After you’re done dumping out your coveted Halloween stock and picking through all the spilled out candy to find your all-time favorite brands, consider doing something a little different this year with your leftovers. 

One unique thing Halloween treat receivers could consider this year would be to send their candy to the troops! Operation Gratitude is accepting delivered packages of Halloween candy this year. This program donates new, unwrapped Halloween candy to deployed troops, local military units, veterans, and first responders with the goal of forging strong bonds between the civilian and service communities nationwide (Operation Gratitude). Even with the COVID-19 pandemic in full swing, the organization is still accepting donations by mail and the designated drop off locations to keep this tradition alive. Donating leftover candy to the troops is a safe way of supporting our military and all their efforts to keep us safe. It is because of them that we have the freedom to trick-or-treat in the first place, and donating a quick sweet is an easy way to help out. Check out their website for more information – operationgradtitude.com 

Another fun option to do with your Halloween leftovers is to save it for upcoming holiday festivities. Try placing unwrapped candy in ziplock bags and freezing it. The candy can then be taken out in December and thawed for decorating gingerbread houses. This allows you to get creative with unique designs and customize the gingerbread house to your liking. Try not to be tempted to eat the freezer candy between now and December! One student, Riley Bruce (10) said “I never thought of using halloween candy for a gingerbread house but that’s very smart and creative. A good way to use up your candy!” 

Another interesting alternative to consider is to trade in your candy at participating dentist offices. Many pediatric dentists offer incentives to turn in candy for cash, prizes, etc. Make sure to contact your dentist to see if they are running this program!

One last option to utilize Halloween leftovers is to bake the candies into a festive treat. A candy bark, for example, is a yummy treat that offers something for everyone. The base of the bark begins with melted chocolate and then can be built upon with your favorite treats added to the top. Brownies and cookies are also delicious with toppings of Halloween candy. The options for baking with candy are truly limitless and absolutely customizable. Here is a candy bark recipe that you can customize and make to your liking. 

Ingredients:

• 2 teaspoons butter
• 1-1/2 pounds white candy coating, coarsely chopped
• 2 cups pretzels, coarsely chopped
• 10 Oreo cookies, chopped
• 3/4 cup candy corn
• 3/4 cup dry roasted peanuts
• 1/2 cup milk chocolate M&M’s
• 1/2 cup Reese’s Pieces

Instructions:

1. Line a 15 x 10 x 1-in. baking pan with foil; grease foil with butter. In a microwave, melt candy coating; stir until smooth. Spread into a prepared pan. Sprinkle with remaining ingredients; press into candy coating. Let stand for about 1 hour.
2. Break or cut bark into pieces. Store in an airtight container. (Taste of Home). 

Rather than packing on those unwanted pesky pounds this Halloween season, try something new in 2020! Use that leftover Halloween candy to your advantage and create a new fall tradition.