Chocolate Covered Peanut Butter Eggs

Chocolate Covered Peanut Butter Easter Eggs

Instead of buying Easter candy, or any day candy, why not make it yourself.  These chocolate covered peanut butter eggs are sooth and creamy. It is a recipe that even your kids will enjoy helping you to make. They can create their very own peanut butter eggs.

 Ingredients

1 c. creamy peanut butter
1/2 c. butter, softened
1/2 tsp. vanilla
2 1/3 c. powdered sugar or more
1 Tbs. milk
1 1/2 c. dark chocolate chips
2 Tbs. shortening

Directions

In a large mixing bowl, combine peanut butter, butter, and vanilla.  Mix well until thoroughly combined. 

Gradually mix in the powdered sugar. Mix well. If the mixture is too crumbly, add some whole milk until you get the right consistency.  It should be like play dough.

Shape the mixture into 16 to 32 eggs shapes, depending on how big you want your candy eggs to be. Leave the bottom of the eggs flat. Place them onto a baking sheet lined with waxed paper. Place in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or until firm. If you have a deviled egg holder, you can use that as a mold to shape your eggs. You can also form them into small balls for buckeyes.

In a microwave safe bowl, add the chocolate chips and shortening.  Place in the microwave and heat them for 30 seconds. Remove the bowl with the chocolate chips and stir the chocolate mixture. Repeat this step a second time.  After that, only microwave the chocolate for 10 seconds.  Stir the chocolate. Repeat this step of microwaving the chocolate for 10 second intervals and stirring after each one until the chocolate is smooth.  

Place an egg on the tines of a fork, or you can use one of those long handled 2-tined forks as well. Dip the eggs into the chocolate, making sure the surface is covered with chocolate.  Allow the excess chocolate to drip off.  Place the eggs back on the baking sheet lined with waxed paper.  Repeat this procedure for each egg. 

Refrigerate the eggs for at least 30 minutes, or until the chocolate is set and firm. Store the peanut butter eggs in an airtight container in the refrigerator. 

Peanut Butter Cups

Making your own Peanut Butter Cups is so easy.  With just a few simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry, you can make and eat this delicious treat any time.

Ingredients

3 c. semi sweet chocolate chips
1 c. peanut butter, divided
1/2 c. powdered sugar
4 1/2 tsp. butter
1 tsp. vanilla
1/2 tsp. salt

Directions

Line 12 mini muffin cups with mini muffin liners. Set aside.

In a bowl, combine 1/2 c. peanut butter, powdered sugar, butter, vanilla, and salt.  Beat until smooth and creamy.

In a microwave safe dish, combine the chocolate chips, and 1/2 c. peanut butter. Microwave, stirring every 20 seconds, until the mixture is melted and smooth. Or you can melt the chocolate and peanut butter over the stove top in a double boiler, stirring frequently to keep it from burning.

Place a teaspoonful of chocolate mixture into the paper lined cups. Drop a scant teaspoonful of the peanut butter mixture, making sure it is not against the sides of the liner. Spoon another teaspoonfuls of melted chocolate over the top. 

Place in a cool location or in your refrigerator until the chocolate is set. Store in an airtight container. 

Notes:

You can also use regular sized muffin cups, but you will need to add more chocolate and peanut butter mixture to each cup.

Stir in a teaspoon of shortening in the chocolate chip mixture as they melt to give it a glossier finish.

You can substitute about 1 cup of chocolate chips and use 4 (1.55 oz.) milk chocolate candy bars.

Brown Sugar Candy

 This candy literally melts in your mouth. It is creamy, smooth and rich tasting. This candy does not have to be beaten until smooth, and it looses its gloss. This is the easy method, where you don't have to beat it to a certain point before you pour it into the pan. However, it is just as delicious.

Ingredients:

2 c. packed brown sugar
1 (12 oz. can) evaporated milk
1/2 c. butter
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. vanilla
2 c. miniature marshmallows
1 c. chopped walnuts (optional)

Directions:

Butter the bottom of an 8 or 9-inch baking pan. Set aside.

In a large saucepan, mix the evaporated milk, brown sugar, butter and salt.  Cook over medium-high heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture comes to a boil.  Lower the heat to medium. Stirring occasionally, cook until the candy registers 238° or soft ball stage on a candy thermometer.

Remove the candy from the heat. Mix in miniature marshmallows, vanilla and walnuts if desired.  Stir until the marshmallows have completely melted.

