Happy Halloween!
The Canadians - well those around us - seem to like celebrating Halloween, and from what I have seen on my walks around the neighbourhood, they love adorning their houses and gardens with elaborate displays. I can't remember such a high percentage of houses in England being decorated as they are here - however that was nearly six years ago, so maybe it's become more like the States, and also maybe it's more a city-centre thing. But then neither can I recall seeing signs of ghoul-filled festivities in Munich or Sevilla.
I somehow doubt these days the numerous Jack-o'- lanterns placed on peoples porches, house steps and paths are positioned to frighten spirits as they were apparently originally intended.
Some houses have gone on the traditional, using pumpkins and homemade scarecrow-type phantoms, others have opted for eight-foot tall inflatable ghosts. Some have stuck to traditional ghouls and graveyard themes, but there have been an odd few where the spirit (excuse the pun...!) has been a little more macabre. One of T's colleagues took a photo of three people hanging from a tree by nooses tied around their necks - it looks so lifelike, I will not post the photo on here as it may well give you nightmares!
When we first arrived in Montreal last year, I assumed the vast numbers of bales of straw piled outside the shops for sale were for animals. I was so surprised, as from the quantity of bales there appeared to be quite a large number of farmyard animals housed somewhere in the city...
...turned out they were in fact for people to purchase for Halloween decoration.
I'm afraid we didn't join in with decorations. A bit Halloween-Humbug of us, I know.
We did make a slight nod to the festivities though, in the form of this cake:
A white chocolate 'sheet' draped a dark chocolate mousse which sat in a chocolate sponge base, and enclosed a salted caramel centre.
Give me this over pumpkin any day!
Give me this over pumpkin any day!