Fall, 2000

Healthier Halloween Treats
by Helen Beaulieu

Many parents these days celebrate Halloween with a fun party instead of trick or treating. This decision may be due to safety or nutrition concerns (or both). If you're a parent looking for treats to make at your upcoming party, try these recipes which use honey as a sweetener. They can also be used for  lunch bag and after-school snacks.

Chewy Nut Bars
No baking, ready in 5 minutes

2 c Peanuts or sunflower seeds
5 tb Honey
1 tb Molasses
Raisins, carob powder and/or sesame seeds

Grind nuts or seeds to consistency of flour. Stir in honey, molasses and raisins. Press into a greased pan. Sprinkle with carob powder and sesame seeds. Chill and cut into squares. Store in an airtight container. Refrigerate.

This recipe would also be good shaped into balls and rolled in unsweetened coconut.

Toffee Apples

Wash and dry apples. Dry well. Insert wooden sticks into stem ends. Put the butter, honey, sugar and vinegar into a heavy bottomed saucepan. Melt mixture over low heat. Stir until mixture has melted then turn heat to medium, and do not stir while candy boils. Boil for 15 minutes or until candy reaches 290 F on a candy thermometer. Remove candy from heat and let it cool a few minutes. Dip the apples into the toffee until they are well coated. Place apples on a well greased cookie sheet while the toffee hardens. When cool, wrap toffee apples in clear plastic.

Honey Cracker Jacks

Mix popped corn, pecans and almonds on a large cookie sheet. Bring honey and butter to a boil and boil for 15 minutes or until candy thermometer reaches
265 F.

Pour over popcorn mixture and toss to coat with the honey mixture. Cool and break apart.

Monkey Bars

In a saucepan, heat first 5 ingredients together, stirring to blend. In an 8x8 pan combine oats, rice cereal, coconut and peanuts. Pour honey mixture over dry ingredients. Mix until thoroughly coated. Pack mixture firmly into the pan. Bake 15 to 20 minutes. Cool and cut into bars.

Popcorn Balls

1/2 c Popping corn
1/2 c Honey

Pop corn and pour into a large bowl. Place honey in a small saucepan and simmer over low heat for 10 minutes. Pour hot honey over popcorn and toss until coated. When mixture is cool enough to handle, butter your hands and shape into balls. Cool on a sheet of waxed paper. Store in an airtight container. Variation: add 1 1/2 cups nuts (peanuts, cashews, walnuts, etc.).

Honey Candy Rolls

Mix all ingredients together except peanuts. Shape into bite-sized rolls. Roll in chopped peanuts.

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