Sandy, Soggy Halloween

It's Halloween, and a bit spooky for people in the Eastern US. We're having a subdued and soggy holiday this year, with no electricity, widespread damage, injuries, and cleanup efforts still in the early stages. Many towns are postponing children's events for safety reasons.

Well before Hurricane Sandy made her appearance, candy marketers were on the air and in print advertising family size packages, individual packages suitable for trick-or-treaters, and recipes for party fare.

Halloween goodies come in salty flavors as well as sweet. Some supermarkets are featuring point-of-purchase displays of Wonderful Pistachio treats for Halloween, with packaging tied to the Disney Frankenweenie movie.

And while pumpkin lattes wouldn't seem to be at the top of the list for young trick-or-treaters, their parents are unhappy about Starbucks running out of this seasonal favorite. (Starbucks has been testing pumpkin spice latte ice cream too.) On the other hand, Dunkin' Donuts has pumpkin lattes, pumpkin donuts, and more. And 'tis the season for pumpkin beers.

Happy Halloween, no matter what treat you prefer, and please be safe.