Have the Candy. Make the Treats.

Halloween comes with plenty of good stuff: costumes, parties, scary movies, and, of course, candy. And enjoying it doesn’t need to be complicated. 

You don’t have to choose between your favorite Halloween candy and foods that help you feel your best. There’s room for both. So have the Reese’s, grab a handful of candy corn if that’s your thing, and add a few homemade treats to the mix. 

Here are a few festive recipes worth making this Halloween. 

Monster Apple Bites 

A little sweet, a little crunchy, and appropriately spooky. These apple bites are easy to make and even easier to customize. 

You’ll need: 

• Apples 

• Peanut or almond butter 

• fresas 

• Sunflower seeds 

• Candy eyes 

Cut each apple into quarters, then carefully cut a wedge from the center of the skin side to create a “mouth.” Spread nut butter inside, add a strawberry slice for the tongue, and press sunflower seeds along the top for teeth. Finish with candy eyes. 

They’re fun enough for a Halloween party and simple enough for an afternoon snack. 

Pumpkin Pie Yogurt Bark 

All the flavors of fall, straight from the freezer. This one is especially easy to make ahead and keep on hand. 

You’ll need: 

• Greek yogurt 

• Pumpkin puree 

• Maple syrup or honey 

• Pumpkin pie spice 

• Granola 

• Mini chocolate chips 

Mix the yogurt, pumpkin, sweetener, and pumpkin pie spice. Spread the mixture in an even layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet, then sprinkle with granola and chocolate chips. 

Freeze until firm, break into pieces, and enjoy straight from the freezer. 

Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Ghosts 

Chocolate and peanut butter already belong on the Halloween menu. A banana just gives them another place to show up. 

You’ll need: 

• Bananas 

• Peanut butter 

• Melted chocolate 

• Candy eyes 

Cut bananas in half and spread a small amount of peanut butter over each piece. Drizzle or dip them in melted chocolate, add candy eyes, then chill until the chocolate sets. 

Want them frozen? Pop them in the freezer instead for an easy treat you can make ahead. 

Jack-O’-Lantern Quesadillas 

Halloween treats don’t all have to be sweet. These quesadillas bring the jack-o’-lantern to dinner. 

You’ll need: 

• Flour tortillas 

• Shredded cheese 

• Black beans 

• Cooked chicken or another filling of your choice 

• Salsa or guacamole for dipping 

Cut a jack-o’-lantern face into one tortilla. Add cheese and your favorite fillings to a second tortilla, place the cut tortilla on top, then cook until the cheese is melted and the outside is golden. 

Serve with salsa or guacamole and consider Halloween dinner handled. 

And Yes, Have the Candy 

There’s no prize for making it through Halloween without eating a piece of candy. If you have a favorite, enjoy it. 

Your everyday habits don’t disappear because you ate a few peanut butter cups, just like choosing an apple one afternoon doesn’t determine everything else you eat. Food doesn’t need that much pressure attached to it. 

So make the recipes. Eat the candy. Go to the Halloween party. Then wake up the next day and keep doing the things that make you feel good. 

No tricks required.