During the autumn season, there’s nothing better than to enjoy the blazing colors of the fall leaves, carve jack-o-lanterns, visit corn mazes, or share scary stories of headless horsemen and monsters galore.
Why not stay cozy on one of those especially crisp fall days by making some gooey, yummy treats with the kids, as well? Just keep a stack of moist washcloths nearby so they don’t get sticky caramel all over that darling Disney princess costume.
Here is a list of three classic autumn treats that the whole family will enjoy and, with as simple as these recipes are, the children will enjoy making, too.
Peanut Brittle
Photo via Delicious-cooks.com
This crunchy, sweet and salty treat is ready to eat in about 30 minutes when you use the microwave instead of slaving over a hot stove with a candy thermometer and a case of tennis elbow from all the stirring. Microwave peanut brittle is quick and easy and the kids will have a blast breaking it up into pieces.
You will need:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup light corn syrup,
- 1 cup salted nuts (of your choice)
- 1 tsp. butter
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
- 1 tsp. baking soda
Combine sugar and corn syrup in a large, microwavable mixing bowl and microwave on high for 4 minutes. Stir in peanuts and microwave on high for another 3 to 3 ½ minutes. Stir in butter and vanilla and microwave again for 1 ½ minutes.
Remove from the microwave and slowly mix in baking soda until the mixture is foamy. Pour onto a cookie sheet coated in butter or cooking spray and spread thin. Let the brittle cool completely. When ready, break into pieces with a kitchen mallet and enjoy!
Caramel Popcorn
Photo via Whole New
Make movie night a little sweeter during the autumn season with a big bowl of homemade caramel popcorn.
You will need:
- 2 bags of microwave popcorn
- ½ cup butter
- ¼ cup light corn syrup
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp. baking soda
- 1 large paper grocery bag
Pop the popcorn in the microwave and dump into the grocery bag. Melt the butter, brown sugar and corn syrup in the microwave on high for 5 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds. Mix in the baking soda and pour over the popcorn in the bag.
Let the kids take turns shaking the bag to distribute the caramel over the popcorn. Place the bag back into the microwave for 1 minute on high and shake again. Pour the caramel corn into a bowl and pop in your favorite Halloween movie.
Caramel Apples
Photo via Real Simple
Put a spin on this classic treat by letting children roll the caramel covered apples in their favorite candy or topping.
You will need:
- 14-ounce package of caramels
- 2 tbsp. water
- 6 apples
- 6 wooden craft sticks
Wash the apples, pull out any stems and pat dry. Slide a craft stick into the top of each apple and set aside. If you are going to roll the apples in candy or toppings, prepare them before melting the caramel by pouring each ingredient into a bowl so it’s ready for dipping. You can use chopped nuts, mini candy-coated chocolates, crushed Oreos, sprinkles, toffee bits, mini marshmallows, crushed candy bars or any assortment of your family’s favorite toppings.
Next, have the kids unwrap the caramels and place in a medium saucepan (just make sure most of the caramels end up in the saucepan and not their stomachs!). Add 2 tbsp. of water and stir the caramels over medium heat until melted. Keep the caramel on medium low heat, stirring occasionally. Dip the apples into the caramel and then coat by rolling the apple in your topping of choice. Place the apples on wax or parchment paper and let cool.
Making these classic treats part of your autumn season will bring smiles and memories for years to come. Just like the leaves and jack-o-lanterns, everyone will look forward to a little kitchen time with mom when the air turns crisp and cool.
