Gooey Golden Chex Mix. You can’t just have one taste. Once you start eating, it is “just one more handful” until the bowl is empty. Great stuff to package for neighbor gifts. Perfect addition to a snack buffet for any occasion. Just don’t make it too far ahead. Because -- it will disappear before it becomes a gift. Just try resisting temptation by sealing this mix in gallon zip bags and putting it away. Somehow a bag always ends up back onto the counter with less in it. Cereal – that should count for breakfast, right? Trip to the kitchen for coffee – need a go with snack. Lunch time – dessert. Out the dining room door to feed the birds – just a small handful as a reward for helping little creatures. Back to the office – a small bowl won’t hurt. No wonder some folks call this ... [Read More]
candy
Ritz Turtles
Ritz turtles – caramel and pecans atop a Ritz cracker and smothered in chocolate. Crispy, salty, smooth sweetness with the crunch of pecans – all covered in chocolate deliciousness. These yummy bites are so easy to make you won’t believe it. You will want to double this recipe. Don’t. Make two, or even three or four, batches. By the time you get to the last cracker, the caramel is beginning to set up in the bowl. So repeat the recipe instead of doubling it. Because you will want more. For the same reason, divide the chocolate and only melt half of it at one time. The chocolate begins to set up by the time you get to the 16th or 17th cracker. Use a candy chocolate like almond bark or candiquik for best results. I don’t know how long you can store them in the refrigerator, ... [Read More]
Cranberry Pistachio Chocolate Bark
Cranberry Pistachio Chocolate Swirl Bark could start a new holiday tradition in your family. Warning: It’s addictive and tends to disappear quickly! You can substitute chocolate chips for either or both of the white or dark chocolate. My preference is to use a candy chocolate (Wilton, CandiQuik, almond bark) since it melts better and is easier to work with, especially the white chocolate. Follow the package directions for melting in the microwave. Use a narrow utensil to create the swirls-- the point of a knife, a chopstick, the handle of wooden spoon – and move slowly to allow the chocolate time to flow. Stop when you have a design you like. When you add the cranberries and pistachios, it helps to press them into the chocolate just slightly. I’ve become a fan of non-stick ... [Read More]
Classic Oreo Truffles
Oreo Truffles can be made from plain chocolate Oreos, golden oreos or a flavored filling Oreo. My favorite is a mint filled Oreo Truffle dipped in chocolate. This was a special request so it is a Peanut Butter Chocolate Oreo dipped in chocolate. Pretty darn good! Be sure to use original Oreos -- not the Double Stuff filling. And yes, any brand you like is okay. (But would you have looked again if the title was Sandwich Cookie Truffles???) If you want to add sprinkles or chopped nuts to the top of the dipped balls, do it while the chocolate is still warm so they will stay in place. The time needed for chilling means you need to plan ahead a bit to make these. I prefer to chill the mixture for about an hour before using a cookie dip to measure out the individual balls. To me it is ... [Read More]
Pistachio Fudge
Pistachio Fudge makes a pretty addition to a candy plate or a dessert buffet. It is quick and easy to make – almost foolproof. (I used a handmixer to make it even easier and to ensure everything was well mixed.) The fudge has a smooth, almost fondant like texture that contrasts nicely with the crunchy pistachios. It’s delicate flavor surrounds the robust nut flavor for a nice balance. Pistachios are a member of the cashew family and are nutritionally dense with proven health benefits. There ya go . . . Enjoy! Pistachio Fudge Print Pistachio Fudge makes a pretty addition to a candy plate or a dessert buffet. Author: A Pinch of Joy by Charlene Vance Recipe type: candy Serves: 24 pieces Ingredients ¾ cup white chocolate chips 6 tablespoons butter ⅓ ... [Read More]
Cherry Mash Bars
Wheel’s mother made these a couple of Christmases in a row. And then cherry chips disappeared from the store shelves. Maybe it was a regional thing. But when I saw the package on the shelf a few weeks ago, I knew it was time for Cherry Mash Bars – Yay!!! You can make Cherry Mash Bars with a layer of chocolate on the bottom AND on the top. To do this, divide the chocolate chips, peanut butter and nuts in half. Melt 1 cup chocolate chips, 1/3 cup peanut butter for 45 seconds in the microwave, add half the chopped nuts. Spread in foil lined pan. When cherry layer is completed, repeat for the second layer of chocolate. OR Alternatively, you can put the entire mixture of chocolate, peanut butter and nuts on top of the cherry layer just by following the instructions in the ... [Read More]