Aunt June's Granola

I can't believe I haven't posted this recipe before now.  This is the granola I grew up with.  It is my grandma's sister's recipe...tried and true and still going strong!:)  It is simple to make and makes quite a bit, but will last for months if kept in an air tight container...but it'll most likely be gone before you have to worry about that!  I love to eat a big bowl of it with milk in the morning, super filling and packed full of nutritious ingredients!

Aunt June's Granola

PRINT RECIPE

1 container (2 lbs.) regular oats

5 cups corn flakes

2 1/2 cups sweetened flaked coconut

3/4 cups sunflower seeds (raw, unsalted)

3/4 cup wheat flour

1/2 cup cream of wheat, uncooked

1 cup butter

1 cup water

3/4 cup honey

3/4 cup brown sugar

1 1/2 teaspoon salt

4 teaspoons vanilla

Combine first 6 ingredients in a LARGE bowl.  Stir until combined.  In a saucepan (or microwave), warm the remaining ingredients until butter is melted.  Pour over the dry ingredients and mix to coat.  Bake at 250 degrees in thin layers on cookie sheets for 45-60 minutes.  Cool.  Store in air tight container.

Optional:  Can mix in raisins after cooled.  Other dried fruit would be good as well.  Just add what you like or eat it as it is.

Delicious!!!

Gooey Almond Coconut Cereal Treat

I've been wanting to share this recipe with everyone for SO long, but just haven't because I could not come up with a name good enough for it!  I got the recipe from my sister-in-law, she's been making it for family get togethers for YEARS, and it is always requested...and devoured!  We just call it Candy's chex mix, but I thought it needed something better, so I asked my kids what they thought we should call it.  I thought my 10 year old Eli's answer described it perfectly...he said we should call it yummy goodness!:)  And that it is!!  But I didn't think that was an actual name, so this long descriptive name is what you get.  

It's perfect to wrap up and give to teachers, neighbors, friends.  Just know that if you give it away you will be hounded by everyone to make them more!  But I guess that's better than eating every last bit yourself! 

Gooey Almond Coconut Cereal Treat

PRINT RECIPE

 

1 box (12 oz.) Rice Chex cereal (off brand works great)

1 box (12 oz.) Golden Grahams cereal (off brand works great here too!:))

1 cup sweetened coconut flakes

1/2 cup slivered almonds

1 1/2 cups (3 sticks) butter

2 cups sugar

2 cups corn syrup

Combine both cereals, almonds and coconut in a large bowl.  

In a medium sized sauce pan add butter, sugar and corn syrup.  Cook over medium heat until it reaches the soft ball stage.  That's between 230-240 degrees using a candy thermometer.  Or you can use the method we used growing up (and I still use today).  Get a small cup and fill it with cold water.  Test the syrup by adding a little drop into the cold water.  Use your fingers and if you can mold it into a ball and it will stay formed but is still soft you've got soft ball stage...pretty easy!

Pour syrup over cereal mixture and using a wooden spoon stir until all pieces are well coated.  Dump onto wax paper until cooled.  Pull it apart into chunks and store in bags or any airtight container.

And for your info...the cute little cups I used to put the yummy goodness in I purchased from Pick Your Plum.  I love them!:)

Valentine Pretzel Bites

These little buggers are so addicting!  They are so not good for me to have around my house, I cannot stop eating them!  They are a perfect teacher treat for Valentine's Day or for a snack for a classroom party.  We put them in little plastic bags for my son to hand out with his valentines...he forgot, so I had a nice snack after school!:)   (We have the week off of school (YEAH!) so my kid's had their Valentines class parties last Friday.)

They are really easy to make & everyone will enjoy them, so whether you make them for yourself, your family or for Valentine parties, they will be a hit!

Valentine Pretzel Bites

PRINT RECIPE

1 bag small twist pretzels

2 bags hugs

1 bag Peanut butter M&M's

Preheat oven to 300 degrees. 

Place pretzels on a large cookie sheet in a single layer.  Unwrap hugs and place one on each pretzel.  Place in the oven for about 5 minutes or until hugs are shiny and melty.  Remove from the oven.

Press an M&M on top of each hug. 

Let sit at room temperature until hugs harder back up.  This usually takes quite a few hours.  If you're in a rush place them in the fridge or freezer to speed up the process.  I usually just make them the night before I need them and then they're ready to go in the morning.

NOTE:  These can be made with regular or Peanut M&M's as well, but I like the peanut butter the best.



