Can you believe that Halloween is almost here? Where did the year go? Whatever monster swallowed the first 10 months of 2021, it's time to do Halloween in style. Easy, Tasty Gluten Free style. If this is your first celiac Halloween, these tips will help.
Check a reliable source for gluten-free candy lists
Anyone can post a list on the internet and say that they have checked the ingredients. That doesn't make it trustworthy. I rely on lists from recognized experts and associations, like this one with candies for major holidays from the US Celiac Disease Foundation. As they advise, I always read the label before I buy just to be sure. You'll find favourite brands like Tootsie Rolls, Jelly Bellies, and some types of Reese's peanut butter treats on the list - no need to feel deprived!
Make your own party treats
As more communities host Halloween parties and fewer kids ring doorbells, you might find yourself in need of an easy, delicious recipe to bring along. Easy, Tasty Gluten Free has you covered!
Here's a fast and fun recipe to get you started.
Chocolate Tombstones
Take any cookie or dried fruit that's roughly oblong or rectangular. Melt 200 grams of dark chocolate in the microwave or on the stove. Then dip each piece in the chocolate and set on wax paper to dry. Once dry, you can write RIP on the chocolate part with frosting or use Halloween-coloured sprinkles. Arrange them on a plate or stick them upright in one of my chocolate cakes to make a graveyard.
Speaking of cakes, my 'Oh Wow' Chocolate Cake can be baked in a Halloween-themed pan and decorated with spooky add-ons like bats and ghosts. Or make my Yummy Yellow Cupcakes, frost with a gluten-free frosting and top with spooky add-ons. Both recipes are easy, reliable and available in the Easy, Tasty Gluten Free cookbook. And your guest ghosts and ghouls will love them!
For drinks, make a Blood Punch: Sangria for adults or cranberry juice with club soda for kids. Frozen peeled grapes and cherries floating in the punch double as eyeballs. Yuck!!
Quirky celiac-themed costumes
Sure you can dress up as a traditional Halloween character, like a ghost, zombie, or witch. Or you can follow the trends for 2021 and dress as a character from your favourite TV show or superhero flick. But why not have a little fun with your costume and give it a celiac theme? Dress as a stalk of wheat or loaf of bread (terrifying!), an immunoglobulin molecule (check out this site for an 'immuno-GOBLIN' costume, or even (to borrow from Rebecca Reyes) a Silly Yak.
Go Beyond Sweets
Hard to imagine me saying this, but there's more to Halloween than candy and sweets. Spooky stories, haunted houses and corn labyrinths are all gluten free! Get into the spirit and make your Halloween adventure about more than just the food. Many charities host labyrinths or haunted houses to raise money; you can do a good deed while having a good scare. Take a haunted tour of your city, or join a spooky story night at your local library. These events are fun for kids and adults.
Check with your local celiac association or support group - they may be hosting a completely gluten-free Halloween event that you and your kids will love!
Even without gluten, 2021 can be your best Halloween yet. Have fun out there and watch out for ghosts!