I have such happy memories of Halloween when I was young. It was a big event. We dressed up in all sorts of outfits, any old sheet with holes poked out for eyes, torn pyjama tops splashed with paint.

Bitter treacle gives deep, rich flavour to these whisky-laden parkin and 'thunder-and-lightning' scone recipes - just the sort of comforting indulgence that will brighten up any fireside teatime.

THESE ginger and treacle scones come from an old family favourite, the National Trust Book Of Tea-Time Recipes. They are heavier than usual scones, but richly delicious. The rhubarb came from the ...

★ Preheat the oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. Have ready a 7cm fluted or plain cutter and a nonstick baking sheet. Sift the flour, spices and baking powder into the bowl of a food processor and add the ...