Healthy Halloween
There aren't any kids in my building, or neighborhood for the matter, so buying/making treats have never been a big deal. And so long as I avoid stores in the weeks leading up to the big day, I don't get tempted to stray into the candy aisles.
washingtonpost.com gives some good tips on healthy treats:
- Introduce dark chocolate. Most kids already love milk chocolate, but fewer have acquired the taste for this darker and less-sweet flavor.
- Think small. Portion control can help limit calories.
- Sneak some protein into that treat. Protein helps mute the body's reaction to sugary foods, which quickly starts a vicious cycle: Blood sugar rises, prompting insulin production, which drops blood sugar and then boosts hunger.
- Pop a surprise. Popcorn is a whole grain.
- Go fruity. Because of safety concerns, few parents allow their kids to eat candied or caramel apples supplied by strangers. But you can deliver fruit in other ways.
- Dole out calcium-rich treats. Most kids don't get enough bone-building calcium, so here's a place where you could make a little difference.
- Whip it. That's how Mars keeps calories lower on 3 Musketeers bars.
- Make it slow. "Lollipops are a great choice because they take a while to eat," notes Zied.
Here are a few recipes for parental units, or those like me, big kids in adult clothing.
Enjoy and have a safe Halloween!
Candied Honey Apples
Makes 6 servingsIngredients:
1 cup packed brown sugar
½ cup butter or margarine
½ cup honey
¼ cup heavy cream
¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/3 cup chopped nuts
6 small (4 to 6 oz. each) apples with sticks
Directions:
- Combine all ingredients except apples and nuts in 2-quart saucepan.
- Cook over medium-high heat to 265°F; stir constantly.
- Remove from heat.
- Cool 5 minutes.
- Holding apple by stick, roll in hot honey mixture to coat; roll bottom of apple in nuts if desired.
- Place on waxed paper squares to cool.
- Repeat with remaining apples. Makes 6 apples.
Nutritional Information:
Based on individual serving.
Calories: 550
Total Fat: 28 g
Carbohydrates: 76 g
Protein: 3 g
[source]
Spooky Honey Popcorn Balls
Ingredients:½ cup honey
¼ cup sugar
2 tablespoons butter
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
5 cups warm popped popcorn
Directions:
- Combine honey, sugar, 1 Tablespoon butter and cinnamon in 2-quart microwave-safe container.
- Microcook, covered with plastic wrap, at HIGH (100%) 5-1/2 to 7 minutes or to 275°F.
- Pour over warm popcorn; stir with wooden spoon until popcorn is thoroughly coated.
- Cool until mixture can be handled.
- Butter hands and shape popcorn into balls.
Tip: Eat within a few hours or store lightly covered to maintain freshness.
Nutritional Information:
Based on individual serving.
Calories: 169
Total Fat: 2 g
Carbohydrates: 38 g
Protein: 1 g
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