Halloween Goodies

    By: Jacqueline Gomes, RDN, MBA  

    Halloween is a time of fun and excitement for kids and adults! This year I will be treating some tiny trick-or-treaters to some fun snacks at home. Here are some ideas:

    • Better for your treats: whole grain chips, pretzels, dried fruits such as apricots, cranberries and raisins, animal crackers, single serve ready to eat boxes of cereal.
    • Non-food treats: glow-sticks, stickers, play-doh, toothbrushes, miniature magnifying glass, fancy pencil topper erasers, bookmarks and coloring books.
    • Invite your guests to make their own chocolate covered apples and dip in pecan pieces, coconut, or cereal.
    • Bake quick breads such as zucchini and banana bread – add apples, pears or dried fruits for extra sweetness and nutrients.

     

    Handling candy at home

    • Keep candy in a location only accessible to you. Consider giving away the candy or disposing of it after a few days.
    • Inventory the Halloween treats for forbidden and safe treats; allow a few pieces on Halloween night.
    • Give one piece of candy along with a healthy food such as fresh fruit or at the conclusion of a healthy lunch or dinner.
    • Always brush your teeth after eating candy – perhaps there is a new toothbrush in your Halloween bag!

     

    Frankin Spiders

    mashed potato balls and hot dog strips make to resemble a scary Halloween spider

    Prep: 10 minutes

    Makes: 5 Spiders

    Ingredients:

    • 1 ½  cups prepared mashed potatoes
    • ½ cup shredded Mexican cheese
    • 5 Nathan’s Beef Franks
    • Green peas

     

    Directions:

    1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Slice each hot dog into thin slices starting at each end, leave the middle (about ½ inch) uncut.
    2. Place hot dogs in water to cook according to package directions.
    3. Dry hot dog when removing from water and place on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. Using an ice cream scoop or spoon, place a rounded spoonful in the middle of each hot dog. Press down slightly to adhere potato to hot dog.
    4. Sprinkle cheese evenly over each mashed potato ball. Place two green peas in the front of each potato ball to serve as “eyes”.
    5. Place under broiler for 1 to 2 minutes or until cheese is melted. Serve immediately.

    Recipe: Jacqueline Gomes, RDN, MBA