Insider’s Viewpoint: Candy, Treats, & Sweets … Oh My!

Halloween is right around the corner which usually means lots of candy, treats, and sweets. Make this Halloween an extra healthy, fun, and produce-packed one instead.

7 Healthy Halloween Treats

1. Produce Pumpkins
   

   Cut ¼ inch off the bottom of a large grapefruit so that the grapefruit lays flat on the plate. Cut 1 inch from the top of the grapefruit and scoop out the insides. Using a small paring knife, cut triangles for the eyes and an half circle shape for the mouth. Use as a pumpkin bowl for grapes or your favorite mixed fruit.
   
   Starting at the stem of a red pepper, cut out the core containing the seeds. Using a small paring knife, cut triangles for the eyes and zig-zags for the mouth. Use as a bowl for sliced green peppers or your favorite veggie sticks.
   
   Place produce pumpkins on a bed of fresh spinach.

    

2. Banana Ghosts
   

   Peel bananas and cut in half. On the tips of each side of banana use small dark chocolate chips for the eyes and large chocolate chips for the mouth.

 

3. Clementine Pumpkins
   Peel clementines or small oranges and use a small piece of celery for the pumpkin stalk.

 

4. Strawberry White Chocolate Ghosts

   Line a baking sheet with wax paper. Using a double boiler,

   

   heat white chocolate chips over medium heat until melted. Holding onto the stem of the strawberry, dip into white chocolate letting chocolate drip off onto baking sheet before placing strawberry on the baking sheet. Let cool to harden for 15 minutes. Use black decorating gel or small dark chocolate chips for eyes. (Dark chocolate chips may stick better if used when chocolate is still warm.)

 

5. Candy Corn on the Cob
   

   Using a long, straight banana, stick candy corn pieces in the banana to resemble corn on the cob.

 

 

6. Caramel Apple Bar
   Set up a caramel apple bar with your favorite caramel and fixings.
   

   Make it a bit healthier by using trail mix, nuts, dark chocolate, and coconut as the toppings.

   Simply dip whole apples or slices into warm caramel and top with your favorite toppings. Let sit for 10 minutes to harden.

 

7. Apple Sauce Filled Apple Mugs
   

   Take apples and slice ½ inch from the top. Scoop out insides using a sharp knife and a spoon to form a “mug.”

   Add apple sauce (recipe below) to mug and serve.

Recipe

Crockpot Apple Sauce
Serves 4-6

Ingredients

• 3 lbs. apples (10-12 small apples)
• 1 Tbsp. ground cinnamon or 2 cinnamon sticks (optional)
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract

Directions

1. Core and peel apples or leave skin on for extra fiber.
2. Cut cored apples into large wedges and combine all ingredients in a large crockpot.
3. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours.

Kristen Johnson RD, LDN, ACE-PT
Registered Dietitian
Mrs. Greens