The Easter Bunny is Coming!
Spring is in the air, and that means it’s time to stock up on all your favorite Easter treats. Luckily for us, Kroger is offering 50% off their Easter candy selection this year. So whether you’re looking for classic chocolate bunnies, colorful jellybeans, or something a little more unique, this sale has got you covered. But why stop at just buying pre-packaged candy? With a little creativity and some basic ingredients, you can whip up some delicious homemade Easter candy that’s sure to impress. So put on your apron, fire up your oven, and get ready to indulge in some sweet treats.
Recipe 1: Chocolate-Covered Peanut Butter Eggs
If you’re a fan of Reese’s Peanut Butter Eggs, you’re going to love these homemade versions. They’re easy to make, require just a few ingredients, and taste even better than the store-bought kind. Ingredients:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
- 2 tbsp vegetable shortening
Instructions:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine peanut butter, butter, and brown sugar. Beat with an electric mixer until smooth.
- Add powdered sugar and mix until well combined.
- Shape mixture into small egg shapes and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Freeze for 30 minutes.
- In a double boiler, melt chocolate chips and shortening, stirring until smooth.
- Dip each peanut butter egg into the melted chocolate, using a fork to coat evenly. Place back on the baking sheet and refrigerate until firm, about 20-30 minutes.
Nutritional Information:
- Serving Size: 1 egg
- Calories: 180
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Protein: 3g
Cooking Time: 1 hour Equipment: Mixing bowl, electric mixer, parchment paper, baking sheet, double boiler, fork Serving Suggestions: Serve alongside other Easter candy or as a standalone treat. Variations: Use milk or dark chocolate instead of semisweet. Add chopped nuts to the filling for some extra crunch. Substitutions: Use margarine instead of butter, or skip the brown sugar altogether. Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Tips: Make sure to freeze the peanut butter eggs before dipping them in chocolate to prevent them from falling apart. FAQs:
- Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
- Can I use white chocolate instead of semisweet?
Yes, but the filling may be a bit more crumbly.
Yes, but be aware that white chocolate is sweeter than semisweet.
Recipe 2: Easter Bark
This colorful, festive bark is a great way to use up any leftover Easter candy you may have. It’s easy to make and can be customized to your liking. Ingredients:
- 12 oz white chocolate chips
- 1 cup Easter candy (jellybeans, malt balls, etc.)
- 1/4 cup rainbow sprinkles
Instructions:
- Melt white chocolate chips in a double boiler, stirring until smooth.
- Spread melted chocolate onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Sprinkle Easter candy and rainbow sprinkles over the top of the chocolate.
- Refrigerate until firm, about 20-30 minutes.
- Break into pieces and serve.
Nutritional Information:
- Serving Size: 1 oz
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Protein: 1g
Cooking Time: 30 minutes Equipment: Double boiler, baking sheet, parchment paper Serving Suggestions: Serve as a snack or dessert, alongside other Easter candy. Variations: Use milk or dark chocolate instead of white. Swap out the sprinkles for chopped nuts or coconut flakes. Substitutions: Use milk or dark chocolate chips instead of white. Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. Tips: Don’t overcrowd the chocolate with too many toppings, or it may not set properly. FAQs:
- Can I use chocolate candy instead of white chocolate?
- Can I use other types of candy?
Yes, but the bark may be a bit sweeter.
Yes, feel free to mix and match your favorite Easter treats.
Final Thoughts
With Kroger’s 50% off Easter candy sale, there’s never been a better time to indulge in some sweet treats. And with these easy homemade candy recipes, you can save even more money while still satisfying your sweet tooth. So why not try making your own chocolate-covered peanut butter eggs or Easter bark this year? Your taste buds will thank you.