Easy Retro Halloween Treats
By Hilary Meyer, Associate Food Editor, EatingWell Magazine
Before I became a mother I didn't think too much about Halloween and candy bars … and sugar comas. But now that my daughter is old enough to indulge in all that Halloween has to offer, I'm paying more attention. I know a few candy corns won't hurt anybody, but the problem with Halloween is that even though it's only one day, the candy and parties appear for weeks beforehand (and of course the candy hangs around afterward too.) So this year I'm going to make some healthy Halloween treats that I used to enjoy when I was a kid. They're delicious, but not overloaded with sugar and other not-so-desirable ingredients.
Here are 4 recipes perfect for Halloween celebrations that you'll feel good about sharing with your family and friends:
Our Caramel Apples are a breeze to pull together, and they still offer plenty of ooey-gooey caramel flavor without going overboard. (Traditional versions can be packed with calories, fat and sugar, mostly due to the caramel itself which usually boasts tons of sugar and butter.)
Want something sweet and delicious that can hold up on the buffet table after being assaulted by tiny little fingers? Mango-Strawberry Jello Jigglers are the way to go. No, they don't scream "Halloween!" but kids love them. They hold up well at a party and we've made them with natural fruit juice and added whole fruit instead of food coloring. Adding fruit also adds a natural sweetness so there's no need to pile on the sugar. Go ahead and indulge.
Pumpkins aren't just for decoration! They're great for eating too! This recipe for Spiced Pumpkin Cookies will really get you in the mood for fall. You can bake them ahead and store them in an airtight container for up to 2 days or freeze them if you really want to work ahead. They're loaded with spices, not sugar (less than a cup in the whole recipe) and they're studded with raisins, which deliver an added hit of sweetness.
If time is of the essence (or you're a procrastinator like me) then 20-Minute Chocolate Pretzel & Cherry Popcorn Balls are your answer. They're great because they don't require many ingredients and they're super fast to pull together. You can add virtually anything to them, like pretzels and dried cherries, or try raisins, coconut, even sesame seeds. Whatever you choose, they're guaranteed to taste great.
Don't Miss: More Ghoulishly Good Halloween Party Recipes
What healthy Halloween treats do you like to make for your kids?
By Hilary Meyer
EatingWell Associate Food Editor Hilary Meyer spends much of her time in the EatingWell Test Kitchen, testing and developing healthy recipes. She is a graduate of New England Culinary Institute.
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