Stream the Best Halloween Movies and Pair Them with Cocktails

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October 7, 2025

We believe your haunted Halloween gathering should be a fully immersive sensory experience with music, cocktails, mocktails, and treats for all! The vital heartbeat of any spooky soiree is a perfectly curated soundtrack. But, the true magic lies in pairing that vibe with equally thrilling treats and cocktails.

Get ready to ditch the generic party plan as we unveil the ultimate guide to making your night a fright to remember. A handcrafted Halloween playlist with pop, gothic rock, classic horror scores, and so much more gets meticulously matched with themed menu items. We take your “Thriller” and serve it alongside a suitably sinister sip or take your “Time Warp” and give you a sickly sweet treat accompaniment. All you have to do is gather your ingredients and click play on the playlist below!

The Ultimate Halloween Party Playlist and Menu

Monster Mash by Bobby “Boris” Pickett & The Crypt Kickers- Monster Rice Krispy Treats

A set of monster rice krispy treat Halloween dessert cookies with candy eyes and candy corn on them

“(They did the Mash) they did the Monster Mash…” What even is a Monster Mash anyways? Nevertheless, you can create your own monster out of Rice Krispy Treats to match all the wacky descriptions in this song. This one is super fun for the whole family to make so just turn on this track and get to the making!

Ghostbusters by Ray Parker Jr.- Marshmallow Monster Popcorn

Two green bowls with white polka filled with green marshmallow covered popcorn with pretzel sticks and candy eyes.

If there’s one treat that’s an ode to Slimer and the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man combined it’s this Marshmallow Monster Popcorn. Green and gooey, you can form these popcorn balls into whatever shape you like. Then, stick on pretzel sticks and googly eye candies to bring your orbs to life. Now that’s a treat you’ll want to call all your friends and family to try!

Thriller by Michael Jackson- Zombie Cocktail

The zombies in Michael Jackson’s music video for Thriller inspire our Zombie Cocktail. Its fiery orange and red color invites you to sip a potent mix of white rum, spiced rum, orange liqueur, orange juice, lime juice, bitter, and an extra special addition of passion fruit jelly. It’s a little sweet, a little tart, and so scrumptious you might find yourself partying close to midnight.

Somebody’s Watching Me by Rockwell- Halloween Espresso Brownies

A Halloween brownie in a sheet pan drizzled to look like a spider web.

So, theoretically, if you’re going to put yourself in the shoes of the paranoid main character in Rockwell’s famous hit, Somebody’s Watching Me, you’ll probably feel an anxious energy like you’ve had a burst of caffeine. Well, to get that same effect, you can bake up these Halloween Espresso Brownies. Plus, you can decorate the top with any spooky design of your choice.

Vampire by Olivia Rodrigo- Van Helsing Takes Manhattan

All you girlies who have ever had your heart broken! Sing it now, “BLOODSUCKER, FAME-F*CKER, BLEEDING ME DRY LIKE A GODDAMN VAMPIRE.” Alright, now that we’ve gotten that off our chests, Van Helsing Takes Manhattan could destroy any evil ex with a helping of garlic simple syrup. It’s a savory take on a Manhattan that proves garlic’s great for more than just a seasoning.

Time Warp from The Rocky Horror Show– Candied Apples

Something about the Time Warp from The Rocky Horror Show puts everyone in a trance as they follow along to the lyrical dance instructions. Much like this tune, Candied Apples are a staple to the Halloween season. Maybe just this time around we can change “It’s just a jump to the left,” to “Take a bite of your apple.”

Spooky Scary Skeletons by Andrew Gold- Halloween Coffee Cake

A Halloween-themed coffee cake on a black background.

While you don’t need a skull mold to make our Halloween Coffee Cake, it is the best way to decorate your dessert table for the holiday. What would Halloween be without Spooky Scary Skeletons, anyways? Each moist slice of this cake bursts full of cinnamon, brown sugar, and pecans. Once you add your cup of coffee to your plate, you’ll have enough energy to jump around to this catchy song.

Superstition by Stevie Wonder- Rum Buttermilk Butterfinger Cake

Three peices of Rum Buttermilk Butterfinger Cake sit on three separate plates.

As Stevie Wonder sings through his list of superstitions, beat the superstition that Halloween candy doesn’t below in the kitchen. We’re using leftover Butterfingers to top the rum buttercream frosting that takes this from a regular cake to something special. Plus, the cake itself is soaked in rum for a full-bodied flavor profile.

Stabbing in the Dark by Ice Nine Kills- Pickled Pumpkin Heads

A glass jar with Pickled Pumpkin Heads in a dark setting, meat and bones sit off to the left. pickled pumpkin recipe

Really, you can choose any of Ice Nine Kills songs to go on your Halloween playlist. This hard-rock band bases many of their songs off of horror movies. Their song Stabbing in the Dark tells the story of Halloween through Michael Myers’ eyes. To go along with this ghastly tale, we’re pickling pumpkin heads as an edible decoration.

Tubular Bells from The Exorcist– The Green Beast

While you may not know the name of the theme from The Exorcist, we’re sure after the first few notes your fight or flight sense kicks into gear. The one image that really sticks in our mind from this movie is Regan’s memorable puking scene. Never before has vomit been so green, practically as green as our Green Beast cocktail. This low calorie (but strong) cocktail uses Hendricks, Cointreau, Genepy, thyme syrup, cucumber juice, lime juice, a topping of tonic, and a spray of absinthe.

