Milky Way Vodka, Hard Candy Pie And Facials: Unique Uses For Leftover Halloween Candy

Candy. Isn’t that what Halloween is all about? Are you are trick-or-treating for your own sugary stockpile, plan on sneaking some from your children, family or friends, or just buying tons for the trick-or-treaters you expect at the door? It doesn’t matter how you get it, you will inevitable end up with extra candy. No? Well, then you didn’t buy or get enough to begin with (or you have a major stomach ache the day after Halloween.)

So, what do you do with all of that leftover sugary goodness? Besides gorging yourself on all those mini M&M’s and candy corn, try these unique ideas.

Give it to a good cause.

Yea, we know. You don’t want to part with your sugary stash, but there are plenty of businesses and organizations that are willing to take in your extra candy. For example, Operation Gratitude is a non-profit that gathers donations and creates care packages to send to U.S. troops who are stationed overseas.

leftover candy uses — [Photo credit: Operation Shoebox]

During this time of the year, the organization gathers unwanted candy and puts together little packages for the soldiers. The candy is gifted with a toothbrush and toothpaste to keep cavities at bay. Nationwide, many dentist offices have joined in on the cause. Accepting candy from patients, the offices will send the candy to Operation Gratitude. This is an amazing way to support American troops and get rid of extra candy. Many participating offices are offering little prizes in trade of candy. There is even a list of places you can donate your candy. Operation Shoebox is another organization that will benefit troops.

If you can’t find a local dentist, it isn’t impossible. Most food backs will accept unopened bags of candy. Or, just bring along with you to the office. It will be gone in no time! You could also use the candy to create little care packages for loved ones. Who doesn’t love to get a little treat in the mail.

Make a fun and yummy recipe!

Maybe you’re tired of eating candy, but don’t want to get rid of it just yet. Create a new twist on serving up the sweet stuff. Most chocolate or caramel candies can be added to cookies, cakes and pies. It will just add some extra deliciousness. Just use your go-to cookie recipe and add in whatever treats you have laying around. Heck, you can even used crushed potato chips or pretzels for a little salty-sweet action.

One creative recipe making its rounds on the Internet is harnessing the tasty power of the hard candy.

Hard Candy Pie:

Ingredients:
Handful of any leftover hard candies – can include tootsie roll pops too!
Frozen Pie Crust
Rolling pin
Cookie Cutter
2 egg whites

Method:
Preheat oven to temperature required by purchased pie crust.
Place unwrapped hard candies in a plastic Ziploc bag, and using rolling pin, crush candies.
Take pie crust and place on parchment. Using cookie cutter (or hand cut) press shape into pie dough, circle is most efficient shape.
Take one spoonful of crushed candy and place on one half of pie dough. Fold dough over, and using fork, press closed the pie crust.
Bake per pie crust instructions.
Allow to cool before eating (melted sugar will be very hot!)

These sound absolutely delicious, but how about something more adult? Milky Way Vodka. The St.Louis Post-Dispatch claims it is extremely easy to take melted Milky Way candy bars and vodka to create the creative libation. The author even recommends putting the bottle of mixture into the dishwasher for convenient melting. Easy and clean..

Cheers! Oh, and you can pretty much use any kind of candy to make your own infused-flavor.

Not into alcohol? Toss a mini candy bar into your morning coffee for an extra sugar rush!

Add some chocolate to your beauty regime.

Did you know that chocolate contains antioxidants that are great for your skin? The Huffington Post suggests creating your very own facial mask out of the sweet stuff. Simply melt 1/2 cup of chocolate into a thick paste. Smooth it on your face. Let it sit for a few minutes, then wash it off. Smooth, tasty skin.

You can also use the chocolate to create a delicious lip balm. Thanks to Food.com for this awesome recipe.

Chocolate Lip Balm:

Ingredients:
3 tablespoons cocoa butter (available in the pharmacy)
3-4 chocolate chips (as an alternative use white chocolate chips)
1 vitamin E, capsule
1⁄4 teaspoon almond extract (or cooking oil)

Directions:
Melt the cocoa butter in the microwave.
Add the chocolate chips and stir until melted.
You may have to microwave the mixture again for a few seconds.
Add vitamin E and oil.
Note: Vitamin E is a natural preservative.
Stir very well, or the lip balm will turn out lumpy.
Pour into a small container.

How easy is that?

Keep it year round.

OK, maybe you decided you want to hoard your stash, but are worried about it going bad. First of all, it takes a pretty long time for candy to spoil, but there are steps you can take to make it last even longer. Parenting magazine suggests throwing the extra candy in the freezer. You can pull a few pieces out and add them to smoothies or milkshakes. You can always throw in a banana to add some nutrition.

Whatever you do with your candy, make sure you at least sneak a few pieces. C’mon, you can always start that diet next year.