These treats have been a favorite of our family's at Christmastime for as long as I can remember. They bring me back to those December nights as a little girl, when I would lie snug and happy in my bed, the room around me illuminated by candles in the windows. The smell of melting chocolate and butterscotch wafted through the house...aah! Such wonderful memories!
Okay, onto the recipe, which requires only four main ingredients!
1 12-oz bag butterscotch morsels
1 5-oz canister Chow Mein Noodles (or the 6-oz bag works well) - the crispy ones
1 16-oz jar peanuts
1/2 Tbsp shortening (optional)
sprinkles, optional
waxed paper
Before you do anything else, tear off two large pieces of waxed paper and lay flat on a solid surface. Have a hot pad ready and near the waxed paper because you will need to work somewhat quickly.
Now, pour the chocolate and butterscotch morsels into a large pan and melt on low to medium heat. This is when you can add the optional shortening- it helps to keep the melted mixture smooth; I have begun using it only recently because the morsels haven't been melting evenly. Stir frequently, also scraping the outer edges of the pan, to prevent scalding.
Once the morsels have thoroughly melted, remove from heat and place on the hot pad. Pour in peanuts and Chow Mein noodles. With a spatula or wooden spoon, stir gently to coat the nuts and noodles. This can take one or two minutes- you want everything to be covered completely. Next, drop by the spoonful onto the waxed paper (you may want a second spoon to help "push" the spiders onto the paper).
If you're in a hurry, lay the waxed paper on a cookie sheet that will fit inside your fridge and then pop the whole pan in for about 15 minutes- then you're good to go! Otherwise, simply leave them out on the counter for about a half hour to set. These do not need to be refrigerated once set. Sometimes I even forget to put them in a bag or covered tupperware and they are always fine the next day. Covered they should last for several days. Not like I would know that from experience... yours won't last that long either! They are that good! ;)
When I make these for gifts, I tend to keep them on the larger side. For parties, keep them small and they'll yield about 5 dozen. However you do it, they'll be gone in seconds!
For the first time this year, I thought I'd add a little Christmas color to the spiders...I'm not sure I love it. It didn't change the taste or texture much, but I think I prefer them unadorned. Ha
Sorry for the terrible photo- we haven't seen the sun in nearly a week!
Chef in Training
Sew Much Ado
the idea room
Okay, onto the recipe, which requires only four main ingredients!
Chinese Chocolate Spiders
1 12-oz bag chocolate morsels1 12-oz bag butterscotch morsels
1 5-oz canister Chow Mein Noodles (or the 6-oz bag works well) - the crispy ones
1 16-oz jar peanuts
1/2 Tbsp shortening (optional)
sprinkles, optional
waxed paper
Before you do anything else, tear off two large pieces of waxed paper and lay flat on a solid surface. Have a hot pad ready and near the waxed paper because you will need to work somewhat quickly.
Now, pour the chocolate and butterscotch morsels into a large pan and melt on low to medium heat. This is when you can add the optional shortening- it helps to keep the melted mixture smooth; I have begun using it only recently because the morsels haven't been melting evenly. Stir frequently, also scraping the outer edges of the pan, to prevent scalding.
If you're in a hurry, lay the waxed paper on a cookie sheet that will fit inside your fridge and then pop the whole pan in for about 15 minutes- then you're good to go! Otherwise, simply leave them out on the counter for about a half hour to set. These do not need to be refrigerated once set. Sometimes I even forget to put them in a bag or covered tupperware and they are always fine the next day. Covered they should last for several days. Not like I would know that from experience... yours won't last that long either! They are that good! ;)
When I make these for gifts, I tend to keep them on the larger side. For parties, keep them small and they'll yield about 5 dozen. However you do it, they'll be gone in seconds!
For the first time this year, I thought I'd add a little Christmas color to the spiders...I'm not sure I love it. It didn't change the taste or texture much, but I think I prefer them unadorned. Ha
Sorry for the terrible photo- we haven't seen the sun in nearly a week!
Enjoy!
sharing here:
Chef in Training
Sew Much Ado
the idea room