Groundhog's Day Pudding Treat (Punxsutawney Phil)

When I saw these I knew I wanted to make them for my kiddos classes for Groundhog's Day. And since Groundhog's Day falls on Saturday I am taking them into their classes this afternoon.

I've got to say, they really turned out cute.  They were a little time consuming, but that's one of my joys in life.  I love to listen to music at night after all the kids are in bed & work.  Not cleaning, mind you, it has to be something fun & cute like these.:)

Eli & Rhett helped me with the pudding and "dirt" but then they were sent to bed so I could relax with Punxsutawney!  We had a fun night together!:)

This would be a great Groundhog's Day activity for any of you wanting something fun to do for this looked-over day.  (I always get the shadow thing all messed up...I always think that if he sees his shadow be an early spring, but I've got it all backwards.)

Groundhog's Day Pudding Treat

PRINT RECIPE

 

Chocolate pudding (store bought in the cups or make your own and put in small clear cups)

Oreos, crushed (I blend mine in my blender)

Pepperidge Farm Milano cookies

Peanut Butter chips

Sliced almonds

Chocolate frosting (store bought or homemade)

To make Punxsutawney Phil:
Cut Milano cookies in half.  It's easiest to use a small serrated knife, this tends to help so the cookie doesn't crumble.  Pipe frosting using a small round tip (I used Milton 5) onto the top of the cookie where the ears will go.  Slice an almond in half and place on frosting for ears. 

Next, pipe frosting for the eyes and nose.  With your knife, cut a sliced almond into small strips.  I turned my almond horizontal and sliced it that way.  Some of the teeth were kind of long, but they looked really cute and silly!  Stick the teeth up the nose...that's literally what you feel like your doing!  You don't want to place them on top of the nose or it will look funny, so just pretend your shoving them up pretend nostrils!:)

Turn your peanut butter chips on their side and shave off the tip with a knife so they will lay flat.  Pipe a little frosting on where the cheeks should go and then press on the peanut butter chips.  And there you have a Punxsutawney Phil!

To asssemble:
Place about 1 tablespoon crushed oreos on top the pudding.  Add Punxsutawney Phil and press into the "dirt" until you can't see the cut edge.

Enjoy your Groundhog's Day...here's hopping for spring!:)

Cereal Candy

I seem to be craving any kind of goodie made with cereal lately.  I've made S'mores snack mix (a few times!) & the delicious spin on Muddy Buddies...the Biscoff Muddy Buddies!

And this one is just like all the others.  You just cannot stop eating it!

I first tried this a couple of summers ago when my sister-in-law took it to a family retreat.  I was hooked, but have just now gotten around to getting the recipe & making it myself. 

At first I thought the butterscotch/peanut butter combo would not be so great, but boy was I mistaken!  That combo is KILLER...especially when you add chocolate in the mix!

This would make a wonderful Halloween goodie bag to hand out at school parties or any other party, really. That is if you don't eat yourself sick and don't have much left for anyone else.:)

Cereal Candy
PRINT RECIPE

15 cups Crispix Cereal (about 1 1/2 boxes)

1 1/2 cups light corn syrup

1 1/2 cups granulated sugar

1 1/2 cups peanut butter

1 bag (11.5 oz.) chocolate chips

1 bag (11.5 oz.) butterscotch chips

Measure cereal into a large bowl; set aside.

Melt the sugar & corn syrup in a saucepan over medium heat.  Bring to a boil & let boil for 1 minute.  Take off the heat and stir in the peanut butter.

Keep stirring until it is mixed well and is smooth.

Pour over the cereal and mix well.  Place large sections of wax paper on counter.  Pour cereal mixture onto the wax paper, spreading so it is in an even single layer.

Put butterscotch chips into a microwave safe bowl.  Microwave for 30 seconds at a time, stirring in between until smooth.  Drizzle over the cereal mixture.

Melt the chocolate chips in the microwave just like the butterscotch chips and then drizzle over the cereal too. 

Let the chocolate and butterscotch cool and harden, then break into pieces and place in bags or a large bowl that is air tight to store.

NOTE:  There is another variation instead of melting and drizzling the butterscotch and chocolate chips.  After you mix the peanut butter/sugar mixture with the cereal just add the whole chocolate and butterscotch chips and stir them in.  Then lay it out on the wax paper to cool.  I've had it both ways & love it either way!  Just sometimes it's easier (or I'm just lazy!) to add the chips instead of doing all that melting!:)

Halloween Popcorn Mix (Monster Munch)

I can't believe how fast this month is going! I got out a couple of pumpkins for decoration a couple of weeks ago & have yet to get out the rest of my fall/Halloween decorations! And here it is more than half way through the month.  I just have totally lost track of time. Guess that's something we'll have to do this weekend! 