This is Halloween from The Nightmare Before Christmas– Rum Pecan Candy Corn Blondies

Three green plates with slices of Candy Corn Blondies on top.

Since the creepy folks of Halloweentown from The Nightmare Before Christmas care most particularly about Halloween candy, it only seems appropriate to make candy corn the star. We think Jack Skellington would be quite proud of these Rum Pecan candy Corn Blondies. They’re subtlety sweet with a hint of spice from the rum as well as the nuttiness of pecans.

The Phantom Of the Opera– Earl of Darkness Chocolate Tart

Layers of Earl Grey caramel filling and rich chocolate ganache nested into a cocoa crust make up this delectable chocolate tart. On a black background sits the chocolate tart with a single triangle slice cut out.

“The Phantom Of the Opera is there, inside your mind.” Much like the haunting thoughts that cross Christine’s mind of The Phantom, this Earl of Darkness Chocolate Tart never leaves ours. Its deep, rich, chocolatey ganache meets a creamy caramel and crispy cocoa crust. A sprinkle of sea salt on top meshes all these layers into one, dreamy bite.

Psycho Killer by Talking Heads- Bloody Beet Red Mocktail

You better not “Run, run, run, run, run, run, run away” from this Bloody Beet Red Mocktail! A Psycho Killer would go crazy for this mocktail that drips a deep red color thanks to the use of beet juice. When you add in blood orange juice, lime juice, and agave, you form layers of flavors that tone down the sweetness of beets and allow every element to shine.

Season of the Witch by Donovan (or Lana Del Rey)- The Witch’s Brew

Our Witch’s Brew cocktail is an honor to witches everywhere with its lime green hue and addictive flavor. Its simple mix of ingredients utilizes Midori, vodka, Cointreau, and lime juice. A bit of dry ice expels a spooky smoke that turns your cocktail glass into a cauldron. The second you see this cocktail coming your way you’ll know it’s time for the Season of the Witch.

Heads Will Roll by Yeah Yeah Yeahs- Halloween Candy Bark

Halloween Candy Bark in various colors with halloween cnady baked in on top.

For a song as fun and hype as Heads Will Roll, our Halloween Candy Bark only makes things better. Let yourself get creative and feel what the music makes you do as you build your own bark from scratch. Feel free to add in whatever candies you prefer. Or, combine all the candies your friends like the most. This way, you keep from losing your head for forgetting someone’s favorite candy.

Story by Kylie Thomas

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25+ Apple Recipes to Embrace the Fall Season

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October 5, 2025

If you’re searching for the best apple recipes to embrace the autumn season over pumpkin patches, you’ve come to the right place. From sweet dessert classics and cozy breakfast treats to unexpected savory dinner ideas, fresh apples add incredible flavor, texture, and natural sweetness to almost any dish. Whether you’re grabbing a bushel from your local farmers’ market or spending a weekend afternoon apple picking at local orchards, fresh-picked fruit makes all the difference in your seasonal kitchen.

The key to great fall cooking is utilizing different apple varieties for their unique profiles—tart Granny Smiths hold up brilliantly in a warm Apple Tarte Tatin, while sweet, juicy varieties add crisp contrast to savory dishes like Cider-Glazed Pork Loin with Roasted Apples and Potatoes. If you’re hosting an autumn gathering, these savory bites pair perfectly alongside a glass of fall cocktails and zero-proof drinks or warm cider.

Whether you need quick weeknight dinner ideas, festive holiday side dishes, or creative ways to use up a bushel from your local farm stand, explore our favorite sweet and savory apple recipes below to bring the best flavors of the season straight to your kitchen table.

The Best Apple Recipes For Fall

Savory Braised Apples

eight braised apples sit in a cast iron pan. braised apples recipe

When it comes to apples, we tend to lean in the direction of desserts. But don’t forget the versatility of this delicious fruit when it comes to savory dishes. Instead of using them simply as a complementary ingredient, let them take center stage in this savory take on a baked apple. Sweet apples paired with tangy balsamic and dry white wine blend together for a flavor unlike any apple recipe you’ve had. They’re a perfect side dish for ham or pork tenderloin.

Apple Crumble

This classic Apple Crumble dessert is perfect for embracing fall. With its sweet, gooey filling and crunchy topping, it’s a comforting and satisfying treat. Plus, this easy recipe uses simple ingredients so you can get baking with kids on the weekend.

Candied Apples

A fall essential, we think candied apples should be dessert for the entire fall season, not just for Halloween. If you haven’t had one in a while, you’ll be surprised at the smile they put on everyone’s face. These candied apples are easy to make and fun for the whole family. You can even customize the color of the candy to fit any occasion.

Vegan Apple Cider Muffins

These Vegan Apple Cider Muffins are a great way to satisfy your breakfast sweet tooth. Packed with chunky apples and warm cinnamon spice, they’re soft, fluffy, and completely oil-free. Enjoy them fresh from the oven with a topping of homemade cinnamon streusel for an extra indulgent touch.

Apple Butter BBQ Sauce

This oh-so-flavorful condiment can be stored in a sealed jar for up to a month and can be used for many different recipes. Just pop a tray of shrimp skewers under the broiler, or perhaps swordfish steaks, or chicken thighs, and finish with a generous slathering of Apple Butter BBQ Sauce. It’s also a lovely addition to a lunchtime ham sandwich or to use as a dip for crunchy corn chips at snack time.

