5 Ways to Turn Leftover Halloween Candy into Christmas Treats

The spooky season of ghouls and ghosts may be over for 2014 - but there are still plenty of treats in store, as Canada ramps up for the holiday season. Still, have a ton of Halloween candy on hand? Put it to good use (and save on baking supplies) with these no-fail (and no-fear) holiday recipes. They're so deliciously awesome, you may even find yourself hiding candy from trick or treaters...

Tip: Take advantage of cheap candy day (November 1^st): If you know that there is no such thing as leftover candy in your house but you know you want to stock up for holiday baking, be sure to hit the stores on November 1^st for 80% off your favourite candies.

#1. Stained Glass Ornament Cookies

If you've got extra hard candies on hand, be sure to keep them around to make these delicious cookies that double as holiday decorations. I’ve even given out these tasty delights as gifts in the past. I’ve done the stained glass using jolly ranchers and lifesavers but any hard candy will do.

#2. Gingerbread Houses

Making gingerbread houses is one of my favourite holiday traditions. When it comes to decorating – any candy will do. Here’s a handy list of what candy you can use for decorating your house, however, feel free to let your creativity guide you.

#3. Tootsie Roll Fudge

This fudge recipe is not only delicious but fast and easy to make. Inspired by a woman who’s husband came home with 50 pounds of tootsie rolls he bought on discount.

#4. Peanut Butter S'mores Bars {no bake!}

This no-bake recipe for s'mores bars is not only a breeze to put together – you don’t even need to bake it. I’ve used this same base and substituted different chopped up candy bars for the mini peanut butter cups. I’ve even used a mishmash of different mini chocolate bars chopped together. This recipe is perfect to have on hand if you’ve got guests coming over and you need to whip up something in a pinch (such is the holidays).

#5. No-Fuss Chocolate Bar Chocolate Brownies

This is my go-to brownie recipe during the holidays. The candy in the middle will ooze into the rest of your brownies. I like using a nut-based chocolate bar like O’Henry or Snickers.

Ingredients:

1 Box of Chocolate Cake Mix (I use devil’s food cake)

3/4 cup melted butter

2/3 cup sweetened condensed milk

1 cup of chopped chocolate treats

Directions:

1. In a large bowl combine your cake mix, melted butter, and condensed milk. Using a wooden spoon stir together until smooth.
2. Lightly grease a 13x9 inch pan, and preheat the oven to 350F.
3. Pour half of the cake mixture into the pan and smooth out with a spatula.
4. Bake for 10 minutes and remove from oven.
5. Sprinkle the chopped chocolate treats on top evenly.
6. Take the remaining banner and pour it on top of the treats.
7. Pop the mixture into the oven for 25 minutes.
8. Let cool for 10 minutes before slicing to allow them to set.