The thought of fall may bring to mind bright orange pumpkins, and when Halloween arrives, those pumpkins take on a personality of their own, as jack-o-lanterns.
(Betsy Crisp)
It’s also a season when candy reigns supreme in the eyes of young witches, ghosts and other costumed characters who go door-to-door in search of treats.
But, for parents, nutrition and safety, are the top concern.
So, here are a few tips to help keep your Halloween happy, healthy and safe.
Trick-or-Treating
If taking to the streets, young children should always be accompanied by an adult. Set curfews for your older children and make sure they know to stay with their group and stay on the sidewalks.
Make sure that children understand that they can only go to homes of neighbors they know.
Check your lawn and walkways for any obstacles and be sure to leave your lights on.
Keep pets inside or confined to an area of the home. This will keep your pet from being frightened and from frightening others.
To be even safer, consider planning a neighborhood, community or school party.
Treats
Let the children have fun collecting treats, but be sure they know that they must bring all home to be inspected before they can eat any.
Throw away any opened/unwrapped candy, and reject any homemade goods.
If your child has any allergies, be sure to check the ingredient label carefully.
Limit the amount they consume. Let them choose a few pieces a day, for a few days.
And remember, there are ways to give children delicious treats that will help control calories and won’t promote cavities.
Here is a recipe to help
Spicy Apple Bars
Ingredients
1 cup light brown sugar, packed
¼ cup canola oil
½ cup low-fat milk
2 egg whites (1/2 cup egg substitute or 1 whole egg)
1 cup unbleached all-purpose flour
1 cup whole wheat flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
¼ teaspoon ground cloves
1 ½ cups cooking apples, peeled and chopped (about 2 small)
1 cup walnuts, chopped
¼-½ cup powdered sugar (optional)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F.
Spray 13-inch by 9-inch pan with nonstick cooking spray.
In a large bowl, mix together the brown sugar, oil, milk and egg.
Stir in flours, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves.
Mix in apples and walnuts.
Pour into the pan and spread evenly.
Bake 20 minutes or until wooden pick comes out clean.
Cool for 30 minutes.
Optional: Dust lightly with powdered sugar (they can be frosted or glazed, but those are less healthy options)
Cool completely and cut into 2-inch by 1 1/2-inch bars.
This recipe makes 36 bars, which have 95 calories each and just 3 grams of fat.
Betsy Crisp, MS, LD/N, is a Professor Emeritus of UF/IFAS Extension – Family & Consumer Sciences.
Published October 25, 2017
