Ingredients
- 1 (12 oz) bag of white chocolate chips: This provides the sweet, creamy base that binds all the other ingredients together.
- 4 cups of rice krispie cereal: Adds a light, crunchy texture to the candies.
- 3 cups of pretzel sticks: These should be slightly crushed to give a salty crunch, balancing the sweetness of the chocolate.
- 1 ½ cups of roasted peanuts: These add a nutty flavor and a bit more crunch.
Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Large mixing bowl
- Medium microwave-safe bowl
- Spatula
Preparation
- Prepare the Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents the candy from sticking and makes clean-up easier.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the rice krispie cereal, slightly crushed pretzel sticks, and roasted peanuts. Toss them together so that the mixture is well combined. This ensures every piece of candy will have a good mix of textures and flavors.
- Melt the White Chocolate: Place the white chocolate chips in a medium microwave-safe bowl. Microwave the chocolate in 30-second increments, stirring in between, until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth. Be careful not to overheat as white chocolate can seize easily.
- Combine the Chocolate with Dry Ingredients: Pour the melted white chocolate over the cereal, pretzel, and peanut mixture. Using a spatula, gently fold the mixture until everything is evenly coated with chocolate. The gentle folding helps to keep some of the cereal and pretzels from breaking too much.
- Spread the Mixture: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking sheet. Spread it out into an even layer using the spatula. Try to spread it as thinly as possible for evenly sized pieces once it sets.
- Let It Set: Allow the mixture to sit at room temperature until it is fully set. This could take a couple of hours. You can speed up this process by placing the baking sheet in the refrigerator.
- Break Into Pieces: Once the candy is set, break it into pieces. You can make the pieces as large or as small as you like.
- Storage: Store the candy pieces in an airtight container. They can be kept at room temperature or in the refrigerator if you prefer them a bit firmer.
Tips
- Variations: Feel free to add other ingredients like dried fruit, different types of nuts, or a sprinkle of sea salt on the top before it sets for extra flavor.
- Melting Chocolate: If you prefer not to use a microwave, you can melt the chocolate using a double boiler on the stove. Just make sure the water does not touch the bottom of the bowl holding the chocolate.
This expanded recipe provides clearer steps and helpful tips to ensure your Ragtag Candies turn out delicious every time!