Dutch Apple Pie with a Twist

A slice of Dutch Apple Pie sits on a white plate. Dutch Apple Pie recipe

Indulge in the comforting flavors of fall with this Dutch Apple Pie. A twist on the classic, this recipe features a creamy and tangy apple filling, thanks to the addition of sour cream and fresh ginger. The traditional pie crust is replaced with a buttery crumble topping, adding extra sweetness and a delightful crunch.

Turkey and Granny Smith Apple Sandwich

Speaking of lunchtime sandwiches, apples can add the perfect crunch to your meal, and we don’t mean as a side. Topping a classic sandwich with apples is a great way to introduce kids to the creativity of cooking. It seems simple, but you gotta start somewhere.

Savory Stuffed Apples with Apple Cider Reduction

Savory Stuffed Apples served in small plates with four forks on the side

Looking for a festive and allergy-friendly side dish? This Savory Stuffed Apples recipe is a tasty addition to your holiday dinner or a delightful standalone vegetarian meal. Packed with traditional Thanksgiving flavors like turkey, wild rice, and fresh herbs, this whimsical dish is sure to impress your guests.

Apple Bourbon Quinoa Cake

Quinoa is a great way to reinvent your classic cake recipe. It gives the cake a super-moist texture and compliments the apple-bourbon flavors. This recipe is a healthier alternative to other apple cakes but still packs the same great taste.

Apple and Rutabaga Salad with Date Vinaigrette

Two yellow bowls hold an an Apple and Rutabaga Salad with a Date Vinaigrette in a small dressing bowl to the top right and forks in the bottom left corner.

This Apple and Rutabaga Salad is going to be your go-to fall lunch recipe. The combination of sweet and tart apples complements the earthy flavor of raw rutabaga, while a tangy Date Vinaigrette adds another depth to this salad.

Caramel Apple Rice Pudding

Is there a fire in the fireplace? Did someone offer a tiny nightcap of brandy? Did the chef of the house mention dessert? If the answer to at least two of these questions is yes, consider this delicious hybrid of baked apple, caramel, and rice pudding. Perfect for fall, the hour-long simmering of the rice pudding pays off big time in this mouthwatering finale to a grand autumn meal.

Traditional Apple Pie

It wouldn’t be an apple recipe list without a Traditional Apple Pie. This classic recipe is easy to make at home and perfect for a cozy Sunday afternoon. Nothing beats the warm aroma of fresh-baked apples from your local farmer’s market and strong cinnamon filling your home.

Cider-Glazed Pork Loin with Roasted Apples and Potatoes

With temperatures cooling off, it’s time to break out your favorite slow-cook recipes. A simple glaze makes this Cider-Glazed Pork Loin recipe a perfect weeknight dinner or special Sunday meal. Wow your Halloween guests with decadent, fall-apart pork loin and sugary-sweet apple cider.

Braised Red Cabbage with Apples

Dig into a healthy and delicious plant-based side dish. his recipe from TABLE’s Italy contributor, Sara Ghedina, is inspired by the culinary traditions of Europe and the fresh flavors of California. Perfect for lightening up a meat-centered meal or enjoying as a standalone dish, this recipe is sure to satisfy your taste buds.

Easy Hot Honey Apple Galette

A simple galette recipe means you can relax and let the delicious ingredients do the work for you. The hot honey here perfectly matches the sweetness of the apple.

Apple Cinnamon Spice Granola

Start your day off with a dose of apple and cinnamon that wakes you up. Make this mix at home and keep it handy for those days whenever making a big breakfast just feels impossible.

Apple Cinnamon Hot Toddy

If you’re dealing with a terrible fall or winter cold then this Apple Cinnamon Hot Toddy is here to soothe your sore throat. It’s warm, full of your favorite spices, and flavors bourbon with a swirl of honey.

Bourbon Apple Smash

If you prefer something on the cooler side then this Bourbon Apple Smash is the refreshing sip you crave. The citrus of lemon cuts through apples and honey to bring out the bourbon in this cocktail.

Martha Stewart-Inspired Apple Crostata with Cheddar Cheese Crust

On a dark plate sits an Apple Crostada inspired by Martha Stewart which is made with a cheddar cheese crust. One slice has been cut out and sits on another plate with a scoop of ice cream on top.

Apples and cheese are two ingredients you would not expect to go together but secretly create utter harmony. The sweetness of the apples balances out the sharpness of cheddar cheese in this homemade crostata crust, all inspired by Martha Stewart.

Apple Crisp

You can’t go throughout fall without tasting the crunch of Apple Crisp. This traditional dessert covers fresh apples with a crispy edge that’s sweet, nutty, and delicious.

Apple Cider Pumpkin Bread

Rather than drinking your apple cider this season, enjoy it in a pumpkin bread instead. This recipe uses fresh apple cider from your local farm along with pumpkin puree and dried cranberries. Plus, it includes a sweet, crumbly apple crust on top.

Apple, Pancetta and Shiso ‘Za’atar’ Recipe

A salad drizzled with homemade za'atar and pancetta with bitter apples.

Cookbook author Mark Diacono reinvents this classic Middle Eastern spice blend using fresh shiso leaves, pairing its herbal cumin-and-mint notes with tart apples. Seared Little Gem lettuce adds a hint of smoke to balance salty pancetta and bright sumac, while a warm dressing built right in the pan ties it all together.

Salad with Apple Bourbon Dressing

A salad with lettuce, radishes, edible flowers, and an apple bourbon dressing all in a black bowl on a dark blue table.

