Halloween is one of those holidays that we almost feel like we need to “give in” to. The candy flows, parties and gatherings abound and before we know it our kids have a bag of candy the size of their body and we have more spider-decorated cupcakes and cookies then we know what to do with.
Before your next Halloween becomes an out-of-control sugar fest, consider the places you can curb it a bit. Start with these spooky (not sweet) party snacks and ideas.
Pass on the cupcakes and go for creative, better-for-you “treats” that kids are sure to love just as much:
Berry Scary Shake: Low-fat and rich in antioxidants, this smoothie surpasses the simple sugar found in most juices.
Carrot Fingers and Sugar Snap Pea Smiles: These “fingers” and “smiles” offer just the right amount of creepy for a perfect Halloween gathering. Pair with low-fat salad dressing, hummus or a Greek yogurt dip.
Spooky Eyeballs: If your crowd is likely to enjoy the fingers and smiles, they will love these creepy eyeballs made from blueberries and grapes.
Glowing Fruit: Clementines become mini glowing lanterns when decorated with edible ink and set to glow. A fun project, these make the perfect treat to share with friends.
A few other things to keep in mind:
These creative ideas remind you that even simple foods become spooky and perfectly paired to Halloween when presented the right way.
Pretzels, popcorn and more are made just a bit more fun (and available in individual bags) this time of year. Pass on the candy and give these out instead at a school party or to trick-or-treaters.
Trying to put together a fun goodie bag? Stop by your local indoor trampoline place, paint your own pottery studio or other local place kids are excited about for coupons or possibly small giveaways.
Pass on the traditional sweets and make mini pumpkin muffins. If brownies or cupcakes are on the menu, make them mini too. With the right decorations, your kids won’t even notice their pint size.
Following the holiday, freeze as much as you can to enjoy at a later date or consider fun things you can do with leftover candy. Try fun ideas such as melting chocolate for fondue to share (use fruit for dipping!), creating candy crafts, making unique baked goods, or chopping and freezing for scrumptious shakes and smoothies.
With these tips and ideas you should be able to manage Halloween candy and treats quickly and creatively before Thanksgiving pies and other holiday goodies take center stage!