According to the experts, Halloween ranks first in candy purchasing, followed closely by sales of candy at Easter. After that, the next two biggest candy sale holidays are Christmas and, then, Valentine’s Day. With a reported average of $2 billion being spent on Halloween candy, it’s certain plenty of candy will be available for consumption by trick-or-treaters, with most having access to candy throughout Halloween and for days, even weeks, thereafter.

While it’s good to take along an empty treat bag or bucket before heading out the door on Halloween, leaving home on an empty stomach would be a mistake. Being hungry on Halloween is perilous, making overdosing on Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, M&M’s, Hershey Bars, Kit Kats and such, likely.

Eating dinner, including some dessert, can help avert the urge to splurge on Halloween candy, and a kid-friendly comfort meal, consisting of meatloaf and mac ‘n’cheese, is able to do just that.

Halloween heralds the start of the holiday season. Between now and New Year’s Day, there will be many food options open to us and, depending on the challenges of concern, decisions to make on what we eat ourselves and what we provide for others. Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukah, New Year’s Day and other holidays lie ahead, with dessert trays galore spread before us.

Enjoy it all, candy and all — in moderation — but for your good, eat dinner first.

Sue Ade is a syndicated food columnist with broad experience and interests in the culinary arts. She has resided and worked in the lowcountry of South Carolina since 1985 and may be reached at kitchenade@yahoo.com.

When it comes to comfort foods, whether served alone, or as a side dish, baked macaroni and cheese always ranks high on the list.

You don’t need to be Mexican to enjoy Pan de Muerto, bread that is traditionally enjoyed on the Day of the Dead throughout Mexico and within various cultures around the world to honor family and friends who have died. The Mexican holiday is celebrated from October 31 through Noember 2. Look for the recipe in the October 28 food pages.

Made with dry onion soup mix, this basic meatloaf has been a favorite for decades. It’s good as is, but even better when topped with a Tomato-Brown Sugar Glaze. (See glaze recipe following the recipe for Lipton Meatloaf.)