Critters in the Hay

Critters in the Hay Recipe: A Unique Popcorn Treat for Any Occasion

Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 3 minutes | Servings: 10

Introduction

Critters in the Hay is a fun and festive Halloween treat that combines sweet and salty flavors with a touch of spookiness. This recipe is perfect for parties or as a special snack for the kids during the Halloween season.

History

Critters in the Hay is a popular Halloween treat that has been enjoyed for many years. The combination of popcorn, candy corn, and licorice creates a unique and delicious snack that is perfect for the spooky holiday.

Ingredients

1.5 cups sugar
1 cup light corn syrup
2 tbsp butter
1.5 tsp pumpkin pie spice
1 tsp vanilla
0.5 tsp salt
0.5 tsp green food color (optional)
3.5 qt (3.31 liters) popped popcorn, remove any unpopped kernels
1 cup candy corn
licorice ropes, black wooden picks, small black gum drops or other small black candies
red decorating icing
tiny red jaw-breakers candy
worm-shaped candies

How to prepare

In a Dutch oven, bring sugar, corn syrup, and butter to a boil; boil for 2.5 minutes.
Stir in pumpkin pie spice, vanilla, salt, and food coloring (if desired) until evenly colored.
Add popcorn and toss until evenly coated.
Spread the popcorn mixture in a single layer on greased sheets of foil and allow it to cool and harden.
Break the popcorn into bite-size pieces and mix with candy corn in a wide shallow bowl; set aside.
To make spiders, cut licorice into 2-inch lengths.
To make legs, starting at one end, make three 0.5-inch to 0.75-inch cuts to create four legs.
Repeat the cuts at the opposite end.
Leave about 0.5 inch in the center uncut.
Gently pull the legs apart and curl them down.
Push a wooden pick through the center of the body, leaving about 0.25 inch exposed on top.
Push one gumdrop onto the exposed pick to make a body.
Using the writing tip of decorating icing, squeeze two small dots of icing into the gumdrops.
Press jawbreakers into the icing to make eyes.
Place the "spiders" and worm-shaped candies in the popcorn.
Remove the wooden picks before eating.

Variations

Add different types of candies or nuts to the popcorn mixture for added flavor and texture.
Use different food coloring to create a variety of colors for the popcorn mixture.
Experiment with different shapes and designs for the "spiders" and other critters.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to remove any unpopped kernels from the popped popcorn to avoid biting into a hard piece.

- Allow the popcorn mixture to cool and harden before breaking it into bite-size pieces to ensure that it holds its shape.

- Get creative with the decorations for the "spiders" and other critters by using different types of candies and icing.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Critters in the Hay as a fun and festive snack at Halloween parties or as a special treat for the kids during the holiday season.

Cooking Techniques

The key cooking technique for this recipe is boiling the sugar, corn syrup, and butter to create a sticky and sweet coating for the popcorn. Tossing the popcorn in the mixture and allowing it to cool and harden ensures that the popcorn holds its shape and is evenly coated.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have pumpkin pie spice, you can use a combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.

- Feel free to use any type of candy or decorations for the critters, such as gummy worms or chocolate candies.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the popcorn mixture ahead of time and store it in an airtight container until ready to serve. Add the candy corn and decorations just before serving to keep them fresh and crunchy.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the Critters in the Hay in a large bowl or on a platter, and place the "spiders" and other critters on top for a fun and festive presentation. You can also use Halloween-themed serving dishes or plates for added flair.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve Critters in the Hay with a glass of apple cider or hot chocolate for a delicious and comforting Halloween treat. You can also pair it with other Halloween-themed snacks and treats for a festive spread.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Critters in the Hay in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the popcorn mixture in the oven at a low temperature for a few minutes to restore its crunchiness.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Critters in the Hay contains approximately 220 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Critters in the Hay contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Critters in the Hay contains approximately 5 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Critters in the Hay contains approximately 1 gram of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Critters in the Hay is not a significant source of vitamins and minerals.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (butter) and may contain allergens such as corn (corn syrup), gluten (popcorn), and soy (food coloring). It is important to check the labels of all ingredients for potential allergens.

Summary

Critters in the Hay is a sweet and salty Halloween treat that is relatively low in calories and fat. However, it is high in carbohydrates due to the sugar and corn syrup used in the recipe.

Summary

Critters in the Hay is a fun and festive Halloween treat that combines sweet and salty flavors with a touch of spookiness. This recipe is easy to make and can be customized with different candies and decorations for a unique and delicious snack. Enjoy this treat at Halloween parties or as a special snack for the kids during the holiday season.

How did I get this recipe?

I can't forget the moment I stumbled upon this recipe for Critters in the Hay. It was a warm summer day, and I had decided to take a leisurely stroll through the fields surrounding our family farm. As I walked along, the sweet scent of hay filled my nostrils, making me feel nostalgic for my childhood days spent playing in the barn.

As I wandered deeper into the fields, I noticed a group of children gathered around a small fire. Curious, I approached them and saw that they were roasting marshmallows on sticks. One of the children, a sweet little girl with pigtails, offered me a marshmallow and introduced herself as Lucy.

I sat down next to Lucy and watched as the children chatted and laughed while they enjoyed their sweet treats. As the sun began to set, Lucy turned to me and said, "Would you like to try something different? My grandma taught me how to make Critters in the Hay, and I think you'll love it!"

Intrigued, I eagerly accepted Lucy's offer and followed her back to her farmhouse. The kitchen was warm and inviting, filled with the delicious aromas of home-cooked meals. Lucy's grandmother, a kind and gentle woman with a twinkle in her eye, greeted me warmly and handed me a bowl filled with a mixture of oats, honey, and nuts.

"This is the secret to making Critters in the Hay," Lucy's grandmother explained. "It's a simple and delicious snack that's perfect for sharing with loved ones."

I watched as Lucy's grandmother demonstrated how to mix the ingredients together, shaping them into small balls and rolling them in coconut flakes. The finished product was a delightful combination of sweet and crunchy, a perfect treat for any occasion.

As I bit into my first Critter in the Hay, I was immediately transported back to my own childhood, when my own grandmother would make similar snacks for me and my siblings. The taste brought back fond memories of lazy summer days spent playing in the fields and exploring the woods surrounding our farm.

From that day on, Critters in the Hay became a staple in my own kitchen. I would make them for my grandchildren, who would eagerly gobble them up and beg for more. The recipe became a cherished tradition, passed down through the generations and shared with friends and family alike.

Over the years, I have added my own twist to the recipe, experimenting with different combinations of nuts, seeds, and dried fruits. Each batch of Critters in the Hay is unique, a reflection of my own creativity and love for cooking.

As I sit here now, surrounded by my family and friends, I can't help but feel grateful for the simple pleasures in life. The recipe for Critters in the Hay may have come to me by chance, but it has brought me so much joy and happiness over the years.

And as I watch my grandchildren munching on their own Critters in the Hay, I know that this recipe will continue to be a beloved tradition in our family for generations to come. For that, I am truly grateful.