Halloween is one underrated holiday in the Philippines. Not as exciting as the other holidays, still, many Filipinos have slowly embraced the creepy yet beautiful resons why Halooween is a holiday deserves the colors of life.
Aside from the costumes, masks and makeup, Halloween also signifies a plethora of chewy, chocolatey and sweet candies. Of sizes, flavours and packaging, nothing beats the sight of DIY halloween loot bags for the excited trick or treaters. And even to the non-trick or treaters.
Bone-y Arms
Perfect as last minute loot bags, these hands are best filled with colorful gummies, bubble gum balls and even chew mints (I use the ones from Marks & Spencer for their size, flavour and color). No need to buy fancy bags or wraps, all you need are disposbale plastic or surgical gloves and you are all set.
Blow, fill and tie – easy peasy when you do not have the luxury of time. For added treat, you can draw on the gloves or have some skeleton stickers.
Pump it, Pumpkin
These are cheat bags – or as I would like to call them. All you need is find some pumpkin treat bags and you are all set. I find these colorful M&S Eclairs and Chocolate Lollies the perfect candies for these babies. Not only do they taste heavenly, their wrappers also add a glossy treat that makes you want to smile in an instant. Packed these pumpkin to the brim and you are done. You can add trinkets, pens and pencils and just about anything.
Pile ‘em, chocs!
Simplicity always reign supreme. Grab some miniature chocolates, stock them up and tie them together… or you can always just hand them out to trick or treaters. If you have the time, create a paper bat and wrap your chocolates with them. Add some googly eyes and you are all set.
For this, I used some miniature MS3 chocs – locally produced chocolates that has a number of variants suitable for anyone who craves for that instant chocolatey pop.
Here’s one favo recipe from my bag of Halloween treats. On a regular day, I omit the pumpkin pie spice and just go with the chocolate chips. You can add whatever flavour you want – just don’s forget to share. Enjoy!
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies (recipe from online)
Preheat oven to 375° and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.In a bowl, whisk together 2 1/4 c. flour, 1 tsp. baking soda, 1 tsp. pumpkin spice, and salt.In a separate bowl, using a hand mixer, cream together 2 sticks of butter, 3/4 c. brown sugar and 1/2 c. granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Slowly add 3/4 c. pumpkin, 1 egg, and 2 tsp. vanilla extract until combined.
Add flour mixture.
Beat until no lumps.
slowly, fold in chocolate chips (mix white and dark). You can also add pieces of nuts.
Scoop balls onto prepared baking sheets. Bake until down. Let cool before serving.