While trick or treating and all of the usual social October festivities may have been cancelled, there are still some ways to spice up the spooky season. As many people turned to cooking and baking to fill their COVID-19 isolation, here are a few tips to carry a newfound passion in the kitchen into Halloween. 

Of course, one common treat for October is pumpkin bread. It is easy to make because most of the ingredients are pantry staples, saving bakers a trip to the store. For a delicious breakfast or dessert bread that will take less than two hours, click here.

Pumpkin patches look a bit different due to COVID-19 regulations but still offer many ideas. One salty snack option is toasted pumpkin seeds. Scoop out the insides of the pumpkin and separate the seeds to bake, topping with sea salt for a savory crunch or cinnamon and sugar for a sweet tooth. This snack, which contains magnesium, is even known to fight depression, which many people need in 2020.  Click here for more information.

Another quick and easy treat is a pumpkin spice latte. It only takes ten minutes to heat the ingredients and whip up this beverage. Many people find this option to be cheaper and more fun than buying a latte at Starbucks or Dunkin’. Click here, for more details.

While DIY options may provide a fun activity, those looking for an excuse to hit a drive-thru and purchase delicious pre-made snacks have options, too. Dunkin’ is now selling Spider Donuts with orange icing and a spider made of donut and icing inside as well as signature pumpkin and apple varieties to celebrate fall. Dairy Queen has brought back its seasonal Pumpkin Blizzard, and Starbucks has many seasonal options including their pumpkin cream cold brew. For those who do not like pumpkin flavored foods, apple cider and hot chocolate are soon coming into season. 

This October will not look traditional for many, but there the flavors of fall will give everyone a chance to have some fun and normalcy in this crazy time.