Make candy the easy way this Christmas. Four things and a slow cooker is all you need. No oven, no fuss - just sweet treats perfect for giving away or keeping for yourself. Simple to make, good to eat.
Why Make This Candy
This candy makes holiday cooking easier. Throw a few things in the slow cooker and let it work while you do other stuff. Makes plenty for parties or gifts. Change up the nuts or decorations to make it your own. Works any time of year, not just Christmas.
What You Need
- White Almond Bark: Makes candy smooth and sweet
- Chocolate Chips: Regular semi-sweet kind
- German Chocolate: Adds extra sweet taste
- Peanuts: Roasted ones work best
- Sprinkles: Any colors you like
How to Make It
- Get Ready:
- Spray inside of slow cooker so nothing sticks. Put in bark, both chocolates
- First Cook:
- 1. Put clean towel under lid to catch drips 2. Cook on high one hour
- Melt Everything:
- 1. Turn to low 2. Cook one more hour 3. Stir every 15 minutes 4. Mix until smooth
- Add Nuts:
- 1. Take lid off careful - no water drops 2. Pour in peanuts 3. Stir until covered
- Make Candy:
- 1. Put paper on cookie sheets 2. Drop spoonfuls on paper 3. Add sprinkles while wet 4. Let get firm in fridge
Why Use Slow Cooker
Slow cookers make candy-making easy. The chocolate melts slow and even, won't burn like on the stove. You can do other things while it cooks - wrap presents, clean up, or just relax. No watching pots or worrying about burning.
Making Good Chocolate
Good chocolate makes better candy. Use the best you can find since we're only using a few things. The white almond bark helps candy get firm. Keep water away from the chocolate - that's why we put a towel under the lid. This makes your candy turn out smooth and shiny.
Picking Nuts
Regular roasted peanuts work great in this candy. They give good crunch and salty taste. Want something different? Try almonds or cashews. Mix different nuts if you like. Just make sure they're roasted first - raw nuts don't taste as good. The nuts make the candy more filling and give it better flavor.
Make It Your Way
Change this candy to fit any time of year. Use red and green sprinkles for Christmas, pink for Valentine's, or bright colors for birthdays. Add some cinnamon if you like spice, or sprinkle salt on top for sweet-salty taste. Make it how you like it.
Saving and Sharing
After candy gets firm, pack it up nice. Put it in pretty boxes or bags with ribbons for gifts. Store extras in covered containers to keep fresh. These make good stocking stuffers or party treats. Everyone loves getting homemade candy as a gift.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long till they're ready?
Takes 30-60 minutes in fridge to get firm. Speed it up in freezer - about 15 minutes. Test with finger touch - shouldn't leave mark. Don't rush or chocolate might bloom (get white spots). Once set, they stay firm at room temp unless it's really warm.
- Can I use different nuts?
Any nuts work great! Pecans make them fancy, almonds add crunch. Mix different kinds for variety. Just make sure they're roasted first - raw nuts can taste bland. Chop big ones smaller so candy's easier to eat. Keep same amount as recipe calls for.
- Must I use slow cooker?
Stovetop works but needs constant watching and stirring. Double boiler's safest - chocolate burns easy. Slow cooker lets you walk away, keeps steady temp. If using stove, use low heat, stir every few minutes. Microwave works too but do 30-second bursts.
- How do I store them?
Keep in tight container room temp if house is cool. Put in fridge if warm - chocolate gets soft above 70°. Layer with wax paper so they don't stick. Good 2 weeks at room temp, month in fridge. Can freeze up to 3 months wrapped really well.
- Need the sprinkles?
Totally optional! They add holiday sparkle but candy's great plain too. Try crushed candy canes, coconut, or sea salt instead. Match sprinkle colors to holiday or party theme. Add while chocolate's still wet so they stick. Some folks drizzle white chocolate on top.
Some More Ideas
Love easy treats? Try making chocolate peanut clusters next time. Or roll up some quick peanut butter balls. Both make perfect holiday gifts just like this candy!