Aching for something sweet? Try making some of these frugal treats instead of buying snacks at the store. Making these together with the kids can also be a fun way to spend time together.
Crunchy Caramel Corn
When finished, this caramel corn is extra crunchy, since it’s baked in the oven. It has more of the taste and consistency of Cracker Jack caramel corn than regular homemade caramel corn. We made this recipe when I was a counselor at a summer camp for junior high school kids–both the kids and adults loved it.
1 cup butter or margarine
2 cups brown sugar
1/2 cup corn syrup
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp vanilla
6 quarts popped corn
Melt butter in medium saucepan. Stir in sugar, corn syrup and salt.
Bring to a boil stirring constantly. Boil without stirring for 5 minutes.
Remove from heat then stir in baking soda and vanilla. Gradually pour over popped corn mixing well.
Pour into 2 large jelly roll pans.
Bake at 250 degrees for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes.
Remove from oven, cool completely. Break apart.
Store in tightly covered containers or gallon bags.
Puppy Chow
This really is only for human consumption. The recipe is a favorite of kids. It is an easy one, with no baking required. The kids especially enjoy shaking their treat at the end. Plus, it tastes great.
3/4 cup peanut butter
1 cup chocolate chips
1/4 cup butter
8 cups Crispix or rice Chex cereal
2 cups powdered sugar
In a medium saucepan, melt the peanut butter, chocolate chips, and butter together. Measure the cereal into a very large bowl. Pour peanut butter mixture over cereal and stir gently until coated. Try not to break up the cereal too much. Pour the powdered sugar into a paper grocery bag and then add the cereal mixture. Fold the bag a few times to seal it and shake well to coat evenly.