Five Uses for Leftover Halloween Candy

D.I.Y. Toppings – I have a Red Mango problem and the first step is admitting it. Unfortunately this creamy craving doesn’t come cheap and it’s hard to say no to self service bar of toppings. By crushing up Kit Kats or sprinkling on Smarties I’m able to save myself some money by adding my own toppings when I get that frozen goodness home.

Decorate Desserts – You don’t have to be a pastry chef to make a clever cake or cookies. Use leftover Halloween treats to transform simple desserts in something more elaborate. Look at what you have left as colors and shape and see what comes to mind. Licorice can be used as hair or a smile. Colorful candies like Skittles and M&M’s can be used to create patterns and shapes. You might be surprised but what a little imagination can make.Not that creative? Plop a Hershey’s Kiss or a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup into a dollop of cookie dough and – voila! You’re better than Betty Crocker.

Indoor S’mores – Some of your Southerners may still have weather warm enough to sit outside, but up North we’re already warming our feet by the fireplace. Whether you’re crowded around the campfire or firing up the fireplace, if you have a flame, you’re ready to melt. Need a refresher? Watch this clip from The Sandlot on YouTube! The kids in the film are just missing one thing – an adult to supervise.

Lollipop Bouquet – If you steered clear of chocolate and chose suckers instead, use these stemmed sweets to make a bouquet (just throw “lollipop bouquet” into Pinterest; you will have no shortage of search results). Give as a gift to a recently engaged friend or to celebrate a landmark birthday – the recipient will appreciate the sweet and thoughtful sentiment.

Halloween Candy Buyback – This clever program was started by a dentist to help kids avoid cavities by trading their extra candy in for some cold, hard cash. The kids received $1 for every pound of candy they surrender and the sweets went to United States Military troops currently deployed in harm’s way.The program has since expanded to include other local businesses and kids now receive a variety of healthier items (think coupons, raffle tickets, goods or services) in exchange for their trick or treating loot, which still goes to the Troops. Learn how you can take part here: www.halloweencandybuyback.com.