding a Halloween Party this year should take a look at our Halloween-themed Chocolate Pizzas. 

Available in both 7″ and 10″ diameters, these delicious chocolate treats are made with solid Belgian milk chocolate at the base and are topped with a variety of Halloween-themed chocolate shapes and a hand-piped cobweb design.

For a smaller treat, our Halloween Mini Pizzas measure just 4″ in diameter and are pre-molded into six easily snappable pieces making them a great option for added portion control.

Decorated with either or chunky chocolate spider or white chocolate skull with splattered blood effect, these terrifyingly tasty chocolate treats cost just £3.65.

If you’re looking for an extra special spooky gift to send to the grandkids, or your nephews and neices, then our Halloween Bars could be just the thing.

Made with the same Belgian milk chocolate used in our pizzas, these bars are topped with either a white chocolate skeleton and red cocoa butter (blood) splatter, or a mischiveous white chocolate ghost with some red and orange chocolate drops.

Finally, if you’re looking for something to warm up those little fingers following a night of trick or treating, then explore our Hot Chocolate range. 

From magical hot chocolate bombes, with hidden marshmallows inside, through to our decadent hot chocolate sticks, there’s something for everyone at every price point.

However, you choose to celebrate Halloween this year, we’d love to see some images of our Halloween chocolate gifts bringing smiles to you and your little ones – tag us into your photos using the #chocpizzaco and we’ll be sure to give you a wave!

Happy Halloween from all of us at The Gourmet Chocolate Pizza Company xx