Inspired by Chef Michaela Hayes’ time at NYC’s Tabla, this salad proves that a simple dressing can elevate greens into something extraordinary. Rich apple cider, bourbon, maple syrup, and fresh ginger are simmered down into a reduction before being whisked with cider vinegar and warm spices, and then tossed over lettuces, radishes, and edible flowers.

Apple Tarte Tatin with Homemade Puff Pastry

Nothing says French bistro comfort quite like a classic tarte Tatin. Apples are slow-caramelized in butter and sugar until golden, then baked beneath a flaky layer of homemade puff pastry. This decadent upside-down dessert lets the sweet, buttery apple juices soak straight into the crisp pastry crust for the ultimate autumn treat.

Caramel Apple Cheesecake

If you can’t decide between apple pie and a classic New York-style cheesecake, this hybrid offers the best of both worlds. A rich cheesecake base is piled high on an apple spice graham cracker crust with sautéed apples over top and finished with a drizzle of warm caramel. Use it as a crowd-pleasing dessert at your next gathering.

Apple and Mustard Braised Pork

Apple mustard braised pork staged with bowls of Shenot's mustard.

Crisp autumn air calls for slow-simmered comfort dinners, and this dish delivers on every front. Cuts of pork are braised until fall-apart tender in a savory broth infused with tart apples and whole-grain mustard. It’s a dish that’s just begging to be served over creamy mashed potatoes or warm polenta.

Rhubarb, Apple, and Walnut Coffee Cake

A loaf of coffee cake with rhubarb, apple, and walnut lays sliced on a green picnic table.

Make your coffee break the best part of your day with a slice of this fruit-packed, streusel-topped coffee cake. Rhubarb and juicy apples bake right into a spiced batter, finished with a nutty walnut crumble. Easy to make and impossible to resist, serve it alongside a mug of coffee with a smear of butter and a drizzle of honey overtop.

Apple Pudding Cake

Don’t you love a dessert that makes it’s own decadent sauce just by baking in the oven? As this cake bakes, butterscotch-esc sauce forms beneath a fluffy sponge crust full of juicy apples. Scoop a deep serving onto a plate fresh out of the oven then top it with a homemade caramel sauce and vanilla ice cream for a dessert that’s rustic, nostalgic, and deeply satisfying.

Apple Pie Pop Tarts

We’re taking you back to your school days with a childhood favorite that’s so much better when it’s made by hand. A crispy pie crust dough is tucked around a warm, cinnamon-spiced apple filling to create that iconic shape. Topped with a sweet maple glaze or a pinch of coarse sugar, they’re a portable breakfast or snack that brings a harvest pie straight to your hand.

About the Author

Kylie Thomas is TABLE Magazine’s Online Editor, covering Pittsburgh food, drink, and going out, including the Things to Do in Pittsburgh column. A Point Park University graduate, her work has also appeared on The Takeout, QBurgh, and Empire Extreme. She also runs the photography business Photos by Ky.

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Smells Like Chocolate in Zaandijk

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staff-author

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October 4, 2025

lady looking out blue chocolate shop doors

Just north of Amsterdam, near the Zaan River in Zaandijk, a bustling cacao industry took root in the first half of the 19th century. The windmills in Zaandijk were used to grind the cacao beans.

Zaandijk’s Rich Cacao Legacy

A large amount of the world’s cacao beans is still processed in this region. Amsterdam is the worlds’ biggest transshipment port for cacao beans. Zaandijk attracts visitors from around the globe. Everyone always remarks about the aroma of chocolate in the air.

That’s why ‘Smells Like Chocolate’ is the name of Ingmar and Kinito’s shop. Here you can find craft chocolates from specialty producers from around the world. They recently visited cacao plantations in Kinito’s native country of Angola, and made chocolate with cocoa beans of Cabinda, which have
a unique and delicious flavor.

A Sweet Taste of Angola

Their goal is to bring this unknown cacao origin to the market. They would like to share some of their recipes and would love to welcome you at Smells Like Chocolate!

Ingmar and Kinito are passionate not just about flavor, but about fairness. They work directly with smallholder farmers in Angola, ensuring ethical sourcing and better pay for growers.

By highlighting Cabinda cacao, they hope to empower local communities and introduce a new terroir to chocolate lovers. At Smells Like Chocolate, every bar tells a story—from the tropical soil of Angola to the historic mills of Zaandijk.

Story, Production and Prop Styling by Marian Flint
Photography by Maarten Van Der Wal
Recipes and Food Styling by Ingmar Niezen

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Fun Frights for All Ages at Kennywood’s Phantom Fall Fest

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October 4, 2025

A group of park goers at Kennywood walk through thick fog in front of a roller coaster.

Over in West Mifflin, the presence of the Phantom takes over Kennywood, turning this amusement park into a Halloween utopia. Kennywood’s Phantom Fall Fest is not just your average haunted attraction. Instead, it keeps the Kennywood family-fun spirit while also introducing frights for those who enjoy more than just the rollercoaster thrills. Starting at 6 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays through October, the ghouls come out to play in haunted houses and scare zones that will leave your skin crawling. (During the less ghoulish daylight hours on Saturdays and Sundays, you can explore Kennywood with most rides open and fall decorations throughout the park.)

A group of people pose in a pumpkin prop.

