Once the costumes are tucked away, there always seems to be something scary left at the house.
Piles of candy.
Don’t turn your leftover candy into Halloween hoarding! Here’s how to use every last piece:
• Bake
Halloween treats and teeth aren’t exactly BFFs. However, we celebrate the occasional sweet splurge (as long as you brush afterward)! Grab your apron and your kiddos’ leftover chocolate — it’s time to whip up a decadent dessert!
Why chocolate? Not only is chocolate delicious, it’s one of the least harmful sweets for your teeth. It can be eaten easily and dissolves quickly in the mouth, which decreases the amount of time that the sugar stays in contact with teeth.
If your taste buds crave coconut, make some chocolate mounds cookies. Are you a self-diagnosed chocoholic? Try these chocolate bar-filled cupcakes or these double chocolate bars.
• Create
After you celebrate Halloween, it’s time to go from monsters to masterpieces! Make a candy mosaic or edible jewelry. Any candy with a colored coating makes the perfect paint. Dip pieces into small bowls of water and then swirl on paper. Trust us — the memories are worth the mess!
• Donate
Get a head start on holiday spirit! Your household candy can bring a smile to someone nearby or halfway across the world.
Many charities encourage donations of any kind, including candy! Donate candy to a local shelter or soup kitchen. Find a charity near you.
Sweeten a soldier’s day. Encourage your kids to write letters and send candy care packages to troops. Visit Operation Gratitude or Operation Shoebox for more information.
• Educate
Trick or teach? Both! Use treats to teach and kids won’t even notice their learning!
Younger kids can practice patterns, counting, and colors. Encourage little ones to sort candy by color or shape — the possibilities are endless!
More experienced trick-or-treaters can brush up on their math skills. Get started with this candy math worksheet.
Now that you’re not up to your ears in candy corn, which ideas are you most excited to try?
