3 Quick and Easy Treats to Share
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3 Quick and Easy Treats to Share
3 Quick and Easy Treats to Share
I always love making candy and cookies, and I love it, even more, when I make enough to share. I have great people in my life who do those special little things that make life better for me and my family. My neighbors all wave and each other as we pass on the road. And several of my neighbors put up nice decorations which make the holidays so special. Our post lady, UPS drivers, and garbage men make our life easier and often go the extra mile for us. And, then there are the people of our church who truly are more like a family to us. This year I am going to make these 3 Quick and Easy Treats to Share with those who make our life great year-round!
HayStacks!
One of my favorite Quick and Easy Candies is Haystacks! They are super tasty, have a lot of protein, and everyone loves them! I first tried them over 20 years ago when a lady that worked for me included them on a plate of goodies that she brought into the office. They were delicious! Ever since, I have been making them, enjoying them, and sharing them!
I love to use this type of quick and easy candy to share with neighbors, teachers, co-workers, and family. And of course, I also love to keep some for myself! They are not only quick and easy, but they pack well and stay in good condition for over a week. I usually keep them in the refrigerator because they taste extra good when they are cold. You can pack them in baggies or in boxes, and then deliver them to anyone whose day you want to brighten.
They only take about 10 Minutes
The Haystacks are super easy, take about 10 minutes, and everyone loves them! There are loads of variations on how to make them, and it just comes down to your personal preference. For me and my family we love the combo of Chocolate and peanut butter, so that is what I have included. Also, several family members are Gluten Free, so we use corn flakes to add to the crunch instead of dried Chow Mein crunchies so that everyone can enjoy.
Haystacks
These are a favorite treat in my home!
Ingredients
- 1 10 oz Peanut Butter Chips
- 1 12 oz Semi Sweet Chocolate Chips
- 1 16 oz Dry Roasted Peanuts
- 2 Cups Cornflakes You can also use Dried Chow Mien Noodles.
- 2 TBLS Butter
Instructions
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Prepare 2 cookie sheets with wax paper
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Heat Peanut Butter and Chocolate Chips in pan on low, double boiler, or in the microwave for 15 seconds at a time. Stirring Constantly. Do not overcook. If the mixture starts to become dry add 2 tbls of butter.
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Once the mixture is creamy, mix in the Dry Roasted Nut. Gently fold in the corn flakes.
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Drop by teaspoon full onto cookies sheets. Cool in Refridgerator. Store in airtight container. Tastes great at room temperature or cold.
Spiced Nuts
The second easy treat I love to make, and share is Spiced Nuts. I originally started making them to accompany a spicy pimento cheeseball. The nut and cheeseball combo were amazing, but I noticed that my kids would eat all the extras before I could even get one! So, I started making the nuts to add to holiday tables, and they are always a big hit!
During the holidays there are often so many sweets that having a salty crunchy treat it is a nice break. And, these nuts pack a little spicy punch! You can put as much or little of the cayenne and tabasco as you feel would be right for your taste buds. I have shared our family’s current recipe, but we like spicy, or we think we do! LOL.
Spiced Nuts
These Spiced Nuts bring a wonderful warmth to the holiday season! They are quite addictive, and the spiciness makes a great complement to cheese and fruit platters.
Ingredients
- 4 Cups Pecan Halves
- 4 TBLS Butter Melted
- 1/2 TSP Garlic Powder
- 2 TBLS Worcestershire Sauce
- 1/8 TSP Cayenne Pepper A little goes a long way.
- 1.5 TBLS Chili Powder
- 1/4 TSP Salt
- 1/8 TSP Tabasco or Hot Sauce Remember, A little goes a long way.
Instructions
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Melt Butter and mix all ingredients together until pecans are fully incorporated.
Spread on a cookie sheet or baking tray.
Bake in a 275 degree oven for 25-30 minutes.
Serve with Cheese and Fruit and store remainder in an airtight container. Remember to put a note on these nuts if giving them as a gift or on a buffet table as they are spicy.
Christmas Bark
Finally, I enjoy making Christmas Bark. Now truthfully, I realized a few years ago, this is not really making candy, or really anything. You are taking already finished components, combining them, and then calling them finished. I love it! Sometimes I love to dig in and make complex recipes, but during the hustle and bustle of the holidays is not typically when I want to do that. So, this recipe affords me the ability to make something special, but not have to worry about it not turning out well. I know it will! Once completed I break this up, put it in baggies, and tie it with a ribbon and then deliver to neighbors or take to potlucks or parties.
You can add as many fun flavors or family favorites to this recipe as you would desire!
Whatever you decide to do, remember to take a moment to make something special and thank family, friends, neighbors, and service workers for making your life as good as it is each year!
Christmas Bark
These quick and easy treat is fun to make, and fun to share! You can include as few or as many toppings as you would like and it is fun to make with kids!
Ingredients
- 2 12 oz Bags White Chips You can also use Almond Bark
- 1 Cup Stick Pretzels Broken into smaller pieces
- 1 Cup Holiday M and M’s
- 2 Cups Mint Oreos Broken into small pieces
- 2 TBLS Butter
Instructions
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Prepare a large cookie sheet with wax paper.
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In a large bowl melt butter and White Chips by microwave for 15 seconds at a time, stirring between each heating.
Once the mixture is smooth and easy to stir, pour onto prepared wax paper.
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Sprinkle Toppings over candy mixture.
Press toppings into bark.
Let cool for an hour, then break into smaller pieces.
Store in an airtight container.
Whatever you decide to do, remember to take a moment to make something special and thank family, friends, neighbors, and service workers for making your life as good as it is each year!
For another great idea to share that is quick and easy, read about my Hot Chocolate Munch Mix here. You can also read about what I gave my neighbors last year here.
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