Back Left to Right: Sara Waldman and Toni Grazioli
Front Left to Right: Grant Jones, Alia Rivers, and Matt Ciccarello

Kennywood’s Phantom Fall Fest

We took a group of five friends out on a trip to Kennywood’s Phantom Fall Fest to explore all the jump scares, deliciously creepy eats, and Halloween-themed fun. With comfy outfits for the warm weather fall day, the group ventures through the foggy tunnels that open up into a world of spooky costumes and autumn colors that make Kennywood somehow seem a little brighter than usual, despite the eerie setting.

The outside of Detached haunted house with a marquise sign.

Outside of a puppet shop window with one looking out.

Our first stop took us to Kennywood’s newest and most popular haunt, Detached. This house puts you into the workshop of The Puppet Master, who has chosen you to contribute to his ever-growing factory of doll parts. What starts off as an introduction to a simple puppet shop quickly turns into a winding, darkly lit venture through various rooms full of haunted dolls with a vengeance. Whether it’s a dark alley, various cages full of doll parts, a butcher shop, empty theater, or storage room, you never know what waits around each corner.

A man in a creepy mask directs a group through.

This group had particular fun in responding to the haunt actors. A creepy marionette doll dragging a knife alongside a wall speaks out to group member Sara, “You would be perfect for him.” They quickly respond, “No thank you!” and grab on to another friends’ hand to take off down the hall. The personal interaction makes the experience all that more scary and exciting.

“The scare actors interact with you in a way that makes the walk your own personal horror, not an attraction that you’re just merely passing by,” says Grant Jones.

A group of people walk along cage doors.

Two people walking through a smokey entry way.

Creepily Good Eat

By the time we all ran out the doors into the setting sunlight, our beating hearts had worked up an appetite. What better way is there to celebrate the Halloween season than with a spooky treat or two? While there are an endless number of food specials (and drink specials) to try around the lake and throughout the park, two menu items caught these friends’ eyes.

Two people eat black and orange ice cream cones.

Scary Ice SCREAM is the perfect way to cool down on those oddly hot “second summer” October days. Pagoda Creamery right by Kiddyland serves up these ice cream cones that come in either a black vanilla waffle cone or an orange creamsicle waffle cone with festive sprinkles on top. You can make a chocolate-orange combination by getting chocolate soft serve or you can go classic vanilla to make it a true creamsicle. Plus, the black waffle cone reminds us of Beetlejuice with the purple and green sprinkles on top. This was an overall favorite of our group with Alia calling it out as her favorite part next to riding the Phantom’s Revenge.

A person pulls off a piece of funnel cake.

Two men share a funnel cake in front of the Arrow 360 ride.

Another take on a classic amusement park treat, the Gummy Graveyard Funnel Cake is like the dirt dessert cups you would have as a kid but on top of a funnel cake. Chocolate syrup, crushed Oreos, and gummy worms adorn a freshly fried funnel cake with plenty of powdered sugar on top. This one is perfect for splitting with a group of friends or little ones in the family.

Scare Zones

After filling their stomaches, the group decided to take a walk through the Fear Fest carnival scare zone while their food settled. A few steps away from the Detached haunted house and carousel areas, a large over stretching sign invites guests to walk into a world full of clowns. But, unlike your usual circus clowns, these ones are a bit… quirky. Warning, do not walk into this area if you have a fear of clowns because trust us, you will get a horn honked in your face. Which is all a part of the fun!

A group of people walking through a Fear Fest clown sign.

A person in a clown mask beside a smiling man.

From dancing with one of the decaying clowns to having a horn-slinging showdown with another, our group made friendships that will last a lifetime (or an after-lifetime). We even returned to this scare zone on our way out of the park later in the night and both of the clowns from earlier immediately recognized our group and came running over to us. To be seen by a creepy clown is to be loved.

A man looks over at a clown costume man.

Enjoy the Classic Kennywood Experience with a Twist

Besides the frightening parts of the park, there are many regular walking zones and rides open for guests to take advantage of before the season ends. It only felt appropriate we honor the Phantom with a ride on the Phantom’s Revenge rollercoaster. There’s nothing quite like arching over the top of that first drop and seeing the tiny park and all of Pittsburgh below.

Plus, we had to try our hand at Ghostwood Estate an interactive, ghost blasting cart ride. Just for the record, Matt and Grant were the winners of Ghostwood Estate, a title they both wore proudly for the rest of the night.

Four people in a purple rollercoaster car.

We even took the group on The Exterminator two times to experience their in-the-dark exclusive. This takes the already exhilarating underground rollercoaster and turns off all the lights so you cannot see a thing. It truly took the ride to a new level beyond anything this group had tried before. Toni notes, “The rides were amazing as always. I’m so glad we rode the exterminator twice, too.”

Needless to say, for a group of 20-something-year-olds, Kennywood’s Phantom Fall Fest is the perfect way to celebrate spooky season. But, genuinely, every part of the fall fest works for any age group. Grandparents will love to see the fall decor. Parents will enjoy the haunted houses. Kiddos will love the fun costumes and new attractions. There really is something for everyone whether you come to the family-friendly session during the day or wait for the creatures of Kennywood Park to take over.

Story and Photography by Kylie Thomas
Special Thanks to Taylor Bulischeck at Kennywood as well as Sara Waldman, Grant Jones, Alia Rivers, Matt Ciccarello, and Toni Grazioli

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Spiced Caramel Pear Crostata

By

staff-author

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October 3, 2025

A pear crostata with maple syrup sitting on a pattern plate.

