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! 

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The Bryan Times - Crockpot Sips & Snacks for Entertaining - Dec. 3, 2019

As we head into this very busy season of the year, I think it's a great time to put your crockpot to work. I love that a dish can be cooking, with little/no attention, while preparing the rest of the meal, or delivering goodies across town. (Maybe after seeing these yummy recipes, you'll want to add a crockpot to your Christmas list?) I do hope you'll consider these recipes as you entertain this month.                                               

Crockpot Pumpkin Spice Latte

CROCKPOT PUMPKIN SPICE LATTE

2 c. milk 

1/2 c. brewed espresso or 3/4 c. strong brewed coffee

2 Tb. pumpkin

2 Tb. sugar or sweetener

2 Tb. vanilla (yes, TB.)

1/2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice

(or substitute 1/4 tsp. cinnamon, 1/8 tsp. cloves, 1/8 tsp. nutmeg, and pinch of ground ginger)

Place milk and espresso/coffee in crockpot. Whisk in pumpkin, sugar, vanilla and spices. Cover and cook on high for 2 hours if everything is cold. Whisk again before serving. Ladle into mugs and garnish with whipped cream and additional cinnamon.

These meatballs are a fabulous creation.  A taste tester once told me the sauerkraut puts this dish 'over the top'. 

                                                           

Crockpot Cranberry Sauerkraut Meatballs

CROCKPOT CRANBERRY SAUERKRAUT MEATBALLS

1 (14 ozs) can whole-berry (or jellied) cranberry sauce

1 (14 ozs) can sauerkraut, rinsed and drained well

1 (12 ozs) bottle chili sauce

3/4 c. brown sugar

1 (2 #) pkg. frozen fully cooked original meatballs, thawed

In 4 or 5- qt. crockpot, combine cranberry sauce, sauerkraut, chili sauce, and brown sugar. Stir in meatballs; cover and cook on low 4 - 5 hrs. or until heated through. Yield: about 5 dozen delicious meatballs!!

                              Crockpot Chocolate Candy Clusters (for a crowd)     

    

CROCKPOT CHOCOLATE CANDY CLUSTERS 

1 (20 ozs) pkg. white almond bark

1 (4 ozs) box German chocolate baking squares

1 (12 ozs) bag semi sweet chocolate chips 

1 (16 ozs) jar dry roasted peanuts

1 (16 ozs) jar unsalted dry roasted peanuts 

Turn crockpot on high.  Break almond bark into pieces and place in crockpot.  Break German chocolate baking squares on top of almond bark, then add semi sweet chocolate chips.  Place lid on crockpot. (Tip: Place a paper towel under lid to catch moisture) DO NOT STIR FOR FIRST 45 MINUTES. 

Then, turn crockpot on low.  Pour in the peanuts and stir. Place the lid on and stir candy every 15 minutes for the second hour.  Turn off crockpot.  Drop candy by tablespoonsful onto waxed paper and let cool until firm.  Store in airtight container.  Keeps well in refrigerator for weeks. Yield: about 30 - 40 pieces

This one is named because you can 'bake' it while you're at church on Sunday morning. 

MINISTER'S DELIGHT

1 (20 ozs) can apple, cherry, blueberry or peach pie filling

1 c. crushed pineapple, partially drained, optional

1 (15 - 18 ozs) box yellow cake mix

1/2 c. butter, melted

Optional: 1/3 c. chopped pecans or walnuts

Garnish: ice cream or whipped topping 

Spray a 3 - 4 qt. slow cooker with non-stick vegetable spray.  Add pie filling; spread pineapple over top, if using. In medium bowl, combine dry cake mix and butter; mix with fork until crumbly. Sprinkle over pie filling. Sprinkle nuts on top, if desired.  

Place 2 paper towels over slow cooker to catch any condensation. Cover and cook on low for 2-1/2 - 3 hours. Serve warm with ice cream or whipped topping. Yield: 5 - 6 servings 

CROCKPOT HOT VANILLA MILK 

1/2 c. white sugar

1 c. hot water

5 c. milk 

2 Tb. french vanilla coffee syrup, like Torani

(more or less according to preference)

In large saucepan, combine sugar and hot water. Stir; heat just until it just begins to boil. Transfer to crockpot; add milk and flavored syrup. Stir; cook on high for 1 hour or low for up to 3 hours.  Serve in mugs; top with whipped cream and sprinkles of cinnamon if desired. 

WHITE CHILI DIP 

1(1#) pkg. Bob Evans sausage roll 

2 (10 ozs. each) rotel tomatoes (with green chilies), well drained

2 (8 ozs. each) cream cheese, softened

1 (15 ozs) can refried beans, optional

Brown sausage; drain.  Thoroughly drain tomatoes. In large microwavable bowl, combine all ingredients. 

Microwave 2 - 3 minutes until mixture is smooth, stirring every minute.  Place in crockpot (sprayed with non-stick cooking spray) on low to keep warm up to 2 hours. Serve with tortilla chips.

"Gifts of time and love are surely the basic ingredients of a truly Merry Christmas". – Peg Bracken

Easy Peasy Slaw Salad (quick & easy)

Summer is just around the corner!

This is a wonderful salad that's full of flavor, and color too.  Perfect for

making ahead or making and serving right away. 

And it's ready in minutes!!!! 

It's a Taste of Home recipe so you know it's gotta be good. 

I love that it uses pre-packaged slaw mix (I used tri-color for more pop!). 

It's beautiful and so delicious. It fulfills my need for C-R-U-N-C-H too!  I enjoyed a BIG bowlful soon after I made it. 

