It’s that time of year again–fall is in the air, the holidays are around the corner, and starting off the festivities is Halloween. Don’t forget your commitment to your health and your smile! Just because you’re surrounded by candy and sugary goodies doesn’t mean you can’t have a healthy Halloween. Let’s look at some ways to get the most out of the holiday while protecting your pearly whites.

Instead of bowls of candy, you can treat yourself with healthy, snack-sized bags of pretzels, popcorn, dried fruit, nuts, pumpkin seeds, trail mix, or mini boxes of raisins. This works whether you keep bowls of these in your home or at the office. These are also great for giving out on Halloween night, or small oranges or clementines decorated like jack-o-lanterns with non-toxic ink. Your neighbors of all ages will love you!

If you are hosting a party, don’t forget to make the dishes healthy. We found a restaurant quality, spookily healthy recipe for a Vampire-fighting chicken, complete with 40 cloves of garlic to warm you and your guests. This French-based recipe is delicious for guests or family and serves 8.

Vampire Chicken
Ingredients List:

2 (3-pound) whole chickens*
1 Tb. of butter
1 Tb. Extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
40 garlic cloves, peeled
1 1/4 cups of chicken broth
1 cup dry white wine
24 (1/4-inch-thick) slices diagonally cut French bread baguette
Chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley (optional)

Steps:
If you are using whole chickens, remove and throw away the giblets and neck. Rinse the chickens with cold water and pat dry with a paper towel. Trim the excess fat from the birds and remove the skin. Cut each chicken into 8 pieces. Combine butter and oil in a 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.

Sprinkle salt and pepper generously over the chicken to taste. Add half of chicken pieces to pan; cook for 2 minutes on each side or until golden brown. Remove the chicken pieces from the pan and set aside, keeping warm. Repeat procedure with remaining chicken.

Next, Reduce the heat to medium and add the garlic cloves. Cook for 1 minute or until the garlic begins to brown and be sure to stir frequently. Arrange the chicken on top of the garlic, and add broth and wine. Cover and cook for 25 minutes or until the chicken is done. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside, keeping it warm.

Finally, increase to medium-high heat and cook for 10 minutes, until the liquid is reduced to about 1 cup. Serve the sauce and garlic with the chicken and sliced baguettes. Garnish with finely chopped parsley, and enjoy!

*This recipe is also delicious using your favorite cuts of boneless chicken if you want to save time in the kitchen.

Credit: my.recipes.com Cooking Light

Remember, you can enjoy the holiday season and still preserve your health and your pearly whites. With just a small amount of effort with a creative twist, you can have an eerily Happy Halloween!

If you have any questions, or would like to schedule your next checkup and cleaning before the busy holiday season, please call us today at 704-553-1627. From all of us at Gorelik Dentistry in Charlotte, North Carolina, we wish you and yours a healthy holiday season!