Crostata can be traced back to 1465, in the Italian book Libro de Arte Coquinaria (The Art of Cooking). I like looking back to traditional recipes. The can reveal sometimes overlooked facets of a dish’s original intentions and help today’s chefs shape new cuisines. Historical recipes are used by a lot of restaurants to create modern twists on classic dishes.

A traditional crostata is a freeform tart, but you can easily shape it just like a regular pie. The filling is traditionally a jam or ricotta-based, and the dough contains eggs and baking powder, but you can follow the same shaping steps as pie dough.

Make the Pear Butter, Caramel Sauce, and then the Crostata Crust, all according to the recipes below. Then assemble the crostata and pop it in the oven. You’ll be glad you did.

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Pear Butter

Author: Selina Progar

Description

A sweet and creamy pear butter for desserts or bread.

Ingredients

Scale

6 pears
4 tbsp (1/2 stick) butter
3 cinnamon sticks
10 whole cloves
¼ tsp ground ginger
¼ tsp nutmeg
½ cup brown sugar, and as needed to edit sweetness

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Chop pears with core and skins.
Place all ingredients in a large nonstick pan with a lid, and cook for 1 hour, or so, until the pears are soft and glossy. Stir occasionally.
Remove cinnamon sticks. Blend using the emersion blender, blender, or food processor. Adjust sweetness.
Place back on stovetop and continue to cook until desired thickness is reached. You should be able to run your spatula through the butter and leave a path.
Stir occasionally and cool.
Strain to remove skins and cool on ice bath.

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Caramel Sauce

Author: Selina Progar

Description

An easy caramel sauce to make from scratch.

Ingredients

Scale

½ qt heavy cream
1 cup sugar
¼ cup water
¾ cup corn syrup
1 tbsp butter
1 pinch salt

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Instructions

Bring heavy cream to a boil in a separate pot. Reserve and keep warm.
Place sugar pot with water and stir until there are not dry spots of sugar, and then add the corn syrup.
Take a pastry brush dipped in water and clean the sides of the pot so no sugar is on the side. Cook over medium heat.
Cook until the sugar begins to brown. Slightly stir the sugar with a whisk so it evenly caramelizes.
Cook until it reaches a dark golden amber hazel color. Add butter and salt, and stir until melted.
Slowly add the hot cream in increments and whisk until fully incorporated. Cook on medium heat for roughly 5 minutes whisking often.
Cool on an ice bath or in the fridge.

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Crostata Dough and Assembling

Author: Selina Progar

Description

A pie or costata dough and how to make your Spiced Caramel Pear Crostada.

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup sugar
1 ¼ cup butter
2 eggs
3 ½ cups AP flour
2 tsp baking powder

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Instructions

In a mixer fit with a paddle attachment, cream the sugar and butter.
Add the eggs one at a time until incorporated.
Add the flour, and baking powder. And mix just until incorporated.
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate until cool.
Place the crostata dough in the pie pan as per instructions above.
Place a small amount of the caramel sauce on the bottom, top with the pear butter.
Align a lattice on the top, and bake at 350 degrees until the dough is golden brown.

Story by Selina Progar
Photography and Styling by BurkleHagen

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Pittsburgh Halloween Bars to Eat, Drink, and Be Spooky

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October 3, 2025

A Jack Skellington doll holds a cocktail in his hand at a Halloween bar. — Photo by Mixtape

Time to explore the joys of a grown-up Halloween at bars: Eerie cocktails, holiday playlists, and perhaps even dressing up for a chance to win a prize. Where do we go to do all of the above? Pittsburgh has a graveyard full of Halloween-themed bars open for the whole month of October to light up your heart with a pumpkin-colored glow.

Pittsburgh Halloween Bars and Pop-Ups

Jekyl and Hyde Bar

South Side

Here, it’s spooky season year-round! You’ll find Halloween decor all over the place and haunted-themed drinks to match. The bar features different events throughout the week and is best known for its karaoke nights.

The House of Burton 3

Garfield

For lovers of everything Tim Burton, this pop-up is for you. This pop-up features props and character manniquinns from movies like The Nightmare Before Christmas, Alice in Wonderland, Batman, and Beetlejuice along with plenty of fun patterns neon paint. It’s the perfect photo opportunity, especially whenever you come in costume. Plus, the ticket to get in includes a free Burton-themed drink and interactive chances to win prizes with character hosts like Beetlejuice and Wednesday.

The Witching Hour

Strip District

When Fridays and Saturdays come around at Wigle Whiskey, the Monster Mash Pop-Up Bar takes over the bar floor. As you head into the spooky atmosphere, grab a specialty cocktail at the bar like the Glow Juice, Plasma Transfer, or Anesthetic Shots. Then, take a seat among the haunting tunes and eerie lightning to enjoy your refreshments.

Harold’s Haunt

Millvale

This ghostly bar is a safe space for the LGBTQIA+ community to get their haunt on. It’s open to people of any orientation and carries creepy-themed cocktails and shots along with gummy candy available for purchase. The bar celebrates ghouls all year long and even features sober nights and non-alcoholic beverages each day.

Cocktails From The Crypt

130 Seventh Street

Cocktails From The Crypt makes sure every sip you take is a spooky one. Try their Vampire Ballerina cocktail with disappearing cotton candy and vampire fangs on top. Or, you can even try a blood bag that hangs by your table to bring you back to life after a long night out on the town.