Pour the mixture into the prepared pan. 

Cool completely before cutting into squares.  Serve and enjoy! Store in an airtight container.

Flavored Cream Cheese Candies

Making your own mints is easy, and you can make them any flavor or color that you desire.  Some people call them Christmas mints, merriments, bridal or baby shower mints. I just know they melt in your mouth and are delicious.

Ingredients

 4 oz. cream cheese, softened to room temperature
1 Tbs. butter
1/2 to 1 tsp. vanilla extract, raspberry extract, strawberry or Jello powder or 1 or 2 drops of oil
3 c. powdered sugar
food coloring, (optional)

Directions

In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth using an electric mixer. 

Add the extracts, flavoring, jello or oil of your choice. Start out the least amount first. If you are using jello, add 1/4 teaspoon. If you are using oil, only add 1 or 2 drops, as the oil is more potent than the extracts.

Stir in the powdered sugar.  When you get to the last cup, add it in stages, mixing until you get a thick consistency. If you add too much, and it is dry and brittle, then add a little bit of heavy cream until it holds its shape. Taste the mixture. If you think it needs more flavoring, add more until you are satisfied. It is easier to add more flavoring than it is to try and remove it should you get too much.

Add the food coloring if desired. 

Line a cookie sheet with wax paper.  Roll mixture into small balls. Roll the balls in granulated sugar, then place them on waxed paper. Flatten the balls with the bottom of a glass or a with a fork dipped in granulated sugar to keep the candy dough from sticking. 

Allow the candies to dry for about 2 hours on waxed paper, containers.  

Store between layers of waxed paper in an airtight container in the refrigerator or place them in the freezer. 

Notes:

The jello powder needs to be fine. If it is not, then place it in a blender or food processor and process it until it is very fine. Store the leftover powder in a mason jar to use in frosting, or more Cream Cheese Candies

 

Peanut Butter Pinwheels Potato Candy

In spite of the name Peanut Butter Pinwheels Potato Candy, this is surprisingly an excellent treat. It is easy to make, too. No one would ever guess that the secret ingredient in this candy is a potato.  But not just any potato will work. You need to use a Russet potato.  Any other kind of potato will not work, and neither will instant potatoes.

The recipe is almost fool-proof. You don't really need to use measurements, but these are here as a guideline. The recipe can be made smaller or larger, depending on how much you want to make.  

Directions

1/2 c. mashed russet potatoes
2 tsp. vanilla
pinch of salt
6 to 8 c. powdered sugar
1/2 to 2/3 creamy peanut butter

Directions

Fill a medium saucepan with cold water. Wash and peel the potatoes. Cut the potatoes into cubes or quarter them and put them in the pot of water. Bring the water to a boil and cook until the potatoes are soft.  Drain the potatoes.

Mash the potatoes with a fork, potato masher or an electric mixer. Try to get the potatoes as smooth as possible.  

Add the vanilla and salt to the mashed potatoes. Mix well.

Stir in one cup of the powdered sugar.  Mix well. The mixture will turn runny when you do this. Don't worry, as that is what it is supposed to do.   Continue adding and mixing in the powdered sugar until the dough becomes stiff.  Add a layer of powdered sugar to your clean counter or on a sheet of parchment paper or waxed paper. Turn the candy dough out onto the counter. Knead in more powdered sugar until the dough is the consistency of play dough.  Continue to knead or work with the dough until it is smooth and no longer sticks to your hands.

Dust the work surface and your rolling pin with powdered sugar.

Form the dough into a rectangle and dust the top with more powdered sugar.   Roll the dough out into a rectangle. The thickness should be about 1/4 inch thick. However, you can make this as thick or thin as you like, but don't make it too thin, or it will crack, and your candy will not look very pretty.   

Once you have the dough rolled out, spread the peanut butter across the top evenly.  Do not spread the peanut butter out to the edge of the dough. Leave a small amount of space between the peanut butter and the edge. 

Starting with the long side, slowly and carefully begin to roll up the dough into a log shape, working from one side to the other.  You can use a dough blade if the dough sticks to your countertop, or paper.  

Wrap the candy log in the parchment or waxed paper that you were using to roll the dough out on. Or you can use plastic wrap. This helps the peanut butter potato log to hold its shape 

Refrigerate until firm. Slice the candy and serve.

Notes:

If the mixture becomes too dry while kneading, add a bit more of your mashed potato. 

