The great pumpkin

If you’ve already scooped out the seeds and carved your jack-o’-lanterns, you’ll probably be happy if you don’t see another pumpkin for a while. But Stonewall Kitchen’s Maple Pumpkin Butter lets you enjoy the fruit without the labor. The only work you have to do is spoon it onto muffins, toast or vanilla ice cream. It costs around $8 and is available at The Grasshopper Shop in Bangor, The Store-Ampersand in Orono, World Over Imports in Bangor or online at www.stonewallk

Food to die for

Looking to scare up a meal? Travel to Oaxaca with the fall issue of Eating Well magazine, which features food for a Dia de Muertos fiesta. Mexico celebrates the “Day of the Dead” from Oct. 31 to Nov. 2, and Susana Trilling shares recipes featuring the local flavors of Oaxaca, including its most beloved contribution to the food world: chocolate. Hot chocolate, traditionally made only by the hands of a woman, is served with Pan de Muerto, or Egg Bread for Day of the Dead. To make the hot chocolate, heat 8 cups water in a large saucepan until almost boiling. Add 8 to 10 ounces of Mexican chocolate, broken into pieces. Remove the pan from the heat. With a wooden beater or whisk, whip continually until the chocolate melts. When the hot chocolate has a thick layer of foam on top, serve in ceramic bowls or mugs with Pan de Muerto on the side. The magazine costs $4.95 and is available at bookstores and natural food stores. For more information, visit www.eatingwell.com.

A taste of history

Braeside, the former home of University of Maine entomologist Edith Patch, has been named to the National Register of Historic Places, and the Friends of Edith Patch will celebrate in style Sunday with an appetizer-tasting reception. Each appetizer is featured in the “Favorite Recipes from the Friends of Edith Patch” cookbook, which will be available for sale at the reception. Proceeds will benefit the restoration of Braeside and fund a campaign to turn the house into the Dr. Edith M. Patch Center for Entomology, Education and the Environment. Patch came to Orono in 1903 and established herself as the world’s leading expert on aphids and a pioneer for women in higher education, as well as a noted author. The reception will take place from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 3, at the Page Farm and Home Museum on the University of Maine campus. For information, call Elizabeth Gibbs at 862-3578.

Tidbits is hungry for news about local food products and events. Send your Tidbits by mail to: Bangor Daily News, attn: Kristen Andresen, P.O. Box 1329, Bangor ME 04402-1329; by fax to 941-9476; or by e-mail to kandresen@bangordailynews.net.