Ten ideas for leftover Halloween candy
Some ideas for what to do with all the leftover Halloween candy include getting it out of the house and some include ways to continue using it up through the holidays.
There is often leftover Halloween candy, whether one bought too much (hello Costco) and didn’t get that many trick-or-treaters, or the kids collected a ton. It is fun to indulge, but then it can get overwhelming with what to do with it all. Here are some ideas:
- Donate. Food banks, first responders and organizations that work with the homeless, seniors and children will often take leftover treats. Soldiers’ Angels and Operation Shoebox distribute candy to deployed troops, veterans and wounded veterans in VA hospitals.
- Find a candy buy-back program. Some businesses, often pediatric dentists, will buy back or accept candy.
- Conduct candy science experiments or create a structure. Search online for fun things kids can do with candy, such as creating Skittles art or building a geodesic gum drop dome.
- Repurpose. Instead of adding chocolate chips or nuts to cookies, bars, brownies, fudge or popcorn balls, use chopped-up Halloween candy. There are many recipes online for Halloween candy “trash treats.”
- Decorate. Place chopped-up candy on the top of a cake, cupcakes, ice cream or frozen yogurt.
- Make a snack mix. Toss chopped-up candy with nuts and seeds, pretzels, cereal and dried fruit.
- Freeze. Save candy to use during the holidays whether it is a candy cornucopia, Thanksgiving treats or a gingerbread house.
- Make a fondue. Put chocolates into a slow cooker with some milk. Dip fresh fruit such as strawberries into the melted sweets. Sprinkle a little chopped-up candy onto chocolate covered apple or pear slices.
- Find sweet and savory recipes that incorporate the candy you are trying to use. Peanut butter cups can be used in a sweet and savory sauce with chicken. Almond joy candy can be used to make candied bacon.
- Take it to work. Tempt your colleagues with treats; some may appreciate it and some may not!
By Lisa Nicklanovich; courtesy photo
November 1, 2024//Comments Off on Ten ideas for leftover Halloween candy
Posted in News, Sports & Wellness