by Danie Russell

Created on: September 03, 2009   Last Updated: March 28, 2011

Halloween is a dentist's dream and parent’s worst nightmares. Let us face it for children Halloween is all about candy, candy and more candy. After all, when you were a child you probably found it just as dandy but lots of candy is not so dandy for our bodies. So this Halloween try these five treats that are sure to satisfy and will not send you or your loved ones into sugar shock.

Pumpkin crackers

You will need:

- A box of crackers (I prefer the Ritz crackers because they have a large variety of flavors.)

- A block of Cheddar cheese. (For a quicker version, you can use sliced cheese.)

- A pumpkin shaped cookie cutter.

- A pack of sliced ham or turkey meat both if you prefer.

- Olives and / or pickles.

First, take your meat and cut it into pumpkin shapes using said cookie cutter.

Second, slice your cheese then use your cookie cutter to make pumpkin cheese shapes.

Third, place meat then cheese on crackers.

Fourth, take the olives and/or pickles and create the mouth and eyes of your pumpkin crackers. (If a family, member does not like olives or pickles then you can replace them with meat easily sliced into the mouth and eye shapes.)

Fifth, have a fun and healthier snack to share with your loved ones.

Bloody fingers

What you will need:

- A pack of cocktail weenies any variety will do.

-Pre-made pastry dough (I prefer the Pillsbury croissant dough.)

- Ketchup

First, take the cocktail weenies and cut a small portion from one side at a slight angle, so that it looks like a fingernail.

Second, take the dough and cut into long bandage like slices.

Third, take slices and begin to wrap it around the weenies, started from the opposite end of the cut you made, you will want it to appear as if it were a bandage.

Fourth, bake until dough cooks through but is still soft and golden brown.

Fifth, remove from oven and cool.

Sixth, dab ketchup on the area you cut to be your bloody nail.

Creepy crawly burgers and hot-dogs

What you will need:

- A pack of hot-dogs (any kind)

- One package of hamburger buns or hot dog buns.

- Ketchup

First, take the hot-dogs and cut into thin strips

Second, notch strips in several places, this will help them to shape into worms when cooked.

Third, season to your liking and fry in a pan until they have circled into worm shapes.

Fourth, pile up on top of buns and serve.

Creature dippers

What you will need:

- A pack of Halloween cookie cutters

- Plain soft tortilla shells

-Dip (anything will work from sour cream, to a cheese dip)

First, take tortilla shells, sprinkle lightly with water and cover with paper towel.

Second, place in a microwave for 10 to 15 seconds.

Third, take your cookie cutters and create your creature shapes.

Fourth, places creatures on a cookie sheet and cook until lightly browned.

Fifth, remove from heat and your ready to dip you creature away. (You can also add green food coloring to ranch or sour cream, which will create ghoulish green dip, to go along with your creatures.)

Spooky sandwiches

You will need:

- Halloween cookie cutters

- Bread

- Peanut butter and jelly

Or

- Sandwich meat depending on what's more popular in your household, for a variety, you can do some of both.

All you have to do is make the sandwich the way your family prefers and use the cookie cutters to shape them; you can also use food color on the bread for eyes and mouths.

There is five quick, easy and healthy Halloween treats, you can whip up for your loved ones. That carries no fears of sugar induced tummy aches, extra holiday weight, or those dreaded cavities.

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