Did the Easter Bunny hop over to your house and leave sweet and chocolatey treats for you and your family this holiday? If so, after a few days of snacking on the sweets, you’ve probably gotten a few belly aches and are ready to get those treats out of the basket and out of your house.

But don’t throw the bunny out with the bathwater. There are ways to creatively and generously deal with leftover and unwanted Easter candy.

Fondue

Yes, you’re probably on chocolate overload, but by turning those Hershey’s hares into a chocolate fondue, you can mix some healthy food with the sweet stuff so you’re not going too overboard with the sugar. Some fruit and nuts for dipping will make your little ones happy and create an easy meal for your family this week.

Donate to a Homeless Shelter

Homeless shelters and food banks are always in constant need of food. Why not spread some Easter cheer to the less fortunate and donate parts of your bunny bounty? Organizations like the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank, Capital Area Alliance for the Homeless and Capital Area United Way can guide you to where to donate.

Donate to Troops Overseas

Operation Shoebox is an organization that sends supplies and goodies to troops overseas, and what better way to use your Easter candy than sending it thousands of miles away to treats those who help protect our freedom. Donation checkpoints at located at Sam’s Club stores. It might be helpful to send only heat-resistant candy as chocolate can melt easily.

Jelly Bean art

With many schools out this week, why not create a fun family project of making art pieces from leftover jelly beans? Some poster board, a little glue and few handfuls of jelly beans can turn a cavity creator into a masterpiece. You can go as simple as a colorful tree or try your artistic talent at a complicated piece like the one below.