Although the surprise snowstorm kept me from going out and celebrating Halloween this past weekend, I thought it would be appropriate to share some autumnal treats with you today. Below you will find two of my favorite treats for cold autumn days. Many thanks to my wife, Susan Waxman, for letting me share her Crispy Brown Rice Treats recipe.

Hot Apple Cider
Ingredients:
Apple cider
Lemon
Kuzu (optional)

Preparation:
Dilute the apple cider slightly if you find it too sweet.
Hear the apple cider until it is hot but not boiling.
Squeeze in lemon to taste.

Variation for a thicker, warming drink:
Dissolve 1 heaping teaspoon of kuzu in cold water.
Put in a saucepan.
Add 1 cup of cold apple cider (diluted if desired).
Stir on a medium flame until it thickens.
Squeeze in the lemon to taste.

Crispy Brown Rice Teats
This recipe makes enough for a crowd, which is perfect for bringing to a Halloween party or for introducing your trick-or-treaters to whole foods. This quick snack will keep in a tin or glass container for 1 week.

Ingredients:
½ cup Barley Malt
¾ cup Maple Syrup
1 cup organic currants or raisins
1 cup organic peanut butter
5 cups Crispy Brown Rice

Preparation:
Mix Barley Malt, Maple Syrup and Peanut Butter in a stainless steel pot.
Turn on flame and begin heating on a low flame.  Add the fruits and continue to mix.
When you begin to see bubbles around the edge of the pot, turn off the flame and add the rice crispies.  
Mix well to blend all of the ingredients.
Place on an oiled tray to cool a bit.
Roll into balls and serve.

Variations: Substitute Almond butter or tahini for the peanut butter. When using tahini add a little add a little more rice crispies in order to maintain a good consistency.
Add grain-sweetened chocolate chips in place of raisins for a richer taste.

For the ultimate chocolate lovers treat:
Melt unsweetened organic dark/vegan chocolate. 
Add 2 tablespoons of brown rice syrup
1 tablespoons of barley malt
1 – 2 tablespoons of maple syrup
If this is not sweet enough for you, just add a little extra, remember the kids need to like it too!
Mix well and allow the now, grain sweetened chocolate to cool a bit.
Drizzle or roll the crispy balls in the chocolate.
Place the chocolate coated treats in the fridge until the chocolate cools.

Makes about 60 bite size treats.