If the mixture is too wet, just add more powdered sugar. 

Easy Candied Pecans

 

This is a wonderful snack.  Pecans, or almost any kind of nut, with a cinnamon syrup coating.  Be warned.  Once you start eating them, it is hard to stop.

Ingredients

1 3/4 c. pecan halves
1 Tbs. butter, softened
1 c. sugar
1/2 c. water
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp vanilla

Directions

Heat oven to 250°.

Place pecan halves in a baking sheet in a single layer.

Bake the pecans for 10 minutes, or until they are nicely warmed.

In a heavy saucepan, combine butter, sugar, water, salt and cinnamon.  Over medium heat, cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture comes to a boil and the sugar is completely dissolved. It is important that the sugar dissolves completely, because if it isn't, sugar crystals will form. This will give the texture of eating grainy pecans.  

Cover the pot with a lid.  Cook for 2 minutes.  This will dissolve the sugar that may be on the sides of the pot. 

Remove the lid.  Cook without stirring until the mixture reaches soft ball stage, 236° on a candy thermometer.  Remove from heat.

Stir in vanilla.  

Add the pecans.  Stir until the pecans are evenly coated in the syrup. 

Spread the pecans on a buttered baking sheet.  Bake for 30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes. Spread on a cool baking sheet lined with waxed paper.

Cool and enjoy.

Homemade Caramel

Soft, chewy, rich tasting caramel candy. This is so much better than what you can buy at the store. Although it does take a bit of time to make, it is totally worth doing!

 Ingredients

2 c. sugar
1 c. brown sugar
1 c. corn syrup
1 c. evaporated milk
2 c. whipping cream
1 c. butter
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla

Directions

Line a 12 x 15-inch baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a large heavy saucepan, combine sugar, brown sugar, corn syrup, evaporated milk, whipping cream and butter.

Stirring constantly, cook over medium heat until the mixture registers 250° on a candy thermometer.  This can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 1 hour. It is important to stir constantly, otherwise the caramel will burn on the bottom of the pan, and you will have black clumps in the candy mixture. Remove from heat.

Stir in vanilla.  

Pour into prepared pan, spreading the mixture out, so it is even. Set aside to cool.  If you live in a cool climate, place the pan outside or in your unheated porch.  

Cut into squares when cool.  Wrap them in wax paper for longer storage if desired.

Notes:

You will want to make sure that your candy thermometer is accurate. To test it, bring a pot of water to a boil. The thermometer should read 212°.  If it does not, adjust the reading by adding or subtracting degrees, so it will be accurate.

Cornflake Candy

This is an old-fashioned candy recipe that has been around for many years.  It is very easy to make and tastes great.

Ingredients

5 c. corn flakes
2 c. crispy rice cereal
2 c. salted peanuts (optional)
1 c. sugar
1 c. whipping cream
1 c. white corn syrup

Directions

Butter a 9 x 13-inch cake pan.

In a large heatproof bowl, combine corn flakes, crispy rice cereal and peanuts. Set aside.

In a large saucepan, combine sugar, whipping cream and corn syrup.  Stirring constantly, bring to a boil and cook until the mixture reaches the hard ball stage or 260° on a candy thermometer.  

Pour the hot mixture over the cereals and nuts.  Mix well.

Spoon into prepared pan.  Carefully pat the mixture evenly in the pan.  Cut into squares before the mixture cools completely.

Cherry Bing Mash Candy

This is our favorite candy to make every Christmas.  This recipe can be easily doubled and spread in a 9 x 13-inch cake pan.

Ingredients

1 c. sugar
4 Tbs. butter
1/4 tsp. salt
1/3 c. evaporated milk
1 c. mini marshmallows or 6 large marshmallows
1 c. cherry chips
1/2 tsp. vanilla
1 c. semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/2 c. creamy peanut butter
1 c. peanuts, chopped

Directions

Line a 8 or 9-inch square pan with waxed paper. 

Combine sugar, butter, salt, and evaporated milk.  Stirring constantly, bring to a boil.  Boil for 5 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from heat.

Add marshmallows, cherry chips and vanilla.  Stir until the marshmallows and cherry chips are melted. 

Spread in prepared pan.   Place the pan in the refrigerator or if you live in a cool climate, place the pan in the porch to cool down and start to harden.

In the same saucepan that you made the cherry candy in, combine chocolate chips and peanut butter. Turn the heat to low and stir until the chocolate chips are melted. 

