5 Can't-Be-Beat Halloween Treats!

With Halloween quickly approaching this coming Monday it's time to prep our menus for a weekend of fun activities. I will be spending the weekend in Michigan with my husband, brother, sister-in-law and their two adorable sons. While I'm there I hope to try out some of these tried and true Halloween treats that will leave both you and the kids happy!

1. Stove-top Popcorn. Coat the bottom of a sauce pan with coconut oil or butter. Add 3 kernels to the bottom. Heat over medium-high heat. When the 3 kernels begin to pop you can throw in the rest of your kernels - enough to coat the bottom of the pan. Cover with a lid and shake continuously until all of the kernels have popped. You can enjoy it plain or dusted with a bit of butter and sea salt. To change the color of the popcorn to a festive orange you can add a light dusting of grated, full-fat, organic cheddar cheese when the popcorn is freshly out off the stove top. You can also add paprika and chili pepper seasonings for an added kick and lots of color!

2. Toasted Pumpkin Seeds. Once you've carved your pumpkins with your kids, let them get their hands gooey by sorting out the pumpkin seeds. Coat them in olive oil or coconut oil with a dusting of sea salt and black pepper. Again, you can add chili pepper or paprika for more color and seasoning depending on what you think your kids will enjoy. Toast them in a 400 degree Fahrenheit oven for 30 minutes. Crunchy and yummy! They're good for your husbands, too (think prostate health). 

3. Pumpkin Squares. I posted this recipe last week to rave reviews. It's absolutely delicious and gluten-free! You can also use the batter to make mini pumpkin muffins that are perfect bite-sized treats for your kids. Garnish with a dollop of pumpkin butter, almond butter, or peanut butter - whatever the kids prefer!

4. Guacamole. The goblin-green colored guacamole can be stuffed into a cleared-out pumpkin and then used as a dip for raw veggies - like festive orange and purple carrots - and blue/black corn chips. Perfect for your Halloween party. Grab a clean guacamole recipe here. 

5. Spaghetti Squash. Cut the squash in half lengthwise, coat with olive oil, and place inside-down on a baking sheet lined with parchment or in a baking dish. Bake for 45 minutes in a 350 degree Fahrenheit oven. Once cooled, ask your kids to help you dig out the spaghetti-like strings. When served with blobs of tomato sauce it can resemble a bloody-good Halloween dish!

What are your ideas? Share them with us. Happy Halloween Weekend!