Many movie-goers (myself included) can’t sit down to catch a flick without one or more treats at the ready. Popcorn and boxes of candy are popular options at the theater, with concession stands upping their game and offering a broader range of gourmet creations. However, there are scores of cinematic treats where food isn’t just playing a supporting role—they’re the star of the show.

Are you in the mood for a movie? If so, consider the titles on this list, just a taste of the films featuring snacks, bakery goods, and candy.

The Baker: Titular character Pappi (Ron Perlman) finds his adorable daughter threatened by gangsters. As you might expect from a film starring Perlman, Harvey Keitel, and other rough-and-tumble actors, things do not go smoothly, and there’s as much blood flying around as there is flour—IMDB’s one-word content guidance under “violence and gore” is “severe” in case you’re squeamish. Streaming on Prime Video, Hulu, Disney+

Chocolat: The cast is as delicious as the candies in this sweet Oscar-winning movie—Juliette Binoche leads the way as chocolatier Vianne, with castmates including Judi Dench, Alfred Molina, Johnny Depp, and other notable thespians. The shop shakes up the conservative French town, and more than one villager finds their lives transformed by the delicacies. Streaming on Paramount+, MGM+, Prime Video

Snack Shack: In the early 1990s, two best pals are given the enviable job of running the concessions counter at the local public pool. Because they’re teen boys, shenanigans ensue, but along with the naughty escapades (it is rated R, after all), they and their fellow kids up end up swallowing as many life lessons as they do Doritos. Streaming on Apple TV, Prime Video, MGM+

Ever attempt to make your own tortillas? I have—it’s relatively easy, especially compared to making loaves of sourdough, crafting croissants, or other more complex bakery goods. And, not to brag or anything, but they turned out pretty delicious, if not as pretty as the ones that the professionals make.

It’s actually not lack of skill (again, no braggies) that keeps me from making my own—rather, it’s lack of time, and perhaps energy, that’s among the main reasons I keep reaching for CPG tortillas and wraps and leave my tortilla press in the cabinet.

Another reason: versatility, an appealing trait mentioned by multiple producers I talked to for this year’s State of the Industry: Tortillas coverage. I heartily agree—I’ve made many meals with tortillas and topped them with goodies outside the expected taco and burrito fillings. Also, on the hard drive of a long-dead laptop somewhere in my office, I have the beginnings of a taco cookbook with dozens of recipes both sweet and savory. A favorite is Greek chicken tacos, which just involves tortillas, chunks of white meat (great use for leftovers), and topped with tomato, onion, cucumber, and Tzatziki sauce. Another is “apple pie tacos”—take flour tortillas, brown them in a little butter, sprinkle with cinnamon sugar, then add either fresh apple slices or pie filling. One friend once used a wee tortilla as a blanket in a fun gingerbread display for the holidays—I have a REAL tortilla blanket, which isn’t edible but more practical for actual humans.

Tortillas aren’t alone in their incredible versatility—pick any article in this issue and you’ll find products that can play many different parts in a potential meal. Use sweet Hawaiian rolls to cheat on making your own Boston crème doughnuts, for example (try this recipe here on for size). Use a biscuit cutter to make a hole in a piece of bread and fry an egg in the center for what my Dad called “framed eggs.” Crumble your favorite granola or protein bar over a bowl of low-sugar ice cream for a BFY-yet-decadent dessert.

As someone who loves to cook but often finds herself short on time, I appreciate the delicious shortcuts baked products can provide. Do you have any such recipes that demonstrate the versatility of baked goods? I’d love to hear them and try them out. Please email me your recipes and ideas to spinnerj@bnpmedia.com. Thanks for reading! SF&WB

• Senior Editor Liz Parker Kuhn suggested The Accidentals, from her home state of Michigan—the acoustic guitar and harmonies soothed my soul immediately (thanks, Liz)
• Senior Art Director Sarah Zagacki offered up Lady Gaga’s newest album Mayhem (solid choice—in true Gaga fashion, it’s all bangers, especially “Abracadabra”), another solid suggestion.
• Group Publisher Doug Peckenpaugh shared his fondness for Side One of George Harrison’s All Things Must Pass, saying the songs remind us that “We face continual challenges, but if we remember to keep things in perspective, always with a heart that seeks to give back, everything will work out all right.”

• Work hard: Nathan showed up every danged day to Highland’s facilities, industry events, and wherever else he was needed and gave 100%
• Make connections: Rather than just sticking to the duties of his job description, he made a point to bond with Highland employees at every level, on a professional and personal level
• Build a network: A fixture at scores of industry events (American Society of Baking, American Bakers Association, and others), he didn’t just show up—he connected with producers, suppliers, execs, and people at every level as friends.

As a woman over 50 who’s pretty active and also living with diabetes, I need more protein than the average American. However, but with a diminished appetite from the drugs I take, I don’t always feel like eating much, I appreciate the protein-boosted bars and bites that l help me keep my energy and muscle mass up.

What’s your take on protein intake? I’d love to hear about your personal levels, and what your company is doing to fuel consumers’ need for more. Drop a line at spinnerj@bnpmedia.com and let’s talk. SF&WB