Add peanuts if desired.  

Spread the melted chocolate and peanut butter over the cherry layer.

Cool in the refrigerator, or if you live in a cold location, place outside on your porch to harden. Cut into squares.

Old Fashioned Hard Candy or Broken Glass Candy

This is an old recipe that we make during the holidays.  As you cook up a batch of this hard candy, it fills the house with the wonderful, refreshing scent of cinnamon, peppermint, or anise.  Tint the candy with the color of your choice.  Put the candy in a clear jar, and you have a wonderful gift to give someone.

Ingredients

3 3/4 c. sugar
1 1/2 c. light corn syrup
1 c. water
food coloring
1/4 tsp. of your favorite flavoring oil like cinnamon, anise, butterscotch, peppermint,
1/2 c. powdered sugar (optional)

Directions

Butter two 15 x 10-inch heavy baking pans.

In a heavy saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, water, and food coloring. Add as much coloring as you desire to get the color you want.

Over medium heat, stir constantly until the sugar dissolves completely. Bring to a boil.  Cook without stirring until the candy reaches the hard crack stage, or 300° on a candy thermometer. 

Remove from heat.  Carefully and quickly stir in the flavoring of your choice. Pour into the prepared pans and allow the candy to cool completely. If the candy is too thick in places, tilt the pan so the candy evens out.

Dust the candy with powdered sugar if you would like a more frosty look. Then break the candy into pieces.  Store the hard candy in an airtight container. 

Notes

To make the candy into nice squares, quickly score the hot candy with a pizza cutter sprayed with cooking spray. You may have to go back and re-cut through the candy,  Then the candy can be easily broken into squares.

Penuche Fudge

This is an old-fashioned recipe that my aunt would make during the holiday seasons.  It is buttery, melt in your mouth fudge that is sure to please. The taste of the fudge is a cross between caramel and butterscotch.  

Ingredients

3/4 c. evaporated milk
2 c. brown sugar
1 c. sugar
1/4 tsp. salt
1 tsp. vanilla
1/4 c. butter
2 Tbs. corn syrup

Directions

Butter the bottom of an 8-inch square pan. Set aside.  

In a heavy saucepan, combine milk, brown sugar, sugar, corn syrup and salt.  Stirring constantly over medium heat, bring to a boil. When the mixture comes to a rapid boil, stop stirring, but continue to cook until  it reaches soft ball stage, or a candy thermometer reads 237° to 242°.  Remove from heat.

Add vanilla and butter, but do not stir.  It is important to not stir the candy at all, otherwise there will be large sugar crystals forming, and your candy will be gritty instead of smooth.

Allow the candy mixture to cool to 110°. This can take between 20 and 40 minutes.  Beat with a wooden spoon until the penuche begins to thicken.  Add the walnuts if desired at this point. Continue beating until the candy begins to lose its sheen.  Stop stirring. Pour the candy into the prepared pan.

If you do not have a candy thermometer, you can drop a small amount of the mixture into a bowl of cold water.  If it forms a ball that can be picked up easily, and flattened between your fingers, then the candy is at the 234° soft ball stage.

Old-Fashioned Martha Washington Candy

This recipe came about in the 1920s, and it has stood the test of time. It is an old-fashioned candy treat that is easy to make. It is perfect for gift giving, but be sure to make extra for you and your family can enjoy them too!

Ingredients

1/2 c. butter, softened
1 (14 oz.) can sweetened condensed milk
1 tsp. vanilla
4 c. powdered sugar
2 c. flaked coconut
3 c. pecans, chopped
1 (12 oz. pkg semi-sweet chocolate chips **
2 tsp. shortening

Directions

In a large mixing bowl, combine butter, sweetened condensed milk and vanilla together.  

Slowly add the powdered sugar and mix until well combined. 

Stir in the flaked coconut and pecans. Mix thoroughly with a wooden spoon. If you need to thicken the candy, just add more sugar, one tablespoon at a time.  You want it to be like a cookie dough.

Remove about a tablespoon of the candy dough and roll between your hands into small balls between the palms of your hands. Place the balls on a parchment covered cookie sheet.  Chill for at least an hour in the refrigerator.

When the candy hardens, it is time to melt the chocolate.

In a double boiler, melt the chocolate chips and shortening together over simmering water. Stir often to keep the chocolate from burning.  When the chocolate melts completely and is smooth, remove from the simmering water.  

