Take a bite out of these spicy bat wings

A trick-or-treat bag of Halloween candy can be a parent's nightmare.

No matter how hard mom or dad tries to keep youngsters from eating too many of the sugary goodies, it happens. Instead of sending the kids to dozens of houses on Halloween night, opt for treats from a few close neighbors, and have a party at your home.

Kids learn what they live, registered dietitian Anita Courtney said. If every party they attend has nothing but unhealthy food, it sets up an ongoing expectation. Because youths are hit with messages encouraging them to eat unhealthy food almost everywhere they turn, it's important for parents to create a new paradigm.

In my experience, parents love it when other parents offer their children healthy options. Kids love fresh fruits and vegetables especially when they are presented in an attractive manner. When I put out fruit and veggie platters at my children's gatherings they were always the first to disappear, said Courtney, who is chairperson of the Lexington Tweens Nutrition and Fitness Coalition.

GreenHalloween.org also suggests composting pumpkins and any other food, including leftover candy.

To forget the sweets, serve some savory treats at your Halloween party.

3 pounds chicken wings (about 16 pieces), rinsed and patted dry

Honey-mustard sauce:

1/4 cup Dijon mustard

3 tablespoons butter, melted

2 tablespoons honey

1 teaspoon cider vinegar

Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper

Hot sauce:

1/3 cup ketchup

2 to 3 tablespoons hot sauce

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper

To cook wings: Preheat broiler. Lay wings on a rimmed baking sheet, wing tips down. Place under broiler, 5½ to 6 inches from heat source. Broil until golden brown and cooked through, rotating pan as necessary, 35 to 40 minutes.

Using tongs, remove wings to a large bowl. Drain fat from baking sheet into heat-resistant bowl, and discard.

To make honey-mustard sauce: Combine mustard, butter, honey and vinegar.

To make hot sauce: Combine ketchup, hot sauce, butter, salt and pepper.

Toss wings with honey-mustard sauce. Return to baking sheet, wing tips down. Reserve bowl with remaining sauce. Place wings under broiler and cook until sauce has glazed, 2 to 3 minutes, rotating pan once.

Return wings to bowl, and toss to coat. Serve immediately with hot sauce. Makes 4 servings.

-- From Martha Stewart Living