Easy Polar Bear Paws (Copycat See's Candy)

'Tis the Season!!!! 

This is a simple treat that can be whipped up when you don't have a lot of time, and they make a great addition to your goodie tray for the neighbors or friends. 

They're made in the microwave so that makes for a speedy process! (But be aware - they do have to cool some before and after dropping into 'paws' onto cookie sheet). 

The original recipe calls for peanuts, but I used cashews and they

were terrific! 

The recipe only takes 5 ingredients...get ready for a tasty,

caramel-y, nutty treat covered in white chocolate (almond bark works great too!) 

(hover over photo to pin) 

POLAR BEAR PAWS 

1 (11 ozs) bag caramel bits 

(use name brand for best quality) 

3 Tbs. heavy whipping cream

1 Tb. unsalted butter

1 c. roasted peanuts or cashews

12 ozs. vanilla almond bark or Ghirardelli white chocolate 

melting wafers 

Line a large cookie sheet with parchment paper; set aside. 

Place caramels, cream and butter into a microwave safe bowl,

microwaving for 30 second increments, stirring, and repeating

until melted and smooth. 

Mix in the nuts; let stand in the bowl to cool about 15 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes or so. 

Spoon onto prepared cookie sheet, making tablespoon sized mounds.  Place in the fridge for about 45 minutes or until set. 

Melt almond bark according to directions, stirring until smooth. 

Dip a chilled caramel cluster in the chocolate, using a fork to remove it.

Allow any excess chocolate to drop off the candy before setting

on parchment paper. Repeat with remaining clusters, keeping them chilled while they wait to be dipped.  

Refrigerate for another 45 minutes or until chocolate is set. 

Don't eat too many before packaging up to give away! 

Recipe inspired by Belly Full

You may also enjoy...

Butterfinger Balls

(Peanut Butter Balls with crushed Butterfinger candy) 

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Chocolate Chip Cookie Mix in a Jar (with free printable!)

I have always loved giving mixes as gifts! The recipients can enjoy them 

at their own leisure.  

I think it's especially nice during the holidays when there's so many other sweets, or you're so busy doing other things.  How great is it to dump and mix some cookies for drop in company, or to take to your neighbors at the last minute? 

When trying to use up the 'last' of ingredients I had on hand before heading South for the winter, I quickly made up a couple of jars 

of these to give as gifts, telling the recipients I wanted them to have cookies even after I wasn't around to make them for them!  

I was tickled to find The Happier Homemaker simply by googling.

What GORGEOUS printables with instructions to give along 

with the mix! (Go to the link to print them there). 

Grab your jars and the kids can help you measure and fill. 

(This is a fun project for a group of family members to make

several ahead for gift giving later). 

You may add nuts to top off the jar, but know the mix will not keep as 

long (only up to 3 months) if nuts are added. 

(When I made these years ago, I loved the effect of 

sticking a (clean) pencil down the side for a 'sand' look.  

These didn't turn out as pretty as what I've done in the past

because I saw my letter opener, it was easy enough to clean,

but a pencil makes for a prettier look.)  

That part isn't necessary at all...just experiment and see what you like best. 

COOKIE MIX 

1-3/4 c. all-purpose flour

3/4 tsp. baking soda

3/4 tsp. salt

3/4 c. packed brown sugar

1/2 c. granulated white sugar

1-1/2 c. (9 ounces) semi-sweet chocolate chips

1 clean quart mason jar 

Combine flour, baking soda, and salt in small bowl. Place mixture in 1-quart jar, using the back of a big spoon to pack the flour mixture down around the outside of the jar. Add the brown sugar next using the same method to pack it down.  Pour white sugar over the brown sugar, then add the chocolate

chips. 

Cut a square or round piece of material (You can also use an upside down paper cupcake liner), covering the flat lid, then adding

the screw on lid, then adding ribbon or twine to attach the recipe instructions. 

Enjoy!  And Happy Gift Giving! 

                                 

                                                                                                       5-Ingredient No Bake Avalance Cookie Treats

(great for making a lot at once!!!) 

​

Copycat Payday Candy Bars

How excited I was to come across this simple recipe...

Not only do I enjoy Payday Bars on occasion, I love being

able to make my own.

This only takes a few ingredients...and about 10 minutes...waiting for it to set up is the hardest part. 

I gave some 'samples' away for Valentine's Day treats, then took some of these sweet treats to a ladies luncheon, and this recipe was requested. You know that's always a good thing! I cut them in small pieces so they could have a 'taste' without splurging too much. 

(I will tell you if you decide you want to make half a batch...in an 8" X 8" pan...

you won't use a full jar of peanuts) 

(hover over photo to pin) 

COPYCAT PAYDAY CANDY BARS 

1-1/2 jars (16 ozs. each) dry roasted peanuts 

(I used lightly salted) 

5 Tb. butter

1 can (14 ozs) sweetened condensed milk

2 c. mini marshmallows

1 bag (10 ozs) Reese's peanut butter chips 

(use name brand for best results) 

1 tsp. pure vanilla extract

pinch salt

Spray 9" x 13" baking pan with non-stick baking spray. 

