Christmas Haystacks

I have had lots of requests for this recipe after having posted this photo on social media last week.

Butterscotch Haystacks — and their cousins, Chocolate Haystacks — are a huge hit with all branches of my family, and so ridiculously easy to make that, like me, you’ll be turning out tons of these.

I use unsalted peanuts and chow mein noodles for these, along with either butterscotch or semisweet chocolate chips, but you could use just about anything your heart desires, as long as it offers a texture and taste profile that suits you.

Also, I eyeball the amounts and encourage you to do the same.

One last thing: Be prepared with wax paper or parchment laid out before you start and two teaspoons for dropping the candies to cool, and work FAST. The melted chocolate will set up pretty quickly.

Ingredients:

2 12-oz pkgs. semisweet, butterscotch or other morsels of your choice

1 pkg crunchy  chow mein noodles

1 container shelled peanuts (salted is offers a nice sweet-salty contrast)

Method:

• Melt morsels in the microwave, in 20- to 30-second increments until the mixture is melted and smooth
• Using a large wooden spoon, mix chow mein noodles and peanuts in to melted mixture, working a little at a time. (You’ll need to put some muscle into it.) Make sure the peanuts and noodles are completely covered.
• Using two teaspoons, drop the mixture in bite-size morsels onto wax paper or parchment. Let cool and set completely before storing in a plastic container or zippered plastic bag cushioned with wax paper or parchment.

Yield varies, depending on the amount of goodies you use and how big you make the candies. Enjoy!