I’m kind of over the Halloween candy. What about you?

I really do try to be a good sport about these things, but the problem with having so much candy in the house is that we eat it, because it is here. When it eventually runs out, or more often we forget about it, it stops being a problem.

But toward the end of last week, I started feeling a little over the candy. Instead of dumping treats in the trash, we started leaning toward other sweet things.

When the kids asked for a treat (or I felt like one myself) I tried offering up something slightly healthier but still sweet, like granola, muffins or homemade cookies.

How about a few of these:

Instead of a few of these:

I also made up a big batch of rice pudding using agave, which doesn’t cause a blood sugar spike the way candy does.

Our favorite recipe uses arborio rice, which makes the pudding extra smooth and creamy.

Rice Pudding

1 cup arborio rice

2 cups water

1 tsp light olive oil

a pinch of sea salt

3 cups almond milk

1 tsp vanilla

6 to 8 tbsp agave

1/2 tsp cinnamon

1/2 tsp nutmeg

In a medium pot, bring 2 cups of water plus olive oil and salt to a boil. Add rice and cook, stirring frequently. In a separate large pot over medium heat, warm milk, vanilla, agave and spices. When rice is cooked, add to warm milk mixture and bring to a boil, then reduce heat and cook until pudding thickens. Chill and serve.

How are you handling the week after Halloween at your house?