While out shopping over the past few weeks, we’ve seen plenty of reminders that Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. It’s the day we set aside to let those dear to us know, even in some small way, that we love and appreciate them.
That expression of love doesn’t have to include flowers or boxes of candy. A gift of homemade sweets made with a grateful heart also shows how much you care.
Here are a few candy recipes you can make for those near and dear to you. Happy Valentine’s Day!
MINTY MALLOWS
1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk (not evaporated milk)
1 (10-ounce) package (1 1/2 cups) mint-chocolate chips
2 cups miniature marshmallows
1 cup coarsely chopped nuts
In a bowl placed over hot but not boiling water, combine sweetened condensed milk and mint-chocolate chips. Stir until chips are melted and mixture is smooth.
In a large bowl, combine marshmallows and nuts. Add chocolate mixture and stir well.
Spread into a foil-lined, 9-inch square pan. Chill until firm (about 20 minutes).
Makes about 1 1/2 pounds. Store in refrigerator.
CHOCOLATE SCOTCH SQUARES
1 cup light corn syrup
1 cup sugar
1 cup peanut butter
6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
1 (6-ounce) package semisweet chocolate chips
1 cup butterscotch chips
Vegetable cooking spray
Place corn syrup and sugar in a large saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until sugar dissolves and mixture begins to boil.
Remove from heat. Stir in peanut butter. Mix well. Add rice crispies cereal. Stir till well-coated.
Press mixture into a 13-by-9-by-2-inch pan coated with cooking spray. Set aside.
Melt chocolate and butterscotch chips together in small saucepan, over low heat, stirring constantly. Spread evenly over cereal mixture.
Let stand until firm. Cut into squares when cool. Makes about 36 squares.
PECAN CLUSTERS
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup evaporated milk
1 tablespoon corn syrup
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup chopped pecans
Put sugar, evaporated milk and corn syrup in a 2-quart saucepan. Stir over medium heat until bubbly all over top. Boil and stir 2 minutes more.
Remove from heat. Stir in chocolate chips and vanilla, until chips are melted. Add nuts and mix well.
Drop by teaspoonfuls onto waxed paper. Chill to set. Makes about 24.
Brotherton offers website readers one stellar recipe a week in the “My Leader Yummy” feature. Looking for a recipe you can’t find? Email me at kbrotherton42@gmail.com and I’ll see if I have it.
