Scarecrow Bites

Happy 'almost' Halloween Everyone!! I'm in the fall spirit this evening with the howling wind, swirling leaves and lit carved pumpkins!! Luckily, Sandy has only hit us with some minor rain and major wind...we have not experienced any of the extreme situations our fellow East-coasters have and I am very grateful to be in a warm, lit, internet-able home tonight! Prayers and positive thoughts go out to those affected by Sandy.

For those of you also in the fall spirit and wanting a fun Halloween treat, here is a ghoulish goody to share with your friends and family.

SCARECROW BITES

What you need for the bottom layer:

1 stick of butter (softened)

1 (18.25-ounce) package pudding in the mix yellow cake mix

1 egg

3 cups miniature marshmallows

To make the bottom layer:

1. Heat oven to 350°F. 

2. Combine butter and cake mix in large bowl. Beat on low speed until well mixed. 

3. Add egg; continue beating until well mixed.
4. Press onto bottom of ungreased 15x10x1-inch jelly-roll pan.(You'll notice in my photos that my jelly-roll pan was too large- I just pushed out the dough until it was the right consistency and squared it off. Once they were cut- I'm guessing no one will tell a difference.) 

5. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until set and edges are lightly browned. Remove from oven.
6. Immediately sprinkle marshmallows over hot, partially baked crust. Return to oven; continue baking for 1 to 2 minutes or until marshmallows puff.

What you need for the topping:

1/2 cup light corn syrup

1/4 cup sugar

1/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar

1/2 cup creamy peanut butter

2 teaspoons vanilla

2 cups crisp rice cereal

2 cups salted peanuts (chopped)

1 cup candy corn

To finish the bites:

7. While your crust is baking, combine corn syrup, sugar and brown sugar in large saucepan. 

(All the while jumping over the kitty chasing a paper bag around the floor!)

8. Cook over medium heat, stirring until mixture comes to a boil (2 to 4 minutes). Stir in peanut butter and vanilla and mix until smooth.

9. Remove from heat; stir in cereal, peanuts and candy corn (I transferred mine into a bigger bowl). Let this sit for a few minutes while your marshmallow part is toasting.

10. Once the mixture is cool enough to touch (I waited about 5 minutes or so- and it is still hot so be careful) spoon over the marshmallow crust. I then used my hands to spread it evenly over the top of the crust. I had a difficult time with just a spoon as I got large hunks of topping in one spot...using your fingers is a little easier. 

ENJOY!!

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