Every Halloween, I look forward to seeing the kids dressed in their costumes as they trick or treat. But I live in a townhouse where there are very few children.

I always run to Longs and buy my favorite milk-chocolate bars. That way, if they don't show up, I'll gobble up their treats.

This year, I am a little hesitant about buying certain milk-chocolate products because of the melamine scare. Since we don't have many kids in our complex, I decided to fill goodie bags with a trail mix — something I normally eat when I have a snack attack.

I went to Costco and purchased dried mango, cranberries, almonds, raisins and pecans. I bought the sunflower seeds and peanuts at Kale's near my house.

I had the most fun looking around for cute little containers at Marukai, Longs and Pricebusters. Marukai had miniature, plastic jack-o'-lanterns and cauldrons for $1.49 (six in a bag). That makes each container about 25 cents. Pricebusters had the cutest snack bags for just 7 cents to 8 cents apiece. (No wonder they're called Pricebusters.)

Use this recipe for your own healthy snack or favors for a Halloween party. A few loving spoonfuls in a pretty covered bowl will make an excellent gift at Christmas. You can't beat Marukai for inexpensive and attractive dishes.

As a kid, I used to love White Rabbit candy, but now they have been pulled from the shelves. Auwe!

ON THE MANGO TRAIL MIX