Every year, I buy a bag of fun-size Twix in mid-October with the intention of getting ahead of the Halloween candy shopping game, only to find it completely empty well in advance of the holiday. They’ve been my favorite candy since I was a kid, and though many other tastes have changed, this one has been a constant. I’m also just as fond of Pixie Stix as I was when I was a kid, though they’re rarely handed out on Halloween—a missed opportunity.
I reached out to some of St. Louis’ most esteemed culinarians to find out their favorites and was delighted to learn that even their sophisticated palates still crave the simple joy of whimsical sweet treats.
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Tara Gallina, Take Root Hospitality: “Mine is, without a doubt, Reese’s pumpkins.”
Loryn Nalic, Balkan Treat Box and Telva at the Ridge: “Almond Joys. Or Mounds. I am a sucker for chocolate and coconut.”
Matt McGuire, Louie, Wright’s Tavern, Box Hill Grocer: “Well, I’m old, but my favorite Halloween treat was always made by my childhood neighbor Merb. He made popcorn balls bound together with caramel and peanuts, and it was glorious. I’m sure parents wouldn’t let their kids eat them nowadays…handed out by an elderly, widowed German man with a mean Shepherd dog.”
Meggan Sandusky, BEAST Craft BBQ: “David [Sandusky’s] is candy corn, the pumpkin ones, and mine is the same, except mixed with peanuts.”
Jono Lorentzen, The Yale Bar: “Reese’s peanut butter cups!”
SLM dining editor George Mahe: “A Snickers bar has the perfect ratio of nougat, caramel, and peanuts. It’s great at room temperature and arguably better frozen. At Halloween, I stash a bunch of Fun Size bars in different spots in the freezer, foolishly hoping they’ll last longer if I have to hunt for them.”
