Happy Landings on a Chocolate Bar

Do you have that one candy or treat that reminds you of the holidays when you taste it? To me, this toffee is my favorite holiday treat next to my Granny's peanut butter rolls. There's just something about the combination of tastes that makes me think of snow on the ground and Christmas carols. I promise not to turn this into a recipe blog but I couldn’t do the peppermint candy from yesterday and not include this one.

I was trying to think of some way to jazz the recipe up or suggest something grander but, really, I can’t think of anything to improve this recipe—you simply have to try it! (and bring me a taste-test to see how amazing your batch is!) :)

This recipe is super easy, requires only five ingredients and I can almost promise you that you’ll want to eat it by the trayful like me.

Toffee Candy:

Materials and Supplies:

~ 35 unsalted Saltines

~ 2 sticks butter

~ 1 cup sugar

~ 12 oz chocolate chips

~ 1/8 cup pecans

~ Cookie Sheet

~ Aluminum Foil

~ Spatula

~ Sauce pan

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.

2. Cover the cookie tray with aluminum foil. Layer a single layer of unsalted Saltines on the cookie sheet. You may need to break a few in half to fit in around the edges.

3. Melt the butter and sugar on the stovetop, bringing it to a boil for 3 minutes.

4. Pour over the Saltines, making sure to cover everything.

5. Place in the oven and bake for 5 minutes.

6. Remove from oven and sprinkle chocolate chips (we use dark chocolate) over tray and smooth it with a spatula.

7. Sprinkle finely chopped nuts on top. For a different treat, add toasted coconut or m&ms to the top for a bit of color.

8. Place in refrigerator to set up. Break apart and eat. If any make it past the taste test, store in a bag or container.

See how simple?!

Extra idea?

There are amazing bowls and dishes that are beautiful and don’t have to be part of a set. Dish Barn has a great selection of clear glassware and even Kroger’s or other grocery stores have holiday glassware you can buy for about a dollar. So why not put your yummy treats in a pretty dish that they can use year after year? Who knows, the dish you give them might become their favorite piece to bring out every Christmas!

On the Sunny Beach of Peppermint Bay

I couldn’t do crafts a day for almost a month and not have sweets of some kind—I love them! The thing that I love most about this candy is that it’s so super easy to make and it’s nice to have around, like those little sugary after dinner mints that people seem to love. This recipe only requires TWO things—white almond bark (used in baking) and peppermint discs.

One of the really neat things about this candy, too, is that you can make it any color you want. Red and green for the wintertime, blue and white for March Madness (go Cats!), or any color you want.

This recipe makes a lot, too, so if you’re one that puts together Christmas cookie plates, this is a nice addition.

Peppermint Candy:

Materials and Supplies:

~ White Almond Bark (found in the baking supply area)

~ Peppermint discs or candy cans (about a cup)

~ Food coloring (optional)

~ Food processor or hammer :)

~ Cookie sheet

~ wax paper

~ Spatula or knife

~ Microwave safe bowl or double broiler

~ Ziploc bag

Directions:

1. Place about 30 peppermint discs into a food processor or Ziploc bag and bang them with a hammer. You want them crumbled but not powdered. If you want it more peppermint-y, you can add a few more discs or use peppermint flavoring.

2. Line the cookie sheet with wax paper. This will make pulling out the candy and breaking it apart easier.

3. Melt half the package of bark (6 bars). I do this in the microwave. Start at a minute, stir, then work at 20 second increments. Chocolate burns really easily!! BE CAREFUL! Make sure to stir between runs in the microwave because the chocolate will continue to melt after you pull it out. You want it liquidy. If you go too far, sugary-crystals will start to form and it won’t taste very good. Or just use a double-broiler if you know how to use one. :)

4. Mix in the peppermint pieces. If you’re going to dye it with food coloring, now is the time. Red and green are great choices. Make sure you wash the bowl between colors or the second will look muddy.

5. Pour the mixture onto the cookie sheet, spreading it around so that it’s the same thickness. If you want a bit more flavor, you can get dark baking chocolate and melt it down, pouring it over the mixture on the cookie sheet for a double layer.

6. Place into the refrigerator to make it set up faster.

7. Break the candy apart into manageable pieces. I do this by hand so the pieces are different sizes, not just a chunk but you can do whatever you wish. Be warned--cutting chocolate apart is difficult and it will break on you.

Extra gift idea?

You can either mix it with sweet treats or salty treats. Put it in one of those cute tins with other cookies or with Chex Mix and add a bow on top.

Fill up a few bags and have them on hand for those unexpected drop-in visitors during the holidays. This candy won't go stale and your guests will be amazed that you thought of them and had something ready to go for them!