2 ½ quarts popped popcorn 1 14-oz package light caramels 1/4 cup light corn syrup 2 tbsps water Keep popcorn warm in a 200 degree oven. Melt caramels in top of double boiler over simmering water. Add corn syrup and water and mix until smooth. Slowly pour over popcorn in a large bowl. Stir to mix well. With greased hands, shape into balls about the size of softballs. Let cool completely before wrapping with plastic wrap.
Round crackers Peanut butter, regular or chunky style Hershey's chocolate bars Candy corn or pumpkin candies Melt Hershey's chocolate bars. Spread crackers with peanut butter and top with another cracker. Carefully dip cracker "sandwiches" in the melted chocolate. Top with a colorful Halloween candy, then cool on waxed paper. Makes 4 to 5 Prep time: 20 minutes Microwave cooking time: 3 minutes Conventional cooking time: 15 minutes
Yields: about 36 cookies 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking powder 1/4 teaspoon salt 3/4 cup sugar 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature 3/4 cup smooth peanut butter 1 egg 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Mini pretzel twists Mini chocolate chips Black, brown, and orange sprinkles (optional) In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. In a large bowl, with an electric mixer on medium speed, beat sugar, butter, and peanut butter until light and fluffy. Beat in egg and vanilla. With mixer on lowest speed, gradually add the flour mixture and mix until blended. Shape dough into 2 logs. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 2 hours. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. To make snakes: Break off a piece of dough and roll into a ball about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Then roll into a snake about 5 inches long, making the head end slightly larger than the tail. Place on an ungreased baking sheet. Use the tines of a fork to press markings along the snake. Use a small piece of pretzel for the tongue and chocolate chips for the eyes. Decorate body with sprinkles, if desired. To make beetles: Roll a piece of dough into a ball about 1 inch in diameter and flatten slightly. Place 2 pretzels on work surface, pointed ends touching. Place dough on top and press into pretzels. Use a smaller ball of dough to form the head and pieces of pretzel to make antennae. Place on an ungreased baking sheet and make ridges with a fork. Use chocolate chips for the eyes. Bake snakes 8 to 10 minutes and beetles 10 to 12 minutes or until golden brown.