Dip one coconut ball at a time. Place the coconut ball on top of the tines of a fork and then dip the ball into the melted chocolate.  

Place the chocolate coated candy balls on a pan lined with waxed paper.  Repeat until all the balls have been dipped in chocolate.

Chill for at least 15 minutes, or until the chocolate sets and hardens.

Notes:

You can use 1-pound almond bard in place of the chocolate chips and shortening. Just melt in the same way or as directed on the package.

 

No-Bake Peanut Butter Bites

One of the easiest recipes we have, that brings back fond memories of my kids is this recipe, No-Bake Peanut Butter Bites.  It is one that my kids loved to help make when they were little. Then, when they got older, they would make it on their own. They no longer needed the recipe, they knew it by heart.  They added the ingredients without measuring and would make it taste just right. 

The dough stayed pliable like play dough, and could be shaped.  If you have small kids, they can mix the ingredients with their hands for more fun in cooking.

Go ahead, make some delicious memories with your kids today!

Ingredients

2/3 c. light corn syrup
2/3 c. peanut butter
1 c. dry milk powder
2/3 c. confectioners' sugar

Directions

In a bowl, combine corn syrup and peanut butter together with a wooden spoon.

Gradually stir in dry milk powder. Add the confectioner's sugar. Mix thoroughly.

Sit down and enjoy. You can also roll into a log and cut into 1-inch pieces. Or just grab some out of the bowl and start eating.

 

 

Homemade Peanut Butter Coconut Eggs

Here is another recipe for candy chocolate covered Easter eggs.  And these delicious eggs aren't just for Easter. Instead of making them into egg shapes, you can form them into balls and dip those in the melted chocolate.  These make for a wonderful sweet treat any time of the year. 

Ingredients

1/4 c. butter, softened
3/4 c. peanut butter
1 1/2 to 2 c. powdered sugar
1 c. sweetened coconut, shredded
1/2 c. walnuts, chopped fine (optional)
2 c. semi-sweet chocolate chips
2 Tbs. shortening

Directions

Cream the butter and peanut butter until light and fluffy on high speed.

Turn the mixer to low and mix in 1 cup powdered sugar. Stir in the coconut and chopped walnuts if desired. 

Turn out onto a board or countertop dusted with powdered sugar.  Knead in the rest of the powdered sugar until the mixture is no longer sticky and it will hold its shape. 

Form into egg shapes.  Place on a tray or cookie sheet lined with waxed paper. Cover and chill the eggs for about 4 hours or until they are firm. 

Melt chocolate chips and shortening in the microwave, stirring every 15 to 30 seconds until the chocolate is melted and smooth.  Or you can melt the chocolate chips on the stove top on a very low heat, stirring constantly until the chocolate chips are melted.

Place one egg on the tines of a fork or you can use one of those 2-pronged forks if you have one. Dip the egg into the chocolate, making sure all the exposed areas are covered in chocolate. Allow the excess chocolate to drip off, before placing the chocolate egg on the waxed paper. Do this to each egg until they are all coated in chocolate. 

You can decorate the eggs with colorful sprinkles while the chocolate is still soft. Or you can allow the chocolate to harden and then decorate with icing. 

Store the chocolate Easter eggs in a covered container at room temperature. You can also place them in the refrigerator if it is hot where you are to keep the chocolate from melting.

 Homemade Peanut Butter Easter Eggs

Make this Easter holiday extra special by making your own candy. These Peanut Butter Eggs are just as good or even better than the name brand ones you buy in the store. And they are a lot cheaper, too! No two eggs will ever be the same. Peanut butter and chocolate; two great tastes in one.

Ingredients

3/4 c. creamy peanut butter
1/2 c. butter, softened
1/2 tsp. vanilla
2 1/3 c. powdered sugar
1 c. graham cracker crumbs
1 1/2 c. semi-sweet chocolate chips
2 Tbs. shortening
powdered sugar for frosting decorations or sprinkles See below.

Directions

Beat peanut butter, butter and vanilla on medium high speed until thoroughly combined.  Turn the mixer on low as you gradually add the powdered sugar and graham cracker crumbs. 

Form into 16 egg shapes. Place on a tray or cookie sheet lined with waxed paper.  Cover and chill the eggs for 4 hours, or until firm.

