Guest post from Alison of Pint-sized Treasures
In our family of eight, we typically do not buy packaged candy. Instead, we make our own for special occasions or for our traditional Family Night that we celebrate every single Friday.
A couple of weeks ago we decided to try to create our own candy recipe that would be simple, frugal and of course — super yummy! We added this adventure to our “fun things to do on Friday night” list. We typically play games, watch a family movie, have a fun snack, and end it all with a slumber party in mom and dad’s room. It’s super fun — even for mom and dad!
Now, back to the recipe! One of our favorite ingredients to use in a fun dessert, snack, or candy recipe is white, fluffy sugary things we call marshmallows. Whoever invented those wonderful bites of happiness needs a GIGANTIC hug! So many memories have been made by roasting marshmallows over an open fire. Just think what this world would be without those large, fluffy, wonderful yummies!
Since our family stays busy with homeschooling, ministry, cooking, cleaning and many other things under the sun, we always try to find the quickest way to get desserts, snacks, and meals from the table and to our mouths. We also love it if we can make an expensive food product at home for a fraction of the price. That’s where this candy comes in.
It only took me a few minutes to whip this up on the stove. The longest part of the candy-making process was just waiting for it to cool in the fridge before we could all dive in and enjoy a late night treat. When the cooling period was over, we all taste-tested our creation. The decision was unanimous. THIS recipe was a winner!
Everyone started grinning at each other and nodding. That’s the signal for a recipe gone right. My three-year-old gave me a thumbs up sign. That’s his little way of saying, “Mom, this is goooooood!”
The sweet and salty flavors came together like melody and harmony. Each flavor was playing its part beautifully in every single bite. It was hard to stop at only two pieces of candy, but we did and saved the rest for another day.
That’s another great part of this recipe — it’s freezer-friendly! Cut the candy into squares and freeze between sheets of parchment paper inside a ziplock bag. It can be frozen for up to two months. Plus, it tastes great straight from the freezer!
Are you ready to try a frugal homemade candy recipe that your family will love? Enjoy!
Homemade Sweet and Salty Candy
Yields approximately 24 pieces of candy.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup cooking oil
- 20 crushed saltine crackers
- 2 cups mini marshmallows
Directions:
- In medium-sized saucepan, stir together chocolate chips and cooking oil and cook on medium-high heat.
- Stir constantly with wire whisk and cook only until chocolate is melted. If chocolate becomes too thick, add a little more oil.
- Once chocolate is melted, turn off the heat and stir in the marshmallows and crackers. Stir until all ingredients are incorporated.
- Next, pour onto a parchment lined cookie sheet and refrigerate until cooled and hardened, about 30 minutes.
- Cut it into small rectangles for serving or freeze for later.
This is definitely one of our family’s favorite snacks… and it’s great that I can make it on a budget!
Alison is a mom of six kids and writes about parenting, frugal living, crafts and anything mom-inspired at Pint-sized Treasures.
Mel says
I might try it with graham crackers instead of saltines, no campfire needed smores:-)
Amanda says
Would this still work and/or taste good? I have a couple of semi-sweet but I bunch of white chocolate chips to use up, thanks!
Alison Wood says
I would try 1/2 cup of white chocolate chips and 1/1/2 cups of the semi-sweet so the white isn’t overpowering! Sounds yummy!
Amanda says
Thanks that is what I did!
Kelly says
Yum! I’m thinking of trying it with pretzels because I love chocolate covered pretzels! Elise coconut oil is a great idea!
Alison Wood says
Pretzels sound perfect!
Sue says
I try to use up old cereal before it goes stale. My mother showed me this great tip when she was in Florida for a few month a year, Mom would throw any mix of bottom of the box with any nuts, dried fruit to make the best candy around.
Erin says
Great idea–thanks! I was trying to think of something to sub for the saltine crackers.
Elise says
Yum! I’m betting these would be super delish using coconut oil. Chocolate + coconut = heaven… almost. 🙂