Halloween is party time and here are some tricks for this season’s treats to make it a healthier holiday.
What Halloween party is complete without bobbing for apples? It’s a fun activity for kids and adults alike. The best part is that the reward is good for you. For those who don’t want to put your head in a tub of water, cut some apples into slices and serve with fat free caramel dip.
You can also make over those famous rice krispie treats. This variation is just as sweet and adds fiber for a healthier twist. First, substitute a reduced fat butter or margarine for the full fat butter or margarine you would normally use – melt 3 tablespoons in a saucepan over low heat. Then add the 10 oz of miniature marshmallows and melt as usual. Remove from heat and, in place of the rice cereal, use a combination of whole grain flake cereal, whole grain puffed cereal, nuts, and raisins. Just make sure the dry ingredients total the same amount as the rice cereal you’d normally use (6 cups). Also, remember to watch the portions of the nuts and raisins as the nuts are high in fat and the raisins are high in sugar. The last step is to put the mixture in a greased 9 x 13” pan, allow to cool and cut into bars. The bars are a great source of energy and the raisins add a fall-like color for seasonal flair.
Candy corn and popcorn balls are other familiar holiday treats and this recipe combines the best of both. Weighing in with only 1.8 grams of fat per serving, these balls are a healthy dream for adults – and the kids won’t even notice a difference.
Candy Corn Popcorn balls
(adapted from Kraft Foods, Inc)
1/4 c light margarine
12 c air-popped popcorn
10.5 oz miniature marshmallows
1.5 c candy corn
3 oz orange gelatin powder
In a microwavable bowl, combine margarine and marshmallows. Microwave on high for 90 seconds, or until marshmallows are puffed. Stir in dry gelatin powder until well blended. Pour marshmallow mixture over popcorn and candy corn in large mixing bowl. Mix until well coated. Shape into 15 balls with greased hands and wrap each ball in waxed paper.
Finally, here are some other healthier snacks you can hand out to trick-or-treaters or at a party:
Single-serving boxes of cereal
Packaged fruit rolls
Mini boxes of raisins
Single-serving packets of microwave popcorn
Cheese sticks
Pretzels
Peanuts in the shell
Cheese and cracker packages
Packages of trail mix
Juice boxes
Ginger snaps
Graham crackers
Vanilla wafers
Happy Halloween!
Rebecca