Add 1 jar of peanuts in even layer in the bottom of prepared dish; set aside. 

(Read tip below)...In large saucepan, melt butter over medium/low heat. 

Add marshmallows, sweetened condensed milk and peanut butter chips to saucepan; stir well. 

Continue cooking over medium/low heat (for about 5 minutes), stirring

frequently. 

Remove from heat; add salt and vanilla; stir until blended. 

Carefully pour marshmallow mixture over peanut layer in the pan, using a spatula to even out marshmallow mixture as needed. 

Sprinkle remaining peanuts over marshmallow mixture, pressing lightly into the filling. 

Cover and refrigerate at least 4 hours. Cut into bars or squares and enjoy. 

Yield: 24 - 30 pieces, depending on size. 

Recipe found at Kudos Kitchen by Renee

(You can watch a video there if you choose to) 

You also might enjoy...

Copycat Kit Kat Candy Bars

Nutter Butter Fudge

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Christmas Muddy Buddies

A simple cereal mixture, coated with melted chocolate and peanut butter,

with a powdered sugar coating.  Add candies, nuts and pretzels to give for a fun gift!

Or make visitors feel special when they drop by! 

                                               I love all the colors - so inviting and fun! 

Melted chocolate/peanut butter/butter blended onto the cereal..

before sprinkling with powdered sugar! MMMM! 

Bagged up ready to give as gifts! 

(hover over photo to pin) 

CHRISTMAS MUDDY BUDDIES 

• 3 c. Corn Chex
• 3 c. Rice Chex
• (Or 6 c. Crispix cereal) 
• 1 c. semi-sweet chocolate chips
• (I like milk chocolate too) 
• 1/2 c. creamy peanut butter
• 4 Tb. salted butter
• 1 tsp. vanilla
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 2 c. powdered sugar
• 1 - 12 ounce bag of Christmas M&Ms
• 2 - 3 c. pretzels
• 1 c. salted peanuts, optional 
• 1 - 2 c. Reese's mini peanut butter cups

• In a large bowl add Chex cereals and stir gently using your hands; set aside.
• 
  
• In a medium glass bowl add chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter; melt in the microwave in 30 second intervals, stirring after each one until the mixture is melted and smooth.
• 
  

• Add vanilla extract and salt, stirring until fully combined.
• 
  
• Pour the chocolate/peanut butter/butter mixture on top of the Chex cereal; gently mix with a spatula until fully covered.
• 
  
• Working in two batches, pour half the Chex mix into a ziploc bag with 1 cup of powdered sugar, seal the bag and shake until all the cereal is covered with powdered sugar.
• 
  
• Pour the powdered sugar covered Chex onto a baking sheet; set aside. Repeat with the other half of the Chex cereal and powdered sugar in the same bag, making sure to seal the bag. Shake until the Chex is completely covered with powdered sugar.
• (The kids will enjoy helping with this process!)
• 
  
• Pour the cereal mixture onto another baking sheet and allow to cool completely.   I cover with parchment paper for easy cleanup. 
• 
  
• When ready to share or serve, place cereal mixture in a large bowl; add M&M’s, pretzels, peanuts, and Reese's peanut butter cups and mix until fully combined and enjoy! 
• 
  

Box or bag up to give to happy recipients! 

• 
  

It's beautiful - so many pretty colors! Very festive for gift giving! 

A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU & YOURS! 

​

Praline Crunch (Great for gift giving!)

OH.MY.YES.PLEASE!

This crunchy, caramel-y, sweet & salty treat is fabulous!  

And ADDICTIVE too! 

Would be a welcome change from all the usual baked goods that happen during the holidays. 

Perfect for snacking while watching tv...

And perfect to bag up and give as gifts!

BE AWARE: This 'sauce' is NOT a heavy coating...all of the cereal doesn't get coated...it's lightly sweetened so you get some 'bare' cereal along with coated...I think that makes it perfect! Not too sweet!

The ingredients are things you most likely have on hand. 

I know pecans are pricey - they can be omitted if you prefer - but they

sure add a lovely crunch!

Don't miss keeping this recipe handy so you are ready to 'go' when

the holiday season hits!

Did I mention it's addictive!! 😂

PRALINE CRUNCH

(Large batch) 

1 box (18 ozs) Crispix cereal

(or Rice Chex)

2 c. pecan halves

1 c. butter

2 c. brown sugar

1/2 c. corn syrup

1 tsp. vanilla

1/2 tsp. salt

Yield: about 18 cups

(Small batch) 

1 box (12 ozs.) Crispix or Rice Chex cereal

1-1/2 c. pecan halves

2/3 c. butter

1-1/4 c. brown sugar

3 Tb. corn syrup

1/2 tsp. vanilla

1/4 tsp.

Yield: about 12 cups

Preheat oven to 225*. In a large bowl, combine cereal and pecans; set aside. 

In medium saucepan, combine butter, brown sugar and corn syrup.  Cook on medium high until it comes to a boil. Boil for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally; remove from heat. 