This is THE popcorn mix I make every Halloween. I usually make a huge batch for my elementary school kids to take to their class parties & everyone loves it (even the teachers...I get requests for the recipe from them). You can just serve it in a big bowl or you can put it in plastic bags tied with a ribbon for each student (and don't forget the teacher!). Either way, it'll be a hit! 

 Halloween Popcorn Mix (Monster Munch)

Recipe from Our Best Bites

PRINT RECIPE 

1 package Almond Bark (1 lb) 

1/2 cup popcorn kernals, popped

1 cup candy corn 

1 cup dry roasted, salted peanuts 

1/2 cup Reeces Pieces 

Pop the popcorn and place in a large bowl.  Add the peanuts, candy corn and Reeces pieces on top.  I only got a picture of the peanuts on the popcorn...don't know what I was thinking!!

Break the almond bark up into chunks and melt in the microwave it for 30 second intervals, stirring in between until smooth and melted.

Pour over the popcorn mixture.

Use a wooden spoon to stir mixture all together.  Keep stirring until all the popcorn mixture is evenly coated with almond bark.

Spread out on wax paper to dry. 

When it is completely dry, break into pieces and place in a large bowl or individual bags.  Sneak a few pieces in the process.  That's a must!

S'mores Snack Mix

My stomach is seriously making some weird noises right now.  Maybe it has something to with the fact that this snack mix is the only thing I ate for lunch today.....hmmmm.

It combines my favorite cereal with chocolate & marshmallows, and it's crunchy & chewy & delicious!  It was just calling my name & I was too lazy to make myself something healthy & with substance.

And honestly, I'd rather have this stuff than the real S'mores.  I love the whole campfire thing, but have never been the biggest fan of S'mores...I usually just toast the marshmallow and eat it.

S'mores Snack Mix

PRINT RECIPE

9 cups Golden Grahams cereal (store brands work too)
3 Tablespoons butter
3/4 cup light corn syrup
1 bag (11.5 oz.) milk chocolate chips
1 teaspoons vanilla
4 cups mini marshmallows

Measure cereal into a large mixing bowl.

In a medium saucepan, melt the chocolate chips, butter and corn syrup until smooth.  Remove from heat and add the vanilla.  Immediately pour over the cereal.  Stir until well coated.  Add the marshmallows and stir to combine.

Lay wax paper on the bottom of a cookie sheet.  Pour the s'mores mix on top of the wax paper and spread out.  Let cool, then serve!

Biscoff Muddy Buddies

I fell in love with Biscoff a few months ago when I was introduced to this new Biscoff spread.

It will change your world!

It tastes just like the cookie (you know, the ones you get on the airplane?) but in spreadable form.  Which made it perfect to try in place of peanut butter in these muddy buddies.  The kids chowed these so fast I had to hurry and grab some just so I could get a picture to blog!

I found my spread by the peanut butter at my local Walmart.  It also had a $1 off coupon on it...SCORE!  I think this is a product I'm going to have to stock up on, just like I do with peanut butter! 

Biscoff Muddy Buddies

PRINT RECIPE

9 cups rice Chex

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

1/2 cup Biscoff Spread

1/2 cup (1 stick) butter

1 teaspoon vanilla

2 cups powdered sugar

Measure cereal and pour into a large bowl and set aside.

In a microwavable bowl, microwave chocolate chips, Biscoff, and butter uncovered for 1 minute.  Stir. Microwave about 30 seconds longer or until mixture can be stirred smooth. Stir in vanilla. Pour mixture over cereal and stir until all the cereal is coated. Pour into 2-gallon storage plastic bag. Add powdered sugar, seal bag and shake well until coated. Spread on a cookies sheet or on waxed paper to cool. Store in airtight container in refrigerator....if you have any that doesn't get eaten right away!

Frito Snack Mix

I finally got around to making this snack that a friend told me about a while ago.  We are both lovers of all things salty & sweet, so I knew I would love it!

 

I was a little apprehensive about the whole frito thing, but believe me, it works.  Who would have know fritos covered in butter & sugar would taste that amazing?

And just a fair warning...this stuff is addicting!

Frito Snack Mix

PRINT RECIPE

1 bag (10.5 oz.) fritos
2 cups small pretzel twists

2 cups chex cereal

1 1/2 cups nuts (walnuts, pecans, macadamian, cashews, etc.)

