From haunts to treats: Sweet solutions for leftover Halloween candy

Christmas may be “the most wonderful time of the year,” but Halloween is surely the sweetest time.

The grocery store candy aisle is full of bagged Halloween-themed goodies: Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups shaped like bats and pumpkins, chocolate bars wrapped in foil “mummy” garb, and waxy vampire teeth. Even the traditional Easter marshmallow Peeps have joined in the fall fun, featuring Frankenstein- and ghost-shaped confections.

During my tenure as an elementary teacher, our house, a scant half-mile from my school, was a happening hot spot on Halloween night. I even sent a trick or treat invitation, complete with a map to my door, home with every student.

My entire family joined in the fun as we decorated our garage and yard, dressed in spooky costumes, and played ghoulish music to enhance the eerie atmosphere. On a good night, we scared, um, served, about 300 kids.

These days, our Halloween nights are much more tame. We still light the jack o’lantern and flip on the porch light, but we rarely see more than three or four little ghouls and ghosties.

That big bowl of individually-wrapped candies just sits there, tempting Marty and me, until I finally have to empty its contents into a grocery bag and take the candies to The Paper, where they fill to overflowing the glass sweets jar on my desk.

But this year, I may try something different. I’ve searched for a few recipes using candies, and they may just provide the perfect solution to our post-Halloween dilemma. I’m including ideas for using up those extra M&M’s and Jolly Ranchers, and there’s even an adult beverage option for disposing of your stash of Skittles.

Hmmm … maybe I’ll just turn the porch light off and enjoy a quiet evening with a cookie and a slushie … Happy Halloween!

All recipes are from the wonderful delish.com website.