Halloween treat: Peanut Butter Banana Beasties

Worms and dirt? Please. Peeled grape eyeballs? Overdone.

This Halloween, try something different — even something, dare I say, somewhat healthy (as far as party food goes). I’m not sure what inspired this treat this morning, other than a craving for peanut butter and bananas, but it’s pretty adorable if I do say so myself. (Plus, it’s gluten-free and vegetarian friendly!)

Utensils required: Microwave-safe bowl or shallow mug, spoon, plate, microwave, oven mitts

Ingredients:

– 3 tablespoons of creamy peanut butter (I use reduced fat Jif.)

– 1/2 tablespoon of butter or margarine

– 1 package of semisweet chocolate chips

– 1 tube of green gel food coloring

– 2 bananas (each makes 5-6 treats)

Time commitment: 15 minutes to prepare, an hour to cool

Steps (makes 10-12 bite-sized treats):

1. Scoop out the peanut butter and place it in the microwave-safe bowl. Then add in the half-tablespoon of butter, and place it in the microwave for 20 seconds.

2. As soon as it’s done, stir the peanut butter and butter together until it forms a smooth, creamy liquid. Add a couple drops of green food coloring, blending it together thoroughly.

3. Peel the bananas and chop them into five or six pieces. Drop each piece into the peanut butter mixture, and use the spoon to coat all of the sides (except for the bottom).

4. Use the spoon to gently remove the banana slice from the bowl and onto the plate, placing the uncovered side down. Next, take the semisweet chocolate chips and decorate each piece. You can put them in a straight line for the curved pieces to look like the spikes on a monster’s spine, or you can sprinkle them on the tops of the flat pieces to create a jagged, creepy-crawly look.

5. Place the treats in the refrigerator for the next hour so that the peanut butter can cool and stiffen a bit. Once it’s done, pull them out and use the gel food coloring to draw on eyes and mouths (fangs are optional — haha).

Keep them in the fridge until the party starts. That way they won’t be all messy and melted by the time your guests arrive. (And when they’re cold they’re easier to pick up since the peanut butter is stiff, not gooey.)

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