1/2 cup (1 stick) butter

1 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup light corn syrup

mini M&M's

Heat oven to 350 degrees.

Combine the fritos, pretzels, cereal and nuts in a large bowl; set aside.

Place butter, brown sugar and corn syrup in a small saucepan.  Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it starts to boil.  Boil, without stirring, for 4 minutes.

 

Pour over the frito mix and stir to combine. 

  Place on a large cookie sheet.  

Bake for 8 minutes.  Remove and stir it around.  Place back in the oven for another 8 minutes.

  

Lay 2 sheets of wax paper on counter or table.  Transfer the cooked frito mix onto the paper to cool. 

 When cooled, break into pieces and sprinkle with M&M's.

Dig in!



Valentine Popcorn Mix

I love Valentine's Day.  I always have, even back in the days when I didn't have a significant other to spend the day with.  (It also might have something to do with it being my birthday a few days afterward...just a good week all the way around!:))

I'm a dreamer & I loved dreaming of the times I'd spend with the one I love on Valentine's Day.  Of course back then I never dreamed about the kids' in the mix. (not that I didn't want kids, I just pictured them with a babysitter or something!:))  But V-day isn't exactly as I pictured growing up, most of the time we have dinner with the family. 

Which is nice. 

Occasionaly Tony and I get to get out by ourselves and enjoy an evening out for Valentine's, but not this year.  We're planning on Chicken Alfredo with Twisty Breadsticks for our special dinner (with the kids) tomorrow night!  I know, super boring, but I'm ok with that!  Sometimes it's just nice to be home & relax.  I'll probably even use paper goods so I dont' have to do dishes (yes, my dishwasher is still broken!!), that's pretty romantic to me right there!:)

Anyway, we also love to have a fun snack.  Usually we're making sugar cookies and frosting them, but this year we made some wonderful popcorn mix.  YUM!

Valentine Popcorn Mix

PRINT RECIPE

Pin It
12 cups popped plain popcorn (about 1/2 cup popcorn kernels)

1 1/2 cup Valentine candy corn

1 1/2 cups Cherry gummy hearts (you could also use cinnamon if you like)

12 oz. (6 squares) Vanilla flavored Almond Bark

2 oz. (1 square) Chocolate flavored Almond Bark (or about 1/2 cup chocolate chips)

Place the popcorn in a large mixing bowl.  Cut the gummy hearts into quarters and add to the popcorn.  Try to unstick them as best you can!:)  Add the candy corn as well.  Set aside.

Melt the vanilla almond bark in a microwave safe bowl at 30 second intervals until it is melted and smooth.  Pour over the popcorn and using a wooden spoon mix together until everything is coated. 

Pour onto wax paper in a single layer.  Melt the chocolate at 30 second intervals as well until melted.  Drizzle the chocoalte over the popcorn.  Let sit until chocolate has hardened.  Put in a large bowl & snack away!

Cinnamon Bun Popcorn

This is a revisted recipe from a while back.  It has become one of our favorite treats/snacks of all time! 

It also makes a great gift for those of you who are last minute gift givers!  Just dress it up a little and you've got a beautiful Christmas treat!

Cinnamon Bun Popcorn

Recipe from Our Best Bites

PRINT RECIPE

Pin It

12 C popped popcorn (about 1/2 C kernels)

1 C pecan halves, roughly chopped

1 C brown sugar

3/4 t cinnamon

1/4 C Karo syrup (or honey makes a good substitution)

1 stick real butter (1/2 C)

1t vanilla

1/2 t baking soda

3 squares almond bark (about 4 oz)

Preheat oven to 250 degrees

Place popcorn and chopped pecans in a large bowl and set aside.

Combine brown sugar and cinnamon in a 2 liter capacity microwave safe bowl. Mix well. Chop butter into chunks and place on top of sugar mixture. Pour corn syrup over the top of everything.

Microwave on high for 30 seconds and then stir to combine. Return to microwave and heat for 2 minutes. Remove and stir and then microwave for 2 minutes more.

Remove from microwave and add in vanilla and baking soda. Stir to combine. Mixture will foam and rise.

 Pour caramel mixture over popcorn and pecans and stir very well so everything is well coated.

Spread popcorn mixture onto a foil-lined jelly roll pan.

Place in oven and bake for 30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes.

Remove from oven and spread out on a large piece of parchment, waxed paper, or foil.

Melt almond bark according to package instructions. Drizzle over popcorn mixture.

When almond bark is hardened and popcorn is cool, break into chunks and enjoy, or bag and enjoy later! (or bag and give as gifts:))