There is no shortage of sweets around during the holidays, especially Halloween, when we walk down dark neighborhood streets knocking on doors for a trick or treat. We fill up our pumpkins with loads of candy and then take them back home to devour after Mom's most assuredly checked for any funny business in the wrappings. Usually, we end up with a year's supply of candy, and just barely manage to make it stretch to Thanksgiving when our tummies begin growling for pumpkin pie.
Oh candy, how we love thee.
Times have changed though. I remember as a little girl stopping at different houses within our small community, knocking on the door, and being surprised with homemade popcorn balls, candied apples, and miniature pecan pies. They would hand out the most amazing homemade treats along with pockets-full of candy. It was such a sweet gesture too and I often think of those caramel popcorn balls around Halloween wondering if anyone still makes them. I suppose most parents would be reluctant these days to let their kids eat homemade goodies from people they didn't know quite well, but that's not the only thing that's changed.
It seems as if more kids are trick-or-treating earlier too, between the hours of 4 & 7 instead of barely beginning one's candy hunt at dusk. More homes are opting out of giving away candy and leave their door lights off to send the message that their home is closed to the wandering witch or Superman, and others skip trick-or-treating all together and attend Fall Festivals instead at their local churches.
I suppose it's only natural that things change, but will trick-or-treating soon become a thing of the past, a memory of yesteryear? Only time will tell. For now though, here are a few Halloween desserts worth serving to your little monsters & princesses. Happy Treating!
Candy Corn Sugar Cookies found here
Spiderweb Cheesecake available here
