(NC)-If you are looking for a ghoulish Halloween activity everyone can enjoy, why not create a peanut-free Haunted Gingerbread House? Decorated with Nestlé Fav*rites peanut-free treats, it’s not only safe for children who have peanut allergies, it’s also spooktacularily fun to make!

Haunted Gingerbread

1 1/2 cups shortening 375 ml

1 1/2 cups sugar 375 ml

3 eggs 3

1 1/2 cups fancy molasses 375 ml

1/4 cup golden syrup 60 ml

8 cups all purpose flour 2000 ml

1 1/2 tbsp ground ginger 22 ml

2 tsp each pumpkin pie spice and cinnamon 10 ml

1 1/2 tsp each baking soda and salt 7 ml

1 box of 100 Nestle Peanut Free Fav*rites snack-size chocolate bars

Method

1. Beat shortening and sugar until light. Add eggs, one at a time, with molasses and syrup.

2. Stir dry ingredients together and add in heaping spoonfuls to molasses mixture; stir until well combined. Divide dough into 4 balls. Wrap individually and refrigerate for at least 2 1/2 hours or up to 1 week.

3. Cut out and carefully label each pattern piece. Roll balls of chilled dough individually between wax paper to 1/4 inch thickness. Trace and cut out each pattern piece for the house; save cookie scraps to roll again as needed. *Remember to cut out windows and doors before baking*.

4. Transfer gingerbread to parchment paper-lined cookie sheets leaving at least 1 inch between shapes. Place in freezer for 25 minutes.

5. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes or until gingerbread is firm.

Haunted Icing

3 egg whites 3

1 tsp cream of tartar 5 ml

3 1/2 - 4 cups icing sugar 875-1000 ml Optional: food colouring

Method

1. Beat egg whites and cream of tartar for 4 minutes or until stiff peaks form. Slowing add icing sugar, 1/2 cup at a time beating until thick (may require less sugar). Add food colouring if desired.

2. Transfer icing to large zip-lock bag. Close and set aside.

Assembly and decorating

1. Use the haunted house photo as your assembly guide, and use a foil-covered cutting board as the base.

2. Snip corner from icing bag, and pipe icing generously along edges of gingerbread to glue pieces together. Start with the walls, using cans or jars to support the structure as the icing hardens.

3. Complete structure by gluing on the roof and chimney with piped icing. Allow to harden for at least 15 minutes.

4. Use the 100-count box of Nestlé Peanut Free Fav*rites to decorate your haunted house, gluing the chocolate in place with icing.

Nestlé Canada encourages parents to read the labels when buying ingredients to ensure they are made in a peanut-free facility. For more information on Nestlé’s peanut-free offerings, visit www.nestle-peanutfree.ca.

Credit: www.newscanada.com

Tips from Shape Up Mom and Mother of 10, Kathryn Sansone

(ARA) – The holidays can be a joyous time of year. But, as the social calendar gets hectic, holiday menus are sorted, and shopping lists get started, it sometimes becomes challenging to get through the holiday season stress-free. In fact, according to an Opinion Research Survey, almost half of all women suffer more stress during the holidays.

Weight Watchers asked Kathryn Sansone, Shape Up Mom and author of “Woman First, Family Always,” to provide some helpful tips to jingle away the stress. The biological mother of 10 children, Kathryn has a realistic, practical and inspiring approach that millions of women follow.

Gift-Giving

Convenient Treats are Twice as Sweet

Giving holiday treats to friends and family and contributing desserts to holiday gatherings is an important part of the season. But, this doesn’t mean you have to spend hours in the kitchen. Give them a beautiful jar of homemade granola so they can enjoy this sensible snack during the holidays. Layer it with fruit, your favorite granola and Weight Watchers Vanilla yogurt. For a personal touch, wrap in a festive bow and attach the recipe.

Shopping

Shop from Friends

Not sure where to start your shopping? Buy gifts from friends and family who have small businesses. If you have a cousin who makes jewelry or a friend who does monogram soap, order a variety of gifts from them. You’ll feel good about giving them the business and you’ll treat your friends and family to a unique gift.

Taking Care of Yourself

There’s Always Room for Activity

When you feel overwhelmed, don’t eliminate exercise. “For most women, this area is one of the first to fall through the cracks when we get busy,” says Sansone. “I have to make it a priority to keep a workout a part of my day to decrease stress and lighten my mood. Things always have a way of getting done and I feel much better about my list of holiday ‘to do’s’ if I take that little time for myself.”

The best way to stick to an exercise routine is to put it on your daily schedule. Solicit a friend that will meet you for a walk after work and encourage you to adhere to your goals. Ask your spouse or a friend to help during the busy season. If they know how important it is to you, they can help you by picking up the kids or babysitting while you take 30 minutes to get in your workout.

In the Morning - Don’t Forget to “Fare” Well

It is easy to skip meals when we get busy and stressed. According to research from the National Weight Control Registry (NWCR), eating breakfast on a regular basis was one of the key strategies used by people maintaining weight loss. Eating breakfast may help to reduce hunger later in the day which can lead to overeating, and it also can provide key nutrients. One option for a quick, sensible breakfast is either the new Weight Watchers Caramel Apple muffins or toasted Whole Wheat English Muffins with sugar free jam or natural peanut butter. These food options are a great choice for on-the-go lifestyles without sacrificing taste.

Time Management

Scheduling is Key

Between the cocktail parties, work events, kids’ parties and family gatherings, scheduling activities can become a daunting task. It may be wise to make a separate calendar just for the holidays. For moms with kids, be sure to line up your babysitters early since their calendars are full too during the season.

Watching Your Weight

Scope Out the Buffet

According to an Opinion Research Survey, 1/3 of women felt that watching their weight was one of the main sources of stress during the holiday season. But you don’t have to deprive yourself of all those delicious holiday foods. Remember that eating is a social activity. By passing on holiday goodies, you have taken yourself out of the conversation.

So, scope out the entire table ahead of time, pick a few of your favorite items and take a bite of each. You don’t have to finish the whole thing. Another strategy is to bring a great-tasting sensible dessert, such as a tray of Weight Watchers Chocolate Candies. This is a great way to save calories while staying on track.

For more information visit www.WeightWatchers.com/SensibleFoods.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Serves 4

POINTS value per serving : 3 (including either pecan crowns or caramel medallions)

Ingredients:
4 unpeeled Granny Smith apples (or your favorite apples)
1/2 cup water
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 cinnamon sticks
1 3-ounce bag Weight Watchers Pecan Crowns or Caramel Medallions

Preparation

Preheat oven to 350 F. Using a melon baller or paring knife, de-stem and core each apple, leaving the bottoms intact. Place cored apples in 8-inch glass baking dish. Pour water around apples in baking dish. Add lemon juice and cinnamon sticks. Cut Pecan Crowns or Caramel Medallions into 1/4-inch pieces. Set aside 8 teaspoons of candy pieces. Place remaining candy pieces into each apple.

Place apples in oven and bake until apples are thoroughly cooked and fork-tender, about 30 to 35 minutes. Remove from oven briefly and top each apple with 2 teaspoons candy. Return to oven and bake until candy is just melted, about 3 to 5 minutes. Remove promptly and serve warm.

Additional Idea:
For extra low-calorie decadence, add a dollop of fat-free whipped topping to each apple before serving.