Stir in vanilla and salt.  Pour over cereal mixture and stir carefully until evenly coated. 

Spread mixture between 2 cookie sheets with sides and bake for 45 minutes, stirring each pan every 15 minutes.  

Spread on waxed paper to cool; store in airtight containers. 

You may also like...

White Christmas Mix

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Chicken Noodle Soup Mix (In a Jar or Bag)

Happy New Year!!!

Better late than never, right?  

I had so much going on over the holidays, I didn't get this recipe shared, with you, anyway, but since gifting it to our adult Sunday School class, and I'm hearing raves about this recipe, I just need to share it on my blog and not try to wait until next holiday season! 

After seeing this recipe in November, I decided this would be good to give instead of something sweet that I normally give. 

I opted to put the mix in ziploc bags, then punched a hole and added

some ribbon. 

You could use a jar with a piece of material (or even an upside

down cupcake liner?) to place on top, then screw on the lid.
Tie on a ribbon and add directions however you choose. 

I typed up the directions on sticky labels and simply stuck them on the bags. 

Either way, you can be sure the recipients will be glad they got

the mix, no matter the package it is delivered in. 

I changed it up a bit...you can check out the original recipe

at Food.com 

It's a fine recipe to make for yourself and store in the pantry for a busy day! 

Sip! Slurp! Yummm!

CHICKEN NOODLE SOUP MIX 

1 c. uncooked fine egg noodles

1-1/2 Tb. chicken bouillon granules

(I used 1 Tb. granules, then added 1 Tb. chicken gravy mix

from an envelope) 

1/2 tsp. ground black pepper

1/4 tsp. dried crushed thyme

1/4 tsp. garlic powder

1 bay leaf

To serve:

2 carrots, diced
2 celery ribs, diced
1/4 c. minced onion
2 - 3 c. cooked chicken 

You can add the dry ingredients (minus noodles) to a cup and then add to your container. Then top with the noodles and close the bag, decorating any way you wish. 

Gift tag: Combine mix and 8 cups of water in a large saucepan.  Add carrots, celery and onion.  Bring to a boil. Cover the soup and reduce heat to a simmer, simmering for 15 minutes. Discard the bay leaf.  Stir in diced chicken and simmer another 5 minutes.  Season if desired. Serve with crackers.


Linked to...
Meal Plan Monday



Other Gift Giving ideas you may like...

Everyone Needs a little Dough

Fruited Raisin Oatmeal Mix

​

Holiday (Peppermint) Popcorn Crunch Mix (Easy - Last Minute!)

I am almost giddy over this delicious concoction! 

You might want to call it a "Clean out the Pantry" treat! 

This very simple treat uses microwave popcorn as its base!

As we prepare to head to Florida next week, I had some things on hand I wanted to use up before we go.  I'm thrilled to say I was able to use the last of SEVEN ingredients and gave away bags of this tasty snack at church.

Almond bark..

Microwave Popcorn...

Pretzels..

M & M's...

Ghiradelli Peppermint Chunks in a bag...

leftover crushed candy canes

Sprinkles...

It tastes great!  And is not nearly as sweet as a lot of the other 'goodies' I made last week.  And it's pretty too!!!

I have said for a long time...RECIPES ARE GUIDELINES.  You don't ever have to follow it exactly...sometimes it's fun to do your own thing!

Use up what you have on hand and enjoy this treat that has many options to it!

Peanuts, or any kind of nut, would be a great addition! Maybe even some cereal! 

When I made a second batch, I used part peppermint chunks for the almond bark.

I also used the penguin bags for the Peppermint Version so I could tell the difference. 

(This is what I used...not the 'crunch' mixture...these melt nicely..

and it only gives a light peppermint flavor)

Have fun with this one!  Folks appreciate receiving something homemade from your kitchen..and I am very pleased with the end result of this 'experiment'. 

HOLIDAY (PEPPERMINT) POPCORN CRUNCH MIX 

*2 bags microwave popcorn 

(lite butter is ok)

*3 - 4 c. pretzels 

*12 ozs. white almond bark (or candy melts)

(or use Ghiradelli peppermint baking chunks for part of almond bark) 

*2 hands-full peanut M & M's

*crushed candy canes, optional

*holiday sprinkles, optional 

Cover 2 cookie sheets (with sides) with waxed paper; set aside. 

Pop the popcorn according to package directions; pour into an extra large bowl and be sure to remove any kernels that didn't pop. Mix in the pretzels. 

Melt almond bark in microwave according to directions. Pour over the popcorn mixture, stirring to coat, then add M & M's and continue to mix until everything is coated. Stir in sprinkles or add over top of mixture once you've spread it over the cookie sheet. 

(For the peppermint version, I sprinkled crushed candy canes over the top at the end)

Allow to dry (it doesn't take long!); break apart and place into decorated bags to give as gifts. 

Recipe Inspired by Southern Plate
(Christy shares a great tutorial - check her out!)

You might also enjoy...

Simple Cinnamon Sugar Pretzels

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