Bob’s Garage

1372 Freeport Road

Even though this bar hones in on the Christmas spirit most times of year, Halloween leads this bar to turn into some fall-winter hybrid. To switch things up you’ll find purple and orange lights draped everywhere, photos of famous horror characters, and a brand new cocktail menu. Order up a Liquid Web Martini, a Espolon Crawler, and Bob’s Butterbeer.

Haunted Speakeasy

Omni William Penn Hotel

Waiting for you in the depths of the Omni William Penn Hotel basement sits the Haunted Speakeasy. Plenty of spider webs as well as creepy chandeliers and decor to set the atmosphere. Costumers are encouraged as you sit with your table of ghouls and sip on classic cocktail variations that bring a bit of the spooky season into the speakeasy.

Pittsburgh Brewing Company’s Taproom Halloween Party

October 25 only at Pittsburgh Brewing Company

One night only, the only fear here is fear of missing out! Pittsburgh Brewing Company is turning their taproom into the city’s most festive gathering with a live DJ and all their autumn brews. Come in your best costume for a chance to win prizes and bring your own food along to pair with whatever beverage you choose. No tickets are required so as long as you’re 21 or older you can step into the eerie taproom.

Story by Kylie Thomas

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Where to Buy Local Halloween Candy in Pittsburgh

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October 3, 2025

Various Halloween character shaped chocolates, small candies, chocolate covered pretzels, and a cut-in-half chocolate apple sit on a dark brown background.

When jack o’ lanterns light the streets and spooky decor hangs about, cravings for chocolate and Halloween candy are at an all time high. The sweet sugar rush of this haunting holiday is one its best features. But, you don’t have to run to Walmart to buy a bag of cheap candy that tastes like plastic and no one enjoys. Instead, invest in high-quality chocolates from Sarris Candies and decadent specialty apples from Candyapple & Co., and plenty of other candy shop treats to gift yourself or your friends and family treats worth indulging in this year.

Where to Buy Local Halloween Candy in Pittsburgh

Sarris Candies

You can’t have Halloween without a trip to Sarris Candies. This local chocolatier in Canonsburg always brings fun shapes and interactive treats to their seasonal menu. This year, pick up character shaped chocolates like haunted houses, ghosts, cats, and even jack o’ lantern chocolate pops. They’re great for giving out to your kids, grandkids, or even friends. The store also carries small foil wrapped chocolate balls in bright orange and green colors with pumpkin and cat designs on them. Hand these small treats out on Halloween night to trick or treaters. Or, order a bucket full of chocolate covered pretzels to indulge in a little late night treat all month long.

But, if you want to go all out this holiday, you need to purchase their Halloween Bashcake. These table-top chocolate pinatas are decorated in black and orange colors in the shape of a cupcake. With the included wooden hammer, hit open the pinata to reveal the chocolate covered pretzel goodies inside.

Tabbara Chocolates

The finely crafted bonbons at Tabbara are based on generations of family recipes. Their Halloween assortment sports ghosts, spiders, and other spooky motifs. The ghosts are Tabbara’s version of smores, made with vegan marshmallow, chocolate ganache, and speculoos cookie base. Spiders are filled with salted caramel milk chocolate ganache. Perfectly round purple chocolates mimic peanut butter and raspberry jelly while the green ones form a tangy matcha filling with mango/passion fruit jelly and matcha ganache.

The assortment comes in a lovely Tabbara box tied with a ribbon, which makes it a perfect, thoughtful gift for a Halloween-loving grown up with a gourmet sweet tooth.

But, if you’re not as much a fan of traditional bonbons, then you may want to try their Spooky Bag. This contains three zombie crunchy bonbons and three skeleton crunchy bonbons that are perfect for giving out on Halloween.

Candyapple & Co.

What’s fall without a caramel apple? This Ohio-based company ships out their specialty apples to stores in Ohio and Southwestern PA. We picked out our perfectly coated and festive apple at Giant Eagle Market District in Fox Chapel, but you can find a whole list of stores with availability on their website. The best part about Candyapple & Co. candy and chocolate coated apples is their variety. They even carry over 300 specialty flavors. Try types like Cookies and Cream, Blue Moon, Buckeye, Dark Chocolate Cranberry, and so many more.

While you’ll find more traditional varieties in stores, you can shop on their website to view all their flavors and have them shipped right to your home.

Grandpa Joe’s

Looking for where you can grab a bulk bag of candy to hand out on Halloween? Ensure no Trick-or-Treater goes without candy this year with a trip to Grandpa Joe’s. Over 100 different types of bulk candies from modern favorites like Warheads to nostalgic kinds like Bit O’ Honey and Dum Dum Lollipops, line the upstairs of their Strip District location. Not to mention, you can always order your candy online and have it shipped to you to make Halloween-time a breeze.

Rosalind Candy Castle

Over in New Brighton sits the magical Rosalind Candy Castle, in literally a castle storefront. This wonderland stocks their shelves with plenty of Halloween treats all from their homemade chocolate. Their Halloween chocolate covered Oreos with frosted monster eyes on them. Or you can grab a chocolate pop in vampire fangs, skeletons, ghosts, witches, pumpkins, and maple leaves. Or, as a special fall treat you can indulge in their Handmade Old-Fashioned Recipe Peanut Brittle.

