Fun, spooky and healthy treats for a unique Halloween party
Halloween is a time to indulge in all the pure fun that you enjoyed in childhood. Take the time to enjoy sweets, inhale autumn scents, look at the changing leaves, and, yes, pick a costume, too. If you're also taking the time to plan a party to help yourself and others get into the mischievous spirit of the season, make fun and healthy snacks to keep the party going.
Get Creative With Pumpkin
Yes, the obvious homemade treats that will put everyone in the mood for fall and trick-or-treating are pumpkin pies and scones. You can put a healthier spin on these traditions by making miniature whole grain pumpkin muffins or having a pumpkin spread alongside organic crackers for a fun mix of sweet and salty. Set out a heart-healthy batch of oatmeal cookies with pumpkin flavoring. Display a spread of pumpkin seeds with little cups so that everybody can make their own little bowl of seeds.
Orange and Black Theme
Serve foods that are orange and black. This is especially popular among very young party-goers so amp up this theme for a kids' party. It can even be appreciated among mature guests as long as it's done tastefully. The easy solution is to go for foods that are naturally orange or black: macaroni and soy cheese (for a healthy spin on the classic dish), oranges, sliced cantaloupes, apricots, mangoes, and papayas. Set out a bunch of Cox's Orange Pippin apples; they are naturally orange and extremely tasty. Black foods include black lentils, dark quinoa, and charcoal-colored crackers. Use natural, healthy food coloring as desired to adapt many foods to this color scheme.
Packaged Delights
If you don't have a lot of time or money, don't fret. You can still cater your party with delightful snacks and spreads that entice all guests to indulge in the treats. Try Annie's Bunny Fruit Snacks, which have the consistency of gummy bears, yet they're vegan, organic and derived from real fruit. There are several flavors, from berry to citrus. Also, if you have left-overs, you can save them for the trick-or-treaters since they come in small, individual packages.
Other pre-packaged Halloween foods that look great on a table include Oreos, pretzels, puffed snacks and a variety of chips. For a pretty contrast, go with blue corn chips and orange-colored chips or puffs. Miniature rice cakes and soy chips can keep a healthy balance on the table as well.
