Candy and Costumes Galore- also known as Halloween!

By Alexis Estep, Restonian, Chef, Mom

Estep family cooking Reese's Pumpkins

Have you been enjoying all the leaves changing colors and the somewhat cooler temperatures? What I have been enjoying most is the way fall makes me want to slow down and be present. Then I quickly realize that I need to get costumes for four kids and get candy to pass out on Halloween! This year, I have three ninjas (all different colors, of course: gold, purple, and blue) and a basketball trading card that comes to life. I am very excited about this one, as a dear friend is helping me pull it off. Now let’s not forget about the most important part...candy! What is your favorite? I am partial to Reese’s Pieces and Rolos. My kids love it all, but Reese’s Peanut Butter cups are a universal favorite. Well, believe it or not, you can make your own version at home! I will share a version of the beloved Reese’s peanut butter pumpkins. I hope you enjoy them and have a spooky, fun Halloween!

Reese’s Pumpkins adapted from Kayla’s Kitch and Fix (https://kaylaskitchandfix.com/)

Ingredients:

1 cup creamy peanut butter

1⁄4 cup pure maple syrup

1⁄2 cup powdered sugar

1 tsp pumpkin pie spice

1 cup chocolate chips

1 tbsp coconut oil

Flaky Sea salt

Directions:

1. Mix it up!

In a bowl, stir together peanut butter, maple syrup, powdered sugar, and pumpkin pie spice until it looks smooth and all the same.

2. Make a dough ball.

Use your hands or a spoon to gather the mixture into one big ball.

3. Get the dough ready.

Put down a piece of parchment paper. Place the dough ball on it, then cover it with another piece of parchment.

4. Flatten the dough.

Push down on the dough with your hands to make it flat. You can also use a rolling pin. Don’t make it too thin—keep it a little thick so it tastes like Reese’s candy.

5. Cut out shapes.

Use a cookie cutter (or ask an adult to help with a butter knife) to cut fun shapes. Put the shapes on a baking sheet covered with parchment paper.

6. Freeze the shapes.

Place the baking sheet in the freezer for 10 minutes. If the shapes still feel soft, leave them in a little longer.

7. Melt the chocolate.

When the shapes have about 5 minutes left, put chocolate and coconut oil in a bowl. Microwave it for 30 seconds at a time, stirring in between, until the chocolate is smooth and melted. (Ask an adult for help with the microwave.)

8. Dip in chocolate.

Take out the shapes and dip each one into the chocolate. Flip them around so they get fully coated.

9. Let them dry.

Put the chocolate-covered shapes on a cooling rack with parchment underneath. Sprinkle with sea salt if you want. You can put them in the fridge or freezer to cool faster.

10. Enjoy!

Once they’re firm, gently press the bottoms to remove them from the rack. Keep them cold until you’re ready to eat—and enjoy your homemade candy!