In a microwave safe container, melt the chocolate chips and shortening. Stir the mixture every 30 seconds until the chocolate is melted and smooth. You can also melt the chocolate chips using the stove top, over very low heat. Stir the chocolate and shortening constantly, so the chocolate does not burn. 

Place an egg on the tines of a fork, or you can use one of those long handled 2-tined forks as well. Dip the eggs into the chocolate, making sure the surface is covered with chocolate.  Allow the excess chocolate to drip off.  Place the eggs on the waxed paper.  Repeat this procedure for each egg. 

Decorate with sprinkles, or place the eggs in the refrigerator and chill until the chocolate is firm. Or you can decorate the eggs with powdered sugar icing.

Frosting 

To make the frosting, combine 2 cups powdered sugar, 4 teaspoons corn syrup, 1 teaspoon vanilla and 1 to 2 tablespoons milk. Beat until smooth and the right consistency for piping the frosting through a decorator bag or tube.  You may want to divide the frosting into separate containers and tint each one with a different color if desired.

Magic Easter Eggs

These Easter eggs will be one of a kind as each one is hand-made by you. No two eggs will be exactly alike. 

Ingredients

1/2 c. butter
1 tsp. vanilla
1 tsp. salt
few drops of yellow food coloring, optional
1 can sweetened condensed milk
6 c. powdered sugar
1 1/2 lbs. semi-sweet chocolate, melted

Directions

Cream butter, vanilla, salt and yellow food coloring in a mixing bowl.  

Blend in sweetened condensed milk, mixing until the mixture is smooth. 

Gradually add the powdered sugar, blending well after each addition. When the mixture becomes too stiff to mix anymore, turn out onto a board or countertop dusted with powdered sugar. 

Knead in the remaining powdered sugar until you have a dough that is smooth and no longer sticky. 

Form mixture into egg shapes. Place on a tray or cookie sheet lined with waxed paper. Cover and chill the eggs for 4 hours or until firm. 

Melt the semi-sweet chocolate.  Place an egg on the tines of a fork or one of those 2-pronged forks if you have one. Dip the egg into the chocolate, allowing the excess chocolate to drip of. Place the chocolate egg on the waxed paper. Do this to each egg until they are all coated in chocolate. 

You can decorate the eggs with sprinkles while the chocolate is still soft. Or you can allow the chocolate to stand until firm and then decorate with icing. 

Store the chocolate Easter eggs in a covered container at room temperature. You can also place them in the refrigerator if it is hot where you are to keep the chocolate from melting.

Hello Dollies

Hello Dollies is a very old recipe that my grandmother used to make for special occasions. They are easy to make and so good!  Are they like a piece of candy, or a rich tasting bar cookie? You decide.  

This is the basic recipe, but sometimes we will add a layer of butterscotch chips after the chocolate chips. You can also use pecans instead of walnuts. 

Ingredients

1 c. butter or margarine
1 c. graham cracker crumbs
1 c. shredded coconut
1 c. chocolate chips
1 c. walnuts, chopped
1 (14 oz.) can sweetened condensed milk

Directions

Melt butter in the bottom of a 13 x 9-inch cake pan

Pour graham cracker crumbs over the melted butter, spreading out to cover the bottom of the pan. Press the mixture into the bottom of the pan.

Next, layer the coconut over the top of the crust, pressing into the graham crackers below.  Then, repeat with the layer of chocolate chips and press those into the coconut layer.  Layer the chopped walnuts over the chocolate chips, pressing them into the chocolate chip layer below. 

Pour sweetened condensed milk over the top.

Bake at 350° for 25 minutes, or until the top begins to lightly brown. 

Cool thoroughly before cutting into squares.

**To get the milk to pour better, sit the open can in some hot water for a few minutes.

 Salted Nut Roll

Salted Nut Rolls are so good when you make them at home. You don't have to worry how long  they have been on the shelf and whether the peanuts are any good or if they turned rancid.

Ingredients

1 stick butter
4 c. marshmallows
1/2 tsp. salt
2 tsp. vanilla
4 c. powdered sugar

Caramel Coating

1 lb. caramel, or about 55 caramels, with wrappers removed
4 tbs. butter
1 (14) oz. can sweetened condensed milk
1 c. peanuts

Directions

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.

In a large saucepan, combine butter, marshmallows, vanilla and salt.  Cook and stir until smooth or until the marshmallows are melted over medium heat.  This takes about 5 minutes.  Remove from heat.

Stir in powdered sugar until completely blended. Allow to cool slightly or until you can safely handle the candy with your hands. 

