Hippity Hoppity, Easter’s on its Way!
Easter is just around the corner, and that means it’s time to stock up on all your favorite candies! From chocolate bunnies to jelly beans, Easter candy is a must-have for any celebration. Luckily, many retailers are offering sweet deals on Easter candy, making it the perfect time to indulge in some sugary treats.
Recipe 1: Chocolate Peanut Butter Easter Eggs
Ingredients:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 12 ounces milk chocolate candy coating
- 1 tablespoon vegetable shortening
- Assorted Easter sprinkles
Instructions:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat together peanut butter, butter, and salt until smooth.
- Add powdered sugar one cup at a time, mixing until well combined.
- Roll mixture into egg-shaped balls and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate candy coating and shortening in 30-second increments until smooth.
- Dip each peanut butter ball into chocolate, using a fork to let the excess chocolate drip off.
- Place back on parchment and sprinkle with Easter sprinkles before the chocolate sets.
- Allow the eggs to set in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Nutritional Information:
- Serving Size: 1 egg
- Calories: 200
- Total Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
- Sodium: 90mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 21g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 19g
- Protein: 3g
Cooking Time: 1 hour Equipment: Mixing bowl, hand mixer, baking sheet, parchment paper, microwave-safe bowl Serving Suggestions: Serve as a sweet treat at an Easter party or package in a cute gift bag to give as a homemade Easter gift. Variations: Swap out the milk chocolate candy coating for dark or white chocolate for a different flavor profile. Substitutions: Use natural peanut butter instead of creamy and margarine instead of unsalted butter. Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week. Tips: To prevent peanut butter mixture from sticking to your hands, dust them with powdered sugar before rolling. Frequently Asked Questions:Q: Can I freeze these chocolate peanut butter eggs?
A: Yes, they can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Recipe 2: Easter Popcorn Bars
Ingredients:
- 10 cups popcorn, popped
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup corn syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup Easter candy-coated chocolate eggs
- 1/2 cup pastel-colored mini marshmallows
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 300°F and line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add brown sugar, corn syrup, and salt, stirring until sugar is dissolved.
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine popcorn, candy eggs, and mini marshmallows.
- Pour butter mixture over popcorn mixture, stirring until well coated.
- Transfer mixture to prepared baking dish, pressing down with a spatula to even out.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, until golden brown.
- Allow to cool completely before cutting into bars.
Nutritional Information:
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 200
- Total Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 140mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 28g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 22g
- Protein: 1g
Cooking Time: 45 minutes Equipment: Large mixing bowl, saucepan, spatula, 9×13-inch baking dish, parchment paper Serving Suggestions: Serve as a fun and festive snack at an Easter party or package in a cellophane bag to give as a homemade Easter gift. Variations: Use different types of Easter candy or add in chopped nuts or pretzels for added texture. Substitutions: Use honey or maple syrup instead of corn syrup and regular-sized marshmallows instead of mini. Storage: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week. Tips: Spray spatula with non-stick cooking spray to make pressing down popcorn mixture easier. Frequently Asked Questions:Q: Can I use microwave popcorn instead of popping my own?
A: Yes, just make sure to use plain or lightly salted microwave popcorn to avoid overpowering the other flavors.
Final Thoughts
Easter candy is a beloved tradition, and with these recipes, you can incorporate it into some delicious treats. From the rich and creamy chocolate peanut butter eggs to the sweet and crunchy Easter popcorn bars, these recipes are sure to delight your taste buds. So, take advantage of the Easter candy sales and get baking!