Pollak’s Candies

If you’re a lover of autumn and all its flavors then you need to head to Pollak’s Candies. Not only do they have spooky-themed treats like Nutter Butter Mummy Pops or Witch Hat Chocolate Oreos. But, you can also dive into chocolates and candies with unique flavors. Try Apple Pie Bark, Gummi Pumpkins, Butter Toffee Popcorn, Pumpkin Spice Delights, Pumpkin Pie Fudge, Autumn Swirl Bark, Fall Assortments, and so much more!

Story by Kylie Thomas
Styling by Anna Franklin
Photography by Dave Bryce

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Yasmine El Meleegy Brings ‘Red Gold’ to the Mattress Factory

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October 3, 2025

A garden greenhouse with salt slab sculptures inside.

At the Mattress Factory, Pittsburgh audiences are encountering salt in a new way: not as seasoning, but as sculpture. In Red Gold, Cairo-based artist Yasmine El Meleegy transforms this household mineral into an entry point for thinking about food, labor, and the fragile economies that sustain everyday life.

Various salt squares with patterns carved into them.

Red Gold by Yasmine El Meleegy Exhibits at the Mattress Factory

For her first U.S. solo exhibition, El Meleegy draws inspiration from the tomato fields of Egypt’s Nile Valley. There, in the hot summer sun, rows of freshly picked Roma tomatoes are laid out to dry. In just two weeks, their value multiplies twentyfold, transformed into the global commodity marketed as “sun-dried tomatoes.” This industry, once seeded with foreign aid money, has become both a lifeline and a pressure point for Egypt’s agricultural sector. The tomatoes themselves may appear simple—even humble—but behind them lie stories of monocropping, export markets, as well as the shifting balance between tradition and globalization. El Meleegy brings these complexities into the gallery through an installation that is both inviting and quietly unsettling.

Red gold rocks on top of salt sculpture squares.

Inside a greenhouse structure, she has lined the floor with fragile white tiles made from a mixture of salt, cornstarch, and water. Each tile is cast with imagery tied to the tomato economy: the crop itself, the insects that threaten its growth, the knives used to harvest it, even the toxic nightshade plants related to it. The structure takes shape as an archive of symbols, each one echoing the tension between sustenance and precarity.

At the threshold, visitors encounter a bag of vacuum-sealed tomatoes: not the real thing, but hand-painted replicas suspended in resin. The gesture is humorous and haunting, mimicking the familiar supermarket packaging that erases the labor and land from which these foods originate. The installation arrives at a moment when conversations around food systems are becoming more urgent, both in Egypt and in the U.S. In Pittsburgh, a city with its own
histories of industrial labor and agricultural decline, Red Gold resonates as a meditation on globalization’s costs.

A display of salt sculptures in patterns.

Red Gold Comes at a Time Pittsburgh Needs it Most

Who benefits from these markets? Who bears the burden? And what happens when a once-profitable export, dependent on specific climate and economic conditions, no longer fits the calculus of global trade? El Meleegy’s research for the project took her to Luxor and nearby farming regions, where she spoke with workers about the promises and pitfalls of the sun-dried tomato trade. The artist’s fieldwork grounds the installation in lived experience, allowing the work to push beyond the aestheticization of agricultural labor and actually confront its contradictions.

A garden greenhouse over an art exhibit in the Mattress Factory.

Alongside the installation, the Mattress Factory is presenting a companion publication, Red and White Gold, produced in partnership with Ta3amana Publishing Project. The book extends El Meleegy’s inquiry into the language and politics of agriculture, a reminder that the story of what we eat cannot be told without attention to power. In Red Gold, salt crystallizes not only as a preservative, but as metaphor. It holds in place a fleeting moment in the global food chain, a moment as vulnerable to change as the tomatoes themselves.

Story by Shawn Simmons
Photos Courtesy of Tom Little

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The Life of a Showgirl Cocktail, Inspired by Taylor Swift

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October 2, 2025

A vibrant aqua green cocktail in a tall glass with pineapple leaves, a pineapple wedge and lime wedge as garnish with an orange rose and rose petals in the foreground.

Everyone’s favorite pop queen, Taylor Swift, is shaking the world once again with a new album, The Life of a Showgirl, releasing October 3. After The Tortured Poets Department release in 2024, fans have been left waiting for another hit. This latest album brings a new era full of glam, self-confidence, and plenty of energy. In honor of this sparkling current album release, we’re showcasing our Life of a Showgirl Cocktail that’s sweet, punchy, and balanced like Taylor. The Midori contributes to her bright spirit while additions of blue curaçao, coconut rum, and fruit juices add the special zing of this era. Talk about an embodiment of all that our favorite pop star represents!

**What Can You Look Forward to in The Life of a Showgirl by Taylor Swift?**

While Taylor has not released a single from her upcoming album The Life of a Showgirl, we still have hints at what is to come. Her football player fiancé, Travis Kelce, let fans know that he believes Fate of Ophelia, the introduction track, is the best on the album. But, outside of Travis’ inside scoop, we also know that there is a George Michael interpolation on her track Father Figure, an obvious tribute to Michael’s hit song.

Plus, with producer and songwriter Max Martin all over the album, it’s safe to say this album returns to her pop roots. Martin worked with Taylor on her previous tracks 22 and Blank Space. His history of writing for Ariana Grande, Britney Spears, and The Weeknd leads us to believe there’s more than one banger coming on The Life of a Showgirl. Not to mention, it will be interesting to see what Taylor produces without Jack Antonoff on board after so many releases with him.

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The Life of a Showgirl Cocktail, Inspired by Taylor Swift

Author: Kylie Thomas