Spooky (healthy) Halloween treats!
Contributed by Isidora (Isi) Muñoz Segovia, Maine SNAP-Ed Nutrition Educator
The spookiest time of the year is here, and with it comes a few days often filled with sugary treats! But how can you balance out the sweets while still giving kids something delicious? The answer is carotenoids—nutrient-packed vegetables that are naturally sweet and provide a healthy boost to their meals.
Have you heard of carotenoids? These pigments give fruits and vegetables their red, orange, and yellow colors. At this time of the year, we have access to phenomenal carotenoids-packed vegetables: pumpkins, squash, and sweet potatoes, among others. There are many health benefits to eating foods high in carotenoids:
help prevent eye disease
reduce the chance of cancer
great nutritional support for our skin
help us stay hydrated, among other characteristics like :
antioxidants
lowering inflammation
help us heal our wounds
Try these two delicious seasonal recipes that contain high amounts of carotenoids as well as an extra Halloween-themed healthy snack for the youngest ones! Buen provecho! Bon appetit!
Pumpkin Bean Soup
Ingredients:
1 can white beans
1 onion (small, finely chopped)
1 cup water
1 can pumpkin (15 ounce)
1 1/2 cups 100% apple juice
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon nutmeg, allspice, or ginger
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt
Directions:
Wash hands with soap and water.
Blend white beans, onion, and water with a potato masher or blender till smooth.
In a large pot, add the pumpkin, juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, black pepper, and salt. Stir.
Add the blended bean mix to the pot. Cook over low heat for 15 to 20 minutes, until warmed through
Voila! Bon appetit!
Monster Mouths
Peanut Butter
Unpeeled apple slices
Shelled peanuts, pumpkin seeds or golden raisins
Monster mouths are made with peanut butter slathered between two slices of apple, with peanuts added along the rounded edge to symbolize teeth. Substitute with sunflower seed butter and raisins for those with nut allergies.
Healthy Acadia’s Maine SNAP-Ed Nutrition Educators offer year-round cooking and nutrition classes in partnership with schools and organizations throughout Hancock and Washington counties. To learn more or schedule a class, contact Shannon (shannon.cherry@healthyacadia.org) in Washington County, or Isi (isi.munoz@healthyacadia.org) or Abby (abby.miller@healthyacadia.org) in Hancock County.