EASY PEASY SLAW SALAD 

1 - 1# bag frozen peas, thawed

(about 4 cups)

1 bag (14 ozs.) coleslaw mix

4 - 5 green onions, chopped

1 c. poppyseed dressing

1 c. (honey roasted) peanuts

Place peas, coleslaw mix, and onions in large bowl.  Stir in poppyseed

dressing.  May refrigerate until ready to serve or serve immediately. Stir in peanuts just before serving or just sprinkle over the top. 

Yield: 10 - 12 servings

Linked to 
Meal Plan Monday

You may also enjoy these...

Best Broccoli Salad

Simple & Creamy Pea Salad

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3 Fun Easter Treats {Blast from the Past}

A sweet and salty mixture of peanuts, pretzels, popcorn and candy...covered with white chocolate.  Delicious and easy. 

Bunny Munch Mix

Use goldfish (or whales) crackers....reese's pieces....or orange jelly beans to make these fun shaped treats...

Adorable "Carrot Shaped" Treats

Made with crushed mini wheats cereal and coconut...covered with chocolate and shaped into a bowl.  A fun conversation-stirring centerpiece. 

Edible Robin's Nest

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White Christmas Mix

This tasty holiday treat is an oldie, but really a goodie!

I've been making it...and giving it as gifts...for many years, and just realized this was another one of my faithful recipes that didn't have its own blog post yet...

So...here ya go! Simply mix cereal, pretzels, peanuts, & M & M's, then coat with melted white almond bark.  You can't go wrong with this one for sure! 

This wonderful mix makes an awesome gift for any age. That sweet and salty combo is always a hit, and a good change from the usual baked goods this time of year. 

Bag it up in pretty holiday bags and give them away. You'll want to make several batches before the holidays are over. 

Enjoy!!! 

WHITE CHRISTMAS MIX

3 cups Rice Chex

3 cups Corn Chex (or combined – 6 cups crispix cereal)

3 cups Cheerios

2 cups mini pretzels

2 cups peanuts

1 lg. bag of M & M’s – plain or peanut (optional) 

(We love using the holiday mix)

In very large bowl, Mix together cereal, pretzels, peanuts & candies.

1 lb. white chocolate (or vanilla almond bark)

Melt in double boiler or microwave according to directions

Pour white chocolate over everything and mix well. Let dry and place into gift containers. Use plain (or decorated) ziploc bags, decorated with curly ribbons making it  “fun and festive.”

Linked to Weekend Potluck              Meal Plan Monday You may also like...

Best Ever Vanilla (or Spiced) Chai Mix

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Easy No-Bake Butterscotch Cornflake Treats

HEY GANG!  Do I have your attention with the title of this post?

Would you believe...ONLY 4 SIMPLE INGREDIENTS, and less than 30 minutes time, and you can be enjoying them too???

These would be super great to add to a Memorial Day menu! 

I am a fairly new follower of Stacey at Southern Bite, where I saw this simple recipe. 

Stacey says feeding people makes him happy.

Gotta love that guy! 

I recently made these wonderful bites of goodness to share at a funeral dinner. Taste testers were raving and thrilled to know it only took 4 simple ingredients to make these delicious snacks. 

Stacey calls them cookies...I decided to call them treats. 

Either way - your family is going to go wild over them. 

Perfect for something quick like a bake sale, or even for a picnic or potluck. 

(As I was mixing them up, getting ready to drop them onto waxed paper, I thought I should have added some broken pretzels to have some sweet/salty flavors going on.  NEXT TIME!!)

 NO BAKE BUTTERSCOTCH CORNFLAKE COOKIES 

4 c. Corn Flakes

1 c. peanuts

1 (11 ozs) bag butterscotch chips

3/4 c. peanut butter 

(I used chunky)

Place Corn Flakes and peanuts in large bowl. 

Combine butterscotch chips and peanut butter in small saucepan; melt over low heat, stirring often. When melted and smooth, pour over cereal mixture in bowl. Gently stir to combine. Drop onto waxed paper and allow to cool. 

That's it! 

Linked to Full Plate Thursday
Meal Plan Monday

If you like this recipe, you might also like these 

No Bake Special K Bars

Linked to Weekend Potluck

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Bunny Munch Mix

I am always inspired by the awesome recipes Tina shares at 
Mommy's Kitchen.

I so love quick and simple recipes like this one, but decided to adapt her recipe...

by adding pretzels & peanuts to make it more like my White Christmas Mix. 

How can you possibly go wrong having a sweet & salty dish for everyone to nibble on, in between chocolate eggs?  {wink}

This is basically a guideline - you can add or subtract anything you'd like...but if you just stick close to having 6 - 7 cups of 'filler' to the white chocolate, it should be just fine. 

This recipe is what I used...be sure to check out Tina's recipe at the link above for an simpler popcorn dish.

BUNNY MUNCH MIX 

4 c. popped popcorn, kernels removed

(a 1 - 3 oz. bag microwave popcorn = about 6 c. popped corn)

1 (6 ozs) box Baker's White Chocolate Baking Bars OR

6 ozs. white chocolate chips 

1 c. salted peanuts

1-1/2 c. pretzel sticks
Easter M & M's, plain or peanut

Place popcorn in large bowl; add peanuts and pretzels; mix. Set aside.

In small bowl, melt white chocolate according to directions, being sure to heat over low so it doesn't burn. When melted and smooth, pour over popcorn mixture, mixing well to coat all the popcorn/cereal mix. Can add M & M's now or when the popcorn mixture has dried.

Spread on waxed paper. Break into pieces when dry. Place in holiday bowl to serve or bag into individual treat bags. 

Linked to Easter Roundup
              Weekend Potluck
                    Meal Plan Monday

A similar recipe...Honey Sweetened Snack Mix

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