5 Ways to Host a Healthier Halloween Party — Fall Fest

This Halloween, skip the packaged candy – serve homemade treats instead.
By: Emily Lee
Food stylist: Brett Kurzweil

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Food stylist: Brett Kurzweil

Halloween is not the night to restrict your diet, but that doesn’t mean your evening of revelry has to be a complete nutritional disaster. If you’re hosting a party this year, skip store-bought candy and punch, and opt for homemade goodies instead; that way, you’ll have more nutritional control. Don’t hesitate to whip up everyone’s favorites — cookies, candies, even a cocktail or two. But a few mindful alterations (and moderation) can save you from a sugar hangover the next morning. Here are five festive recipes that are sure to hit the spot without going overboard.

Try finding a Halloween treat that’s more refreshing — or more festive — than this one. Play up the orange-and-black motif by hollowing out some orange halves. Then, fill each half with a generous spoonful of your favorite orange sherbet. Complete the sinister look by topping each “cup” with fresh blackberries.


Food stylist: Anne Disrude
Prop stylist: Marina Malchin

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Food stylist: Anne Disrude Prop stylist: Marina Malchin

It isn’t a party without a cocktail, and as alcoholic beverages go, this one isn’t too bad. Plus, it comes with the bonus of seasonal pumpkin flavor. Simply combine pumpkin puree with brown sugar, cinnamon sticks and water, then garnish with pineapple chunks, pecans and a splash of rum, if desired. You’ll save calories and fat by taking cream and sugary juices out of the equation.

Photo by: Brian Kennedy ©2013, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

Brian Kennedy , 2013, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

Normally, a Halloween dessert spread consists of a heaping bowl of store-bought candy, but these homemade pumpkin-raisin cookies are geared toward a more mature crowd. Simply add pumpkin puree and allspice to classic oatmeal-raisin cookie batter for a comforting fall spin.

FN RECIPE Sandra Lee Spider Bites

FN RECIPE Sandra Lee Spider Bites

Photo by: Brian Kennedy ©2013, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

Brian Kennedy, 2013, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

Sandra Lee's homemade chocolate-peanut butter clusters are incredibly quick and convenient — and at a glance, they'll raise the hair on the back of your neck. The recipe calls for creamy peanut butter; for an extra fiber boost, use all-natural PB.

Sure, you don’t want to eat these chewy caramels every day if you’re trying to be a more health-conscious eater. But Halloween comes only once a year, and what would it be without a classic confection to sink your teeth into? One piece contains 92 calories but just 2 grams of fat, so use moderation and you won’t wake up with a stomachache the next morning.

For more spooky treats, check out these recipes from our friends:
The Hungry Traveler: Halloween Spiderweb Brownies

Elephants and the Coconut Trees: Pumpkin Brain Pasta Halloween Special

Napa Farmhouse 1885: Curried Pumpkin & Apple Chowder

Weelicious: Deviled Egg Spiders

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