Halloween is just around the corner and we’ve already been thinking a lot about candy.
What to do with excess candy is always a question that comes up during the season. Between all the Halloween parties, Halloween decorations, the pile of plastic tick-or treating pumpkin tubs, and whatever candies are left over around the home, everything starts looking like a scene from Willie Wonka’s factory.
Eating all of the leftover candy is always an option. However, the family may come to regret that decision when it’s time to visit the dentist. And for the parents, their kid’s efforts to collect as much candy trumps the idea of throwing it away not to mention is wasteful and unpractical. So we’ve compiled up a few ways to make the best use of excess Halloween candy without having to throw it away.
Charity
Whoever said: “The smallest good deed is worth a thousand grand intentions.” Indeed, sharing is caring and it’s always best when kids see their parents taking the initiative of giving back. Kindness and the attitude of gratitude when taught early on can substantially help children define the idea of satisfaction and contentment, a trait particularly useful as they journey through adulthood.
You can start off by sharing it with our troops! Combat operations are hard grueling work and not surprisingly, the number of calories needed to do the job is huge. Each soldier’s nutritional requirements are far above the diet of a normal average person.
Consequently, combat rations that could provide a density of calories and carbohydrates in a very small space with a very long shelf life would be preferred and easier to provide. In this case, candy and chocolates fit that quite nicely! Donating your excess candy is indeed a sweet gesture to express your gratitude for their service and bravery.
A program to consider is “Soldier’s Angels Treats For Troops.” It is a program led by the organization Solider Angels to donate Halloween candies/treats to veterans and deployed service members. The organization provides aid and comfort to the men and women of the United States Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, their families, and the growing veteran population.
Another organization that accepts these forms of donation is Operation Gratitude. Accordingly, the charity seeks to lift the spirits and meet the evolving needs of the U.S. Military and First Responder communities. Annually they send more than 100,000 care packages to new recruits, first responders, wounded warriors and other veterans, military children and caregivers, and even to individually named US service members who are deployed overseas.
You can also visit local homes, shelters and charities to see if they accept candies as donations. There are many kids who live in local shelters who won’t be able to enjoy the festivities. Donating candy will not only give them a treat but also feel loved and valued.
Many of these charities take donations of unopened candy from local residents and guests. It’s often best to call in advance to confirm that they do take them. If allowed, the kids can even personally deliver it with a note and a zero-cavity-filled smile.
Check their website here
Add it to your recipe
Those leftover M&M’s, Snickers and Butterfingers can create some rich brownie batter and bake it into a skillet for a tasty after-dinner pie. Gummy candies and skittles would be fantastic on homemade ice creams. The possibilities are just endless not to mention, most of these desserts are easy to make. These leftovers can actually turn a dessert into an instant hit.
Here are some recipes you can try from TasteOfHome.com
Turn it into a syrup!
Those chocolate bars can actually be put into great use and save you a few dollars in the upcoming weeks. A homemade chocolate sauce, usually made only with four ingredients is another recipe to try. It dissolves perfectly into any beverage and lasts in the fridge for up to 3 weeks. You can also drench it over ice cream, yogurt or cereals. Almond milk plus chocolate syrup? A thing of beauty.
Here’s some other ideas you can try for leftover chocolate candy from Jamie Oliver
Whether you bake it, melt it, or donate it, there are many options for leftover Halloween candy besides just eating it – and much better ideas than just throwing it away. Get creative with these sweet ideas and make the most of that Halloween spirit!