White Chocolate and Peppermint Covered Pretzels in the Crockpot

I found this recipe and am eager to try it.

Here is how I do it (Read recipe entirely through before starting!):
2 (16 ounce) packages of vanilla bark coating
1 (12 ounce) bag of white chocolate chips
1 (6 ounce) package white chocolate baking squares
3 Tablespoons of shortening
1 (16 ounce) package of pretzel twists, broken or chopped into smaller pieces
1 (8 ounce) package of animal crackers, broken or chopped into smaller pieces
3/4 cup coarsely crushed peppermint candy
1/2 teaspoon of pure peppermint extract
In a 6 quart slow cooker add vanilla bark coating, white chocolate chips, white chocolate baking squares and shortening. Place a paper towel under the lid and cook on low for 1 1/2 - 2 hours. Remove the lid, making sure that no condensation gets into the crock pot (water is the enemy when dealing with white chocolate) and stir the mixture until smooth. Add the pretzels, animal crackers and peppermint candy. Stir to incorporate. Turn the heat off and add the peppermint extract (if you have a removable crock take it out and place it on a pot holder or heat proof surface, this would be best). Stir to thoroughly incorporate. By the teaspoon full, put a dollop of the mixture into miniature muffin or cupcake liners. This is easier to do if you put the liners into a muffin tin while the first four ingredients are melting. Put them in a cool draft free place to set up. If you are in a hurry you can put them into the fridge or freezer to set up.


Notes:
If white chocolate is clumping (or seizing) do not add water. Add shortening to the mixture one teaspoon at a time until it smooths back out. It will look real shiny.
It is important to add the peppermint extract at the very last minute, not while the heat is still on.
If you don't have muffin or cupcake liners, you can dollop spoonfuls onto a piece of waxed paper that has been placed on a cookie sheet or cutting board.
Let the candy set up completely before trying to taste test. Hot candy can easily burn you and possibly leave bad damage to your tongue, mouth or skin.
If you're going to let your children help (especially if they're small) the best thing for them to do is dump in the pretzels, animal crackers and peppermint candy. They can also help line the muffin tin with liners and of course help package them once they're cooled. This will insure that they are not in any position to get burned by the hot candy.
Source:
http://crockpotrecipeexchange.blogspot.com/

Homemade Peanut Butter Cups

Sorry I haven't posted anything since September! I am back! We welcomed our third child to our family on November 17th so life has been a little busy!

These are great for Christmas Plates!


1 cup of butter (2 sticks)
1 cup of peanut butter
2 cups Powdered Sugar
1 3/4 Cups Crushed Graham Crackers ( I have found that if you leave the sleave of graham crackers closed and then take your rolling pin and smash the whole package, it is enough for the recipe and you don't have a mess to clean up after. Then you just open up an end and pour the smashed graham crackers in.)
2 cups of chocolate chips

Heat the butter and the peanut butter in a sauce pan until melted together. Add the powdered sugar and the graham crackers to the mixture and mix until it is all combined. Pour this mixture in to a 9X13 pan and push it down in the pan In a double boiler melt the chocolate chips and then spread the melted chocolate over the top of the peanut butter mixture and place in the fridge to set. When it is set cut and serve. This is a very rich treat so don't make the pieces you cut large or it will be too much. Enjoy! I dare you not to at least want to eat the whole pan of them yourself....too tempting!!! :)

Christmas Truffles

1 can sweetened condensed milk
¾ cup of butter- melted
¾ cup cocoa powder
1 Tablespoon vanilla extract

In a medium saucepan, combine the butter and cocoa over medium high heat. Whisk to a boil. Add the milk and vanilla, blend thoroughly, and refrigerate for 3-4 hours. Scoop out with a tablespoon and form into balls with your hands. Roll in powdered sugar or cocoa powder.

Soda Cracker Toffee

Saltines
1 c. brown sugar
2 sticks of butter- and it has to be butter- it won't turn out if you use margerine

Lay crackers on a foil lined cookie sheet that you have greased with butter. Boil brown sugar and 2 sticks of butter for 2 minutes. Stir constantly- otherwise it will burn. Pour mixture over crackers evenly so that it covers all crackers completely. Bake at 350 degrees for 5 minutes. Take out of oven and immediately sprinkle 1 package of chocolate chips ( milk chocolate or semi sweet) spread the chocolate chips as they melt to frost. Let the candy set- I always put mine in the fridge overnight and then break in to pieces.

I warn you that you will love this and won't be able to quit eating it! :) I make this for goody plates at Christmas.