Halloween Treats

As we move into Autumn, we all start thinking about all of the fun family activities going on in locally over the next few months.

For most families, Halloween is definitely an event on their radar. Over the last few years, Halloween has become more and more popular and a much bigger event than I ever remember it being as a child! I’ve even noticed that I’m being asked for setups in my studio that could be translated as being ‘Halloween themed’. Pumpkins, leaves and rustic, earthy colours will always remind you of the moment in time when your portraits were taken. Have a look at some examples here.

However, if your children are really small, Halloween can be a little bit scary. Lots of the activities take place when it’s dark and let’s face it, some older kids costumes can be downright terrifying!

If you want to get into the Halloween Spirit (no pun intended) and be guaranteed to be fright free - then baking at home is a great activity for little ones.

There are tons of recipes you can find online, including plenty of no-bake ones but here are a couple of my favourites

Chocolate Apples

Chocolate apples are a great alternative to toffee apples, and one of the best halloween treats, which involve boiling sugar and lots of supervision! Chocolate apples on the other hand can be made using your microwave at much lower temperatures, are a little kinder to teeth and are very easy to decorate, even for toddlers.

You will need

• 4 small eating apples
• 200g milk chocolate finely chopped

To decorate

Sprinkles, chopped nuts, honeycomb pieces, white chocolate (basically decoration of your choice!)

You’ll also need 4 wooden skewers or lolly sticks

Method

Put the milk chocolate in a heatproof bowl and set it over a pan of simmering water.  Keep stirring until the chocolate is just melted.  Alternatively, heat in short bursts in the microwave but remember to keep stirring.

Wash your apples in boiling water - this removes any wax from the skin and helps the chocolate bond to the apple.  Pat the apples dry and press a stick into each one.

Line a tray with baking or parchment paper.

This is the part the kids can get involved in!  Holding the apple by the stick, dip each one in the melted chocolate until fully coated.  Then pop them onto the baking tray, stick pointing up, to set. If making for smaller kids, you can cut the apples into more manageable slices.

When the chocolate is almost set, you can add your decorations.

Leave them to fully set and avoid putting them in the fridge where you will find the chocolate will start to get condensation. Keep them in an airtight container for up to 2 days (they don’t last that long in our house!)

 

Banana Ghosts

These treats are super healthy PLUS they are really easy to make.  Kids of all ages love them and will love helping to make them

All you need is some bananas and a packet of chocolate chips.

Warm a plate with some hot water and pat it dry.  

Peel your bananas and cut them in half.

Then use a cocktail stick to pick up a chocolate chip and hold it on the plate until the bottom starts to melt slightly.  Place it on your bananas to make a face

These should be eaten immediately or can be frozen in an airtight container.

I’d love to see your interpretation of these halloween treats. If you make them, don’t forget to tag me and I’ll share them in my stories!