Halloween is over, and with it comes that sweet dilemma that we all know: What to do with the mountain of candy that was left after trick-or-treating?
Between your children’s loot and the bags you bought to distribute, You probably have a good supply of chocolate, gummies and candies for weeks.
The good news is that candy doesn’t go bad quickly. Most can last between six and twelve months if you store them in a cool, dry place. So there is no rush to devour them. Better yet, you can give them a second life in creative recipes and desserts, without wasting a single treat.
Here are 5 easy, fun and delicious ideas to reuse your Halloween candy.
5 things you can prepare with your leftover Halloween candy
1) Prepare a hot chocolate with your favorite bars
Turn leftover chocolate bars into a comforting cup of homemade hot chocolate.
You only need a couple of pieces, they can be all the same type or a mixture of your favorites, and a little milk or vegetable drink. Heat the milk in the microwave or in a small saucepan and pour it over the chocolate in a cup. Stir until completely melted.
If you use filled chocolates, such as Reese’s or Rolos, you can blend the drink with an immersion blender to integrate the fillings. Add whipped cream or marshmallows for the finishing touch.
Tip: store the bars in an airtight jar and create a “hot chocolate kit” for cold afternoons or as a gift.
2) Create a topping bar for ice cream, yogurt or popcorn
The small candies como M&M’s, Skittles o Reese’s Pieces sThey are perfect for decorating desserts or preparing a topping station at home.
Develop them and place them in bottles or transparent containers and use them to garnish ice cream, yogurt, pancakes, or even popcorn. On movie nights, mix your favorites with popcorn and nuts to create a homemade version of a sweet-salty “snack mix.”
In addition to being delicious, it is a practical way to control portions and enjoy sweets little by little.
3) Use the candy to bake cookies or brownies
Transform your chocolates into a star ingredient for baking. Cut the chocolate bars or caramel-coated cookies into pieces and add them to your regular brownie or cookie mix.
Snickers or Milky Way add texture and a touch of melted candy, while peanut or pretzel bars add that irresistible crunchy contrast.
You can also use pieces of gummies or soft candies in muffins or cakes to give them a fun touch, ideal for cooking with children.
Bonus tip: Freeze the candy pieces before adding them to the dough to prevent them from melting too much during baking.
4) Transforms the hard candies into cameld apples
Have any leftover hard candy or Jolly Ranchers? Turn them into vibrantly colored candy apples.
First, remove the wax layer from the apples by soaking them in boiling water for a few seconds. Then, insert a sturdy toothpick into them. Place about 20 to 30 candies in a glass container and microwave them in 30-second intervals, stirring each time.
When the caramel is thick and bubbly, dip each apple, turn to coat well, and place on wax paper or a silicone sheet. In a few minutes you will have a dessert worthy of a fair, made with your own recycled sweets.
Caution: Hot caramel may cause burns. Wear gloves or mittens and handle the apples carefully.
5) Donate, share or save for future celebrations
If you prefer not to consume all the accumulated sugar, you can also put it to good solidarity use.
Many children’s hospitals, shelters, and community programs accept donations of unopened candy. There are also organizations who collect candy to send to military troops or senior centers, where a small gesture can brighten someone’s day.
Another option is to save some of the loot for future dates: Valentine’s Day, birthdays or piñatas. Store candy in airtight bags or glass jars, in a dry place away from sunlight.
Practical idea: Use leftover candies as fillers for decorations, centerpieces, or gift bags at upcoming parties.
Reusing Halloween candy not only avoids waste, but turns excess sugar into an opportunity to create, share and enjoy as a family.
From artisanal hot chocolate to an afternoon of baking to community good deeds, there are plenty of ways to give your treats a second life. So before you throw them away or hide them at the back of the closet, get inspired by these ideas and make every sweet count.
Keep reading:
* What can you reuse pumpkins for after celebrating Halloween?
* How to survive Halloween: expert tips for children to enjoy without excess sugar
* How to prepare the Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte in your own home