Halloween, and indeed any food-centered holiday, can feel like a challenge for anyone with dietary restrictions. And speaking for Paleo moms like myself (and Paleo dads too!), I feel that it’s important to find ways to enjoy the fun of Halloween with my kids without the sugar crashes, food dye tantrums, gluten-induced tummy aches, etc.
How do I strike that balance between our dietary priorities and Halloween?
Paleo Principles
200+ Healthy and Delicious Recipes
20 Meal Plans for a variety of goals
Step-By-Step Guides
I LOVE this book. The science is awesome. I’ve learned a ton without feeling overwhelmed. The paleo principles just takes my understanding to the next level!!!
Janet
I have an awesome repertoire of allergy-free, gluten-free, Paleo-friendly and even AIP-friendly treats that have become as synonymous with Halloween in my house now as fun-size candy bars were when I was a kid. I’ll be sharing my favorites with you every week this month! Check out:
Halloween AIP Monster Finger Cookies
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Yield: 2 dozen cookies
Ingredients:
- 1⁄4 cup lard or palm shortening
- 1⁄4 cup muscovado sugar
- 1⁄2 cup + 2 tablespoons blackstrap molasses
- 1/8 teaspoon mace
- 1⁄2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ginger
- 1⁄2 teaspoon cloves
- 1⁄4 teaspoon salt
- 3⁄4 teaspoon baking soda in 1 tablespoon water
- 2 cups cassava flour
- 2 tablespoons + 2 teaspoons water
- Strawberry jam
- Stuff for nails
- AIP options include dried apricots cut into nail shape, banana chips, coconut flakes
- Paleo options include sliced or slivered almonds, hazelnuts, pumpkin seeds
Directions:
- In a large mixing bowl, cream lard and sugar. Add molasses and mix to combine.
- In a separate bowl, mix spices with 1⁄2 cup flour. Add to mixing bowl.
- Add remaining flour 1⁄4 cup at a time, alternating with water.
- Add baking soda and water mixture and stir to fully combine.
- Chill dough for 1 hour.
- Shape dough into finger-sized cookies. If the dough is sticking to your fingers, wet your hands.
- Pinch in dough at two different points to form knuckles.
- With a sharp knife, cut lines into the knuckles for wrinkles. Dip knife in water in between cookies so it doesn’t stick.
- Spoon jam onto the top of the tip of the cookie, then place your “nail” of choice on top. Spoon jam onto opposite end if desired to resemble the finger being chopped off.
- Bake at 350 degrees for 10-12 minutes.
Caramel Apples (Dairy-Free, AIP-friendly)