H-apple-y Halloween

In addition to being National Apple Month and the peak of the U.S. apple harvest, October is also Halloween time. Halloween has its roots in ancient harvest traditions, born of Celtic harvest festivals more than 2,000 years ago. At the same time our ancient ancestors celebrated harvesting nature's bounty, as the dark of winter approached they believed that on this particular evening spirits roamed. Costumes and masks helped our Earth-borne ancestors avoid recognition of those from the Otherworld, and they offered up sweets to avoid being the subject of tricks by evil-minded spooks.

Today, Halloween is a time of fun and frolic. As soon as the calendar page is turned, our young ghosts and goblinettes begin turning their thoughts to costumes, gags and goodies, and those great Halloween celebrations.

And no tricks here: Apples and apple foods such as 100 percent apple juice and cider are also healthy fall treats that parents and teachers can feel good about giving to their little ones. Apples are an excellent source of fiber and are fat-free, so your little monsters will get filled up without filling out. One-hundred percent apple juice and cider counts as a fruit serving, toward the recommended 5 to 9 servings of fruits and vegetables a day, for better health.

Author Donata Maggipinto offers up some seasonal recipes and crafts for the whole family’s fun in her book Halloween Treats. Many feature those fall seasonal favorites, apples and apple cider, including the following.

Caramel Apples and Pears
Maple Cider Punch
Roasted Pork Loin with Quinces and Lady Apples

(From Halloween Treats © 1998 by Donata Maggipinto, photographs by Richard Jung. Used with permission of Chronicle Books LLC, San Francisco. Visit www.chroniclebooks.com to order.)

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