We always get a lot of trick-o-treaters at our house for Halloween,so I like to stay home and answer the door. I don’t like handing out anything I wouldn’t give my own child,but have to watch the cost since we get at least 100 kids and on a good year more like 200. I try to keep the budget at <$0.10 per item and not spend more than $20. I know $20 is a lot for Halloween treats. But I will also use them as party favors and I just can not get myself to buy the cheap candy full of artificial junk. I also like to have non food items as well as some candy. After Halloween last year I found the glow stick bracelets on sale and bought 4 packages of 15. These same packages are in the dollar bin at Target for $1 each. I know they are not exactly natural,but when else do you get glow in the dark stuff,right? Target also has cute Halloween erasers in the dollar bins. There are 60 in a pack. I was at Micheal’s he other day and picked up some Halloween pencils,they are 24 for $1.97.
In my searching I came across NATURAL CANDY STORE.COM. They have a large variety of candies and have categories for Gluten Free,Vegan,Allergy Free,and much more. It was still a little expensive for my trick or treat budget,but I think I will use them for birthdays,etc. I ended up getting Organic Lollipops at Whole foods. They were on sale for 60 for $5.99. I also found milk chocolate mini bars at Trader Joe’s,28 for $2.79. I have not tried them yet,so we will see how they go over.
This year we decided to have a few friends over to join us,so I have been looking for natural snack ideas and recipes. This year I am trying a few new (and old) favorites:
- Popcorn
- Dairy Free Rice Krispy Treats (I make them on a cookie sheet,so that they are thin enough to cut with cookie cutters and decorate)
- Pumpkin Seed Trail Mix (recipe below)
- Pumpkin Bread (recipe below) and Honey Butter (equal parts honey and butter whipped)
- Apples and Caramel (if I can figure it out). I have tried several dairy free recipes,but they all come out too liquidy and not dark enough. I will keep trying at let you know if I can figure it out.
PUMPKIN SEED TRAIL MIX from Martha Stewart Living Magazine,October 2009 (I could not get a link to work)
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Combine 1 cup raw pumpkin seeds and 1 TBSP extra-virgin Olive Oil on a rimmed baking sheet. Season with course salt. Toss to combine. Spred in a single layer. Toast,stirring halfway through,until golden,about 8 minutes. Placed toasted pumpkin seeds,1/2 cup large unsweetened cocnut flakes,1/2 cup whole almonds (toasted),1/2 cup dried cranberries,and 1/4 cup candied ginger (cup into 1/4-inch pieces) in a bowl. Mix to combine. Can be stored up to two weeks.
PUMPKIN BREAD,adapted from the Joy of Cooking
Have all ingredients at room temperature. Position rack in the lower third of the oven. Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Grease a 9 x 5 inch loaf pan. Wisk together thoroughly:
- 1.5 cups spelt flour (I use half whole grain and half white)
- 1.5 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1.5 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground clove
- 1/4 tsp baking powder
Combine in another bowl:
- 1/3 cup hemp milk,soy milk,almond milk,or regular milk
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp applesauce
- 1/2 tsp vanilla
In a large bowl,beat until creamy,about 30 seconds:
- 4 tbsp Soy-free Earth Balance or butter
Gradually add and beat on high speed until lightened in color and texture,3 to 4 minutes:
- 2/3 cup sugar
Beat in one at a time:
- 2 large eggs
Add and beat on low speed just until blended:
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (or sweet potato)
Add the flour mixture in 3 parts,alternating with the milk mixture in 2 parts,beating on low speed or stirring until smooth and scrape the sides of the bowl as necessary. Fold in:
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 1/3 raisins or chopped dates (optional)
Scrape the batter into the pan and spread evenly. Bake until toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean,about 1 hour. Let cool in the pan on a rack for 5 to 10 minutes before unmolding to cool completely on the rack.
Hope you all have a healthy and happy Halloween!
