Halloween Haystacks

Halloween Haystacks Recipe - A Delicious USA Original

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 5 minutes | Servings: 12

Introduction

Halloween Haystacks are a fun and easy treat to make for the spooky holiday season. These sweet and crunchy treats are perfect for parties or just a festive snack at home. With a combination of popcorn, chow mein noodles, butterscotch, and peanut butter, these haystacks are sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike.

History

The origins of Halloween Haystacks are a bit unclear, but they have been a popular treat for Halloween parties and gatherings for many years. The combination of sweet butterscotch and creamy peanut butter mixed with crunchy popcorn and chow mein noodles creates a unique and delicious flavor that is perfect for the fall season.

Ingredients

1.5 qt (1.42 liters) popped popcorn
1 cup chow mein noodles
12 oz (340 g) butterscotch pieces
0.33 cup creamy peanut butter

How to prepare

Combine popped popcorn and chow mein noodles in a large bowl.
Melt butterscotch pieces over hot water, not boiling.
Stir constantly until smooth, about 3 to 5 minutes.
Blend in peanut butter.
Pour the mixture over the popcorn and stir well to coat.
Drop heaping tablespoons of the mixture onto a pan lined with wax paper.
Allow it to firm up, then store in a tightly covered container.
Makes 2 servings.
Microwave directions: Pop microwave popcorn according to package instructions.
Mix with chow mein noodles in a large bowl.
In a 4-cup glass measuring cup, combine butterscotch pieces and peanut butter.
Microwave on high for 2 minutes or until soft.
Stir until smooth.
Pour the mixture over the popcorn and stir well to coat.
Shape as directed above.

Variations

Add in chocolate chips or candy corn for a different flavor and texture.
Use white chocolate or dark chocolate instead of butterscotch for a different twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to stir the butterscotch and peanut butter mixture constantly while melting to prevent burning.

- Allow the haystacks to cool and firm up before storing to ensure they hold their shape.

- Get creative with your toppings by adding sprinkles, candy corn, or chocolate chips for a festive touch.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Halloween Haystacks as a fun and festive treat at Halloween parties or enjoy them as a sweet snack at home.

Cooking Techniques

Melting the butterscotch and peanut butter mixture over hot water ensures a smooth and creamy consistency.

- Stirring constantly while melting the butterscotch and peanut butter prevents burning and ensures a smooth mixture.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use almond butter or sunflower seed butter as a substitute for peanut butter for a nut-free option.

- Use pretzel sticks or broken graham crackers instead of chow mein noodles for a different texture.

Make Ahead Tips

Halloween Haystacks can be made ahead of time and stored in a tightly covered container for up to a week. Allow them to come to room temperature before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange Halloween Haystacks on a festive platter or in individual cupcake liners for a fun and colorful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve Halloween Haystacks with a glass of cold milk or a cup of hot apple cider for a delicious and comforting treat.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store Halloween Haystacks in a tightly covered container at room temperature for up to a week. They do not need to be refrigerated. Reheat in the microwave for a few seconds to soften if desired.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Halloween Haystacks contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Halloween Haystacks contains approximately 40 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Halloween Haystacks contains approximately 15 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Halloween Haystacks contains approximately 5 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Halloween Haystacks are not a significant source of vitamins and minerals.

Alergens

Halloween Haystacks contain peanuts and may contain traces of other nuts.

Summary

Halloween Haystacks are a sweet and crunchy treat that is perfect for Halloween parties. While they are not a significant source of vitamins and minerals, they are a fun and festive snack that is sure to be a hit with both kids and adults.

Summary

Halloween Haystacks are a fun and easy treat to make for Halloween parties or just a festive snack at home. With a combination of popcorn, chow mein noodles, butterscotch, and peanut butter, these sweet and crunchy haystacks are sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike. Enjoy this delicious treat during the spooky holiday season!

How did I get this recipe?

I have a clear memory of the first time I saw this recipe for Halloween Haystacks. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small town. Halloween was always a special time for us, with the streets filled with children in costumes and the smell of pumpkin spice in the air.

I remember walking home from school one day, my arms full of books and my mind full of thoughts of the upcoming holiday. As I turned the corner onto our street, I saw Mrs. Jenkins standing on her front porch, stirring a pot on the stove. The delicious aroma of chocolate and peanut butter wafted through the air, drawing me closer.

Curious, I walked up the steps to her porch and asked her what she was making. Mrs. Jenkins smiled warmly and told me she was making Halloween Haystacks, a special treat she always made for her grandchildren on Halloween night. She explained that they were a simple combination of chocolate, peanut butter, and chow mein noodles, shaped into little haystacks and topped with candy corn.

I watched intently as she finished making the haystacks and then offered me one to try. The combination of sweet and salty flavors was like nothing I had ever tasted before, and I knew I had to learn how to make them myself.

Mrs. Jenkins must have seen the curiosity in my eyes, because she offered to teach me the recipe right then and there. I eagerly accepted, and for the next hour, I stood by her side in her cozy kitchen, taking in every step of the process.

She showed me how to melt the chocolate and peanut butter together, stirring until smooth and creamy. Then she added the chow mein noodles, gently folding them into the mixture until they were completely coated. Finally, she spooned the mixture onto wax paper in little mounds, topping each one with a few pieces of candy corn.

As I watched her work, I felt a sense of joy and excitement building inside me. This simple recipe, with its combination of flavors and textures, represented everything I loved about Halloween – fun, creativity, and a little bit of magic.

When the haystacks had set and cooled, Mrs. Jenkins handed me a plate filled with them. I took a bite, savoring the sweet and crunchy goodness, and knew that this recipe would become a cherished tradition in my own family.

Over the years, I made Halloween Haystacks for my children and grandchildren, passing down the recipe and the memories that went along with it. Each time I made them, I thought of Mrs. Jenkins and the day she had shared her love of cooking with me.

Now, as I stand in my own kitchen, preparing a batch of haystacks for this year's Halloween celebration, I can't help but smile as I remember that first taste of Mrs. Jenkins' recipe. It's a reminder of the power of food to bring people together, to create lasting memories, and to celebrate the simple joys of life.

As I place the finished haystacks on a tray and set them out for my family to enjoy, I know that this recipe will always hold a special place in my heart. It's more than just a sweet treat – it's a connection to the past, a link to the traditions and memories that make this holiday so special.

And as I watch my grandchildren's eyes light up as they take their first bite of a haystack, I know that this recipe will continue to be a part of our family's Halloween celebrations for many years to come. It's a small reminder of the love and joy that can be found in something as simple as a batch of homemade treats, shared with those we hold dear.