Category: Candy

Appetizers · Candy · Holidays

Microwave Caramel Popcorn

cathysmahaLeave a comment

Microwave Caramel Popcorn is an old recipe from my Mother’s recipe box. I haven’t made it in years but decided this would be a good family treat for my kids’ families instead of commercial candy. It reminds of my childhood and trick or treating in the rural community, going from farmhouse to farmhouse. We would often get homemade goodies, far better than commercial candy. Those days are gone but we can treat our families!

Microwave Caramel Popcorn

INGREDIENTS:
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1 stick butter
  • 1/4 cup white karo
  • 1/2 tsp. salt
  • 1/2 tsp. baking soda
  • 2-4 quarts of popped popcorn
DIRECTIONS:
  1. Pop the popcorn and place in a brown paper grocery bag.
  2. Combine all ingredients, except popped corn and baking soda, in a 1.5 to 2 quart microwave-safe bowl. Melt the butter and sugar together, stirring occasionally, then bring to a boil and cook on high for 2 minutes. Remove from the microwave and stir in baking soda.
  3. Pour the caramel over the popcorn. Close the bag and shake to coat the popcorn. You can also take a large spoon to stir to assure you get the popcorn coated.
  4. Close the bag and microwave on high for 1.5 minutes. Remove from the microwave and shake. Mine was done after 1.5 minutes but if you can add another 1-1.5 minutes if necessary.
  5. Pour the caramel corn into a cool baking sheet. Cool and break apart. Store in an airtight container.

My Mom’s recipe box

Candy · Holidays

Bunny Munch

cathysmahaLeave a comment

What fun it is to plan holiday treats for the grandkids. The kids get the usual chocolate bunnies, Peeps, etc. from their parents so Bunny Munch was just the ticket for Grandma Cathy to make. We all love popcorn and with the additional of the sweet treats, it is decandent and addictive. It’s good thing I’ll only make this once a year!

Bunny Munch

INGREDIENTS:
  • 12 cups popped popcorn (~1/3 cup kernels)
  • 2 cups gluten free pretzel sticks (I like Snyder’s GF)
  • 1-1/2 cups peanuts
  • 12oz bag gluten free white chocolate chips
  • 1 Tablespoon vegetable or coconut oil
  • 11oz bag M&Ms (Fork-Lore: I found Rice Krispie M&Ms for Easter and loved using those)
  • gluten free sprinkles, optional
  • coarse sea salt, optional
DIRECTIONS:
  1. Spread a couple sheets of parchment paper, wax paper, or two silpats onto the countertop then set aside.
  2. Add popcorn, pretzel sticks, and peanuts to a very large bowl — if you don’t have an XL bowl, use two large bowls — then set aside.
  3. Add chocolate chips and coconut oil to a medium-sized, microwave-safe bowl then microwave for 40 seconds and stir. Microwave for 30 seconds then stir. If chocolate chips aren’t completely smooth, continue microwaving in 10 seconds increments, stirring between increments, until completely melted.
  4. Drizzle chocolate over popcorn mixture then gently fold with a spatula until everything is evenly coated. Spread mixture out onto prepared surface then immediately sprinkle with M&Ms (may not use whole bag) and press gently so they adhere to the warm chocolate. Add sprinkles and a big pinch of coarse sea salt, if using, then let Bunny Munch cool completely. Transfer to treat bags or an airtight container.
  5. (Fork-Lore: I bagged the Bunny Munch in individual bags to give the grandkids in their Easter basket).

Recipe from IowaGirlEats

Candy · Family Favorites · Holidays

Chocolate Dipped Pretzel Rods

cathysmahaLeave a comment

There is something decadent about chocolate with something salty. Chocolate dipped pretzels are a favorite of mine and last Christmas I made Chocolate Dipped Pretzels Rods in white chocolate and with dark chocolate to give as gifts. Ahem…except for those that didn’t make it past my mouth!

CHOCOLATE DIPPED PRETZEL RODS

White Chocolate Chips
Dark Chocolate Chips
Pretzel Rods
Sugars and Sprinkles

  • Spread waxed paper on cookie sheets.
  • Melt chocolate  per instructions in microwave and pour melted chocolate into cup for dipping (makes about the right depth on the pretzel rods).
  • Over a separate plate or bowl, sprinkle the pretzel rods with sugar or sprinkles and place on waxed paper to harden.
  • Place pretzel rods in pretty tin or cello bag to give as gifts.