Today is Halloween! The one time of year you can gorge on candy and not feel bad about it. This week’s recipe for peanut and chocolate banana snakes will send shivers down your taste buds. This is a great party dish or fun treat to make with the kids! Don’t let this one slither past you.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup(s) heavy cream
• 1 cup(s) bittersweet chocolate chips (6 oz)
• 6 small firm-ripe bananas (about 6 in. long)
• 1 package(s) peanut butter chocolate candies (such as Reese’s Pieces)
• 1 piece(s) red fruit leather (such as Fruit Roll-Ups)
• Crushed chocolate wafers or Oreo cookies, for serving

Instructions:

1. Place the heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high until simmering, about 1 minute.
2. Add the chocolate chips and let stand for 2 minutes, then stir until melted and smooth.
3. Working with 3 bananas at a time, peel, then slice a 1-in. piece off both ends of 1 banana and only one end of the remaining 2.
4. Arrange the bananas on a platter, matching up the cut ends to form the snake’s body.
5. Spread chocolate mixture evenly over the bananas so they are completely covered. Repeat with the remaining 3 bananas to make a second snake. If the chocolate mixture seems very soft, refrigerate until just slightly firm, about 10 minutes (and no more than 15).
6. Arrange the candies on the bananas, pressing them in gently to create scales, leaving 2 inches of the chocolate from one end uncovered to form the snake heads.
7. Cut 2 tongues from the fruit leather and place at the bottom of the head ends.
8. Cut 2 candies in half and place on the top of the heads for the eyes.
9. Spoon the crushed cookies around the snakes, if desired.

If you want a healthier option, try cutting out strawberries and bananas to create this little guy:

Look out for new recipes on Organic Odes every Friday!