It's true... Despite what the kids think, not all Halloween treats need to rot your teeth on contact.

Which isn't to say the goodies we've gathered here - a muddy punch and a granola-like snack - don't have a sweet side. Rather, we decided to take a more balanced approach to our sugar rush. You know, just in case somebody over the age of 12 wanted some.

Start with the spicy-sweet mole pumpkin seed clusters. Think of it as a savory-sweet granola that packs tons of addictive crunch and just a bit of heat (easily adjusted to your taste). It definitely has that potato chip-like can't-stop-shoving-it-in-your-face quality. Embrace it.

To wash it down, we created a spooky, muddy punch. Sure, it's jammed with chocolate, but it tastes more fruity than sugary. We kept it simple - and nonalcoholic - in case you're willing to share it with the kids. But after they go to bed, we suggest adding a healthy splash of light rum.

Spicy-sweet mole pumpkin seed clusters

Start to finish: 20 minutes, plus cooling

Servings: 12

1/2 cup almond butter

1/2 cup honey

1/2 to 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (more or less, to taste)

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

1 tablespoon cocoa powder

1 cup toasted pumpkin seeds

2 cups flaked corn cereal, lightly crushed

Line a rimmed baking sheet with waxed paper.

In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, combine the almond butter, honey, cayenne, salt and cocoa powder. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2 minutes.

Remove the pan from the heat and add the pumpkin seeds and cereal. Stir to combine, then transfer to the prepared pan. Using 2 spoons, separate the mixture into small clusters. Set aside to cool.

Nutrition information per serving: 230 calories; 130 calories from fat (57 percent of total calories); 14 g fat (2 g saturated; 0 g trans fats); 0 mg cholesterol; 21 g carbohydrate; 1 g fiber; 13 g sugar; 8 g protein; 160 mg sodium.

Liquid mud punch

Start to finish: 10 minutes, plus cooling

Servings: 24

4 cups grape juice

Two 20-ounce bags bittersweet chocolate bits

4 cups blueberry juice, chilled

2-liter bottle lemon-lime soda, chilled

Shaved chocolate, to serve

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, bring the grape juice to a simmer. Remove from heat and stir in the chocolate bits. Continue stirring until completely melted and smooth. Whisk in the blueberry juice, then refrigerate until completely chilled.

In a large punch bowl, gently stir the chocolate juice mixture with the lemon-lime soda. Sprinkle with shaved chocolate just before serving.

Nutrition information per serving: 320 calories; 180 calories from fat (56 percent of total calories); 20 g fat (10 g saturated; 0 g trans fats); 0 mg cholesterol; 45 g carbohydrate; 3 g fiber; 36 g sugar; 4 g protein; 20 mg sodium.