By Sarah Fertsch
Staff Writer
Whether you are hosting a Halloween party, a bonfire with family, or just need something sweet, nothing beats having a unique treat and someone to share it with. Pumpkin pie and apple turnovers are so cliché, so here are some new, exciting recipes to wow crowds and satisfy your sweet tooth:
Caramels
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of white sugar
- ½ cup of brown sugar
- 1 small can of condensed milk
- 2 sticks of unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp of vanilla extract
- 3 tbsp of salt
In a saucepan, heat sugar, brown sugar, and butter over medium heat until the mixture reaches 245 degrees Fahrenheit.
Once the mixture reaches the correct temperature, add condensed milk. Stir and let heat until it reaches 245 degrees once more. The mixture should thicken and bubble, turning a rich tan color.
Pour caramel onto a sheet pan lined with wax paper. Chill in the fridge for three hours.
Cut into bite-sized pieces and wrap in wax paper. Enjoy with a cup of warm coffee or cold milk.
Pumpkin Muffins
Ingredients:
- 1 medium can of pumpkin puree
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp of salt
- 1 cup of brown sugar
- 2 tbsp of baking powder
- 3 tbsp of cinnamon
- 1 tbsp of nutmeg
- 2 large eggs
- 1 stick of butter, softened
- ½ cup of water
- Chopped pecans
In a large mixing bowl, add wet ingredients (eggs, sugar, butter, pumpkin, and water) and mix thoroughly by hand or by electric mixer.
Combine dry ingredients (flour, spices, baking powder, and salt) slowly into wet ingredients. The batter should thicken and not contain any dry lumps.
Stir in chopped pecans.
Pour batter evenly into muffin tins, lined with paper muffin holders. Bake in a 350-degree oven for 45 minutes. Let cool and serve with chai tea.
S’mores Ice Cream
Ingredients:
- 3 cups of heavy whipping cream
- 1 cup of whole milk
- 2 cups of sugar
- 2 cups of marshmallow fluff
- 3 tbsp of vanilla extract
- 3 cups of graham crackers, crushed
- 1 package of chocolate chips
In a large, cold bowl, combine ingredients and stir thoroughly. Cover and place in the freezer for 36-48 hours. Scoop and enjoy with chocolate syrup!
Ginger Snap Pie
Ingredients:
- 1 box of ginger snaps
- 1 stick of butter, melted
- 2 cups of heavy whipping cream
- 2 cups of white sugar
- 3 tbsp of cinnamon
- 1 tbsp of nutmeg
- 1 tbsp of ground cloves
- 2/3 cup of pumpkin puree
Crush ginger snaps using a large Ziplock bag and a rolling pin. Set aside ½ a cup of ginger snaps crumbs and combine the rest with melted butter.
Press mixture to the bottom and sides of a pie pan. Place in an oven (set at 350 degrees) and let bake for 15 minutes. Let cool completely.
In a large mixing bowl, add heavy cream, sugar, puree, and spices. Whip until large peaks form (similar to a thick whipped cream).
Pour filling into the pie crust. Top with leftover ginger snap crumbs. Enjoy!
