No Candy for Trick-or-Treaters: Try Handing Out These Great Treats

Every year the stores are filled will an enormous quantity of the same old favorite candy bars, and each year people buy bags and bags to hand out. We like to do something different. We like to hand out homemade treats. Something fun and attractive to the neighborhoods kids. My favorite Halloween treat to make is popcorn balls. They're delicious, and the kids (and parents) love them. I've included the recipe at the end of the article, but there are many variations to be found. Some of the other things we like to make are rice krispy squares, caramel apples,and decorated sugar cookies. Also great are the plastic baggies shaped like hands that you can fill with popcorn and tie with an orange and black ribbons. If you don't have the time or don't feel like cooking, you can always hand out treat bags filled with pencils, stickers,erasers, tattoos or any other kid-friendly surprise. Small boxes of raisins, fruit snacks, pretzels and mini bags of microwave popcorn can also work well. Putting a little extra effort into making your treats special and memorable will make you feel good. The kids will know just who gave them that popcorn ball, but probably not know who gave them the chocolate bar.

Popcorn Ball Recipe

Ingredients:

5 quarts plain popped popcorn
1/4 cup margarine
3/4 cup light corn syrup
2 tsp cold water
23/4 cups confectioners sugar
1 cup marshmallows

Combine corn syrup, sugar, margarine,water and marshmallows in a large pot. Cook over medium heat until ingredients melt and come to a boil. Be sure to stir frequently to avoid burning. Gradually mix popcorn into hot topping until all the popcorn is thoroughly coated. Lightly grease your hands and quickly shape into balls or press into Halloween themed cupcake molds. Let cool and harden. Wrap in cellophane and decorate with colorful ribbon. These also make great party treats.