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A Healthier Halloween with Michigan Apples

By Shari Steinbach, MS RDN

Pumpkins, costumes, and lots of candy come out during Halloween. But there are plenty of fun treat ideas for nutritious Halloween-themed snacks the kids will love! Whether you’re hosting a party at your house or looking for an idea for a school treat you’ll want to check out our creative options with Michigan Apples.

Fun and tasty treats (no tricks) with Michigan Apples

Michigan Apple Dipper Station

Keep party snacking simple with an apple dipper station that can be made with a few simple, store-bought ingredients. Slicing the apples first makes them a lot easier to eat once they've been dunked in caramel and toppings.

 

 

 

 

 

Cinnamon-Apple Halloween Mix

5 cups wheat squares cereal

5 cups popcorn

1 cup honey roasted peanuts

2 cups dried apples, chopped

2 cups Halloween candy

¼ cup butter

1/3 cup brown sugar

2 tablespoons light corn syrup

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

 

  1. In large microwaveable bowl, mix cereal, popcorn and nuts.

  2. In 2-cup microwaveable measuring cup, microwave butter, brown sugar, corn syrup and cinnamon uncovered on High about 2 minutes, stirring after 1 minute, until mixture is boiling; stir. Pour over cereal mixture, stirring until evenly coated. Microwave uncovered on High 3 minutes, stirring and scraping bowl after every minute. Stir in apples; microwave uncovered on High about 2 minutes or until apples just begin to brown on edges.

  3. Spread on waxed paper or foil to cool, about 15 minutes. Place in serving bowl, stir in Halloween candy. Store in airtight container.

 

Scary Apple Teeth

Once your apples are cored and sliced, spread nut butter on one side of each slice. Arrange a line of mini-marshmallows and/or almond slivers on half of the slices. Then top off with another slice of nut butter covered apple to make your big-toothed smiles.

 

 

 

 

 

Michigan Apple Mummies

Wrap thin strips of gauze around apples and stick on candy eyes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Games Using Michigan Apples:

  • Bobbing for apples – fill a large tub with water and apples. Let kids try to grab an apple out by only using their mouth.

  • Apple stamping – Cut apple in half from the top to bottom. Dry apple halves and use with a stamp pad to create fall cards that party goers can take home.

  • Apple stacking – give each team of 2 children, five apples – see which team can stack them so they don’t topple. Winning team gets an apple-inspired prize!

Meet the Author

Shari Steinbach

Shari Steinbach, MS RDN
President
Shari Steinbach & Associates, LLC

For the past 26 years, Shari has worked as a dietitian in the grocery industry for two major retailers in the Midwest. In her retail roles, Shari has managed consumer health communication, health influencer partnerships, nutrition programs, and solution-selling strategies.

Shari has served as a nutrition expert and corporate spokesperson, providing food and nutrition advice through monthly television spots on ABC, NBC and FOX affiliates and local radio segments. She has also conducted numerous educational presentations to community groups and professional organizations throughout the country. Her timely nutrition and food product information and strategic social media messages have reached millions of consumers.