When the candy is cool enough to handle, turn it out on your counter top or cutting board that has been lightly sprinkled with powdered sugar. 

Lightly butter your hands and then begin knead the candy until it is shiny.

Divide the candy into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a 4-inch log. Place the logs on the parchment paper and set in the refrigerator until firm. 

Meanwhile, prepare the peanuts and make the caramel coating.  

Coarsely chop the peanuts. You can do this in a food processor or chop them with a knife. Place the chopped peanuts in a shallow plate or pan.

In a large saucepan, combine the caramels, sweetened condensed milk, and butter. Cook and stir over medium heat until caramels are melted and the mixture is smooth. 

Set aside to cool slightly or until cool enough to handle without getting burning your hands or melting the nougat logs.

Remove the nougat logs from the refrigerator. Dip the logs, one at a time in the caramel mixture, making sure the entire surface is coated. Then, roll the caramel coated log in the peanuts.  Place the caramel, peanut coated logs back on the parchment paper on the baking sheet. 

Chill for at least an hour or until firm. When ready to serve, cut the logs into pieces and enjoy.

 

 

 Peanut Brittle

It's getting close to Christmas time and that means delicious candies to make for the holiday. Peanut brittle is one of those candies that we make every year for Christmas. However, it is good any time of the year, not just for Christmas.. This recipe is easy to make and so much better then the kind you buy at the grocery store.

Ingredients

2 c. sugar
1 c. corn syrup
1/4 tsp. salt
1/2 c. water
1/2 c. butter, softened
2 c. peanuts, (shells removed if using the kind pictured above)
1 Tbs. vanilla
1 tsp. baking soda

Directions

Butter the bottom of a heavy baking pan or cookie sheet. Set aside. You can also line it with parchment paper.

In a large, heavy saucepan, combine the sugar, corn syrup, salt and water. Over medium heat, stir until all the sugar has dissolved and the mixture comes to a full boil.   

Add the butter to the mixture. Stirring occasionally, continue cooking until the mixture reaches 280°.

Stir in the peanuts, salt, and vanilla. Continue to cook, stirring constantly, until the temperature reaches 300°.

Remove from heat and stir in baking soda.  Be careful at this stage, because the baking soda will cause the mixture to foam up rapidly. 

Immediately pour the hot mixture into the prepared cookie sheet. Working quickly spread the peanut brittle evenly across baking sheet. Allow to cool.

When cool, break into pieces. Store in an air-tight container.

 Chocolate Covered Peanut Butter Balls

Chocolate Covered Peanut Butter Balls or Buckeyes are so good and very easy to make. If you enjoy peanut butter cups, you will definitely like eating these as well. Just a few simple ingredients and you will have a delicious candy treat, perfect for the holidays and for any time of year.

Ingredients

1/4 c. butter
1 1/2 c. peanut butter
4 c. powdered sugar
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 tsp. maple flavored extract
2 c. semisweet chocolate chips

Directions

Combine the butter and peanut butter until combined.  Add the powdered sugar. Mix until thoroughly combined.  Pour in the vanilla and maple flavor extract. Stir to combine.  

On a surface dusted with powdered sugar, knead the peanut butter mixture until thoroughly combined. You don't want the mixture to be crumbly, nor do you want it to be very sticky.

Form into 1-inch balls and place on a cookie sheet lined with waxed paper. Place the cookie sheets in the refrigerator or freezer for about 20 minutes or until the peanut butter balls are firm.  If it is cold weather, we put ours outside on the porch to become firm.  Make sure you cover them if stray animals are in your neighborhood. You don't want to loose your candy.

Pour the chocolate chips in a microwave safe bowl and microwave them for approximately 1 minute. Remember to stop the melting process every 15 seconds to stir the chocolate. This is very important as you do not want the chocolate to burn.  If the chocolate is too thick to dip the peanut butter balls in, add some vegetable shortening into the chocolate to make it a bit thinner and easier work with.

Remove the peanut butter balls from the refrigerator, freezer or from outside. Place the peanut butter balls onto the tines of a fork. Lower the fork into the melted chocolate, making sure to coat all sides of the peanut butter balls. Tap the fork on the edge of the pan to shake off excess chocolate. Place the chocolate covered peanut butter ball on a sheet of wax paper and allow to cool until the chocolate is set. You can place them in the refrigerator, or outside to help the process go faster.  

Serve and enjoy