Today is a chilly cloudy day! It's so Autumn like with my windows open and a candle burning away on the mantle. I just love this type of day! Drinking coffee, staying in pjs (for most of the day, yes) and watching a movie with the kids amongst ironing and laundry.
Right now my first pot of chili of the season is simmering away in the Dutch oven, and it smells divine!
We've been cutting back on excessive desserts, but this particular day seems to be asking for a cozy treat to surprise my family with! I just remembered an old favorite that's quick to make and never fails to please.
One of my favorite fall time treats, and the only candy I make for this time of year are haystacks!!! Aww... What a classic easy recipe with flavors of butterscotch, peanuts, and chow mein noodles that somehow evolve into a little mound of goodness!
I'm not sure exactly why I think if them as an Autumnal goody except I think of butterscotch and caramel this time of year with their rich flavors, and I used to make big batches of haystacks every year for family hayrides. They are perfect to munch on while singing in a hay covered wagon in the country! I just needed to bring this recipe back and introduce them to our children.
So craving these I decided to whip up a batch using what I had in the cabinets. I don't keep chow mein noodles on hand, so I though I would dive into my favorite combination of salty and sweet instead. Thus adding buttery crushed ritz crackers and salty (goldfish) pretzels!
Glorious sweet golden mixture is this, but I really think the salty crackers and pretzels set this apart from the original. It's the easiest "candy" treat in the world to make, and so within 10 minutes I have a pan of haystack beauties. Crunchy haystacks waiting to cool by the open window as the chilly air invades my cozy home. This is truly my kind of day! Please excuse me while I enjoy one, and you should do the same!
Sweet & Salty Haystacks
1/2 c. Peanut butter
Melt these together in a double boiler or carefully in intervals in the microwave.
1/2 c. Peanuts
1 c. Crushed ritz crackers (1/2 a sleeve)
1 c. Pretzels (I had goldfish:)
Stir these three ingredients into the melted butterscotch and peanut butter mixture.
Spoon out onto wax paper and allow to cool and set until firm... Wait if you can!
Savor the moment of the perfect first bite!
wow itz my favourite one. thanks for posting.
ReplyDeleteThe Haystacks look really good and I love sweets, but I must admit, the Chili caught my eye! Hope you will post your recipe for the Chili soon too. God Bless!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Deborah! The chili was wonderful for supper, but my recipe is never precise and that's why I haven't shared it yet. I think I may try to put together a real recipe of it the next time I make it, for you all to get at least good idea. :) I just love chili this time if year! I hope you come back soon!
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