Dental-friendly Halloween treats for those with braces

Dental-friendly Halloween recipes

Slimy Lime Punch

Make sure to use a very large bowl or a saucepan with high sides when making this frothy mixture — the meringue powder will really foam up when you start whisking. This slimy recipe was adapted from Parents Magazine.

Ingredients:

• 2 tubes red decorating gel
• Powdered lemonade mix – to make 2 quarts
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon meringue powder
• 2 liters seltzer water
• 10 drops green food coloring
• 4 drops yellow food coloring
• 1 peeled and sliced orange
• 1 lime, sliced into 1/8-inch slices
• 1 pint fresh raspberries

Directions:

1. Squeeze red gel down the inside of 12 small, clear glasses. Let dry for about 10 minutes.
2. In an extra-large bowl, combine lemonade mix, sugar and meringue powder. Slowly pour in seltzer, whisking continually until combined.
3. Stir in green and yellow food coloring. Add sliced fruit and berries for color. Pour punch into glasses and serve.

Pumpkin Cookie Pops

Pumpkin shaped cookies on a stick are a nice change from the usual cookie treat. This cookie pops recipe is adapted from www.pumpkinnook.com.

Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, firmly packed
• 1/2 cup canned or fresh cooked pumpkin
• 1 tablespoon orange zest
• 1 egg yolk
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Pinch of salt
• 20 wooden sticks (tongue depressors or Popsicle sticks work best)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
2. In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer beat the butter, brown sugar and orange zest. Add the pumpkin, egg yolk and vanilla, and blend.
3. Gradually add the flour and spices. Mix with your hands to create a soft dough. Wrap in plastic and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
4. Divide dough into two portions. Roll out each piece to 1/4-inch thickness on a floured surface. Cut into pumpkin shapes with cookie cutters.
5. Place on ungreased baking sheet and securely insert a wooden stick into the bottom half of each pumpkin cookie.
6. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes. Decorate with your favorite frosting and Halloween décor.

For more dental-friendly information, visit http://braces.org/nohm/.

More healthy Halloween recipes

• Gluten-free Halloween recipes
• Low carb Halloween treats
• Healthier Halloween eats