Haystacks & Distressing Days

When I was a little girl, and when I was good (which, let's face it, was pretty darned often, I was a gem of a child), my mother used to make haystacks for me. I loved the chocolate and the crunch, and particularly loved that there was no baking and I could help out. The waiting for them to harden was often more than I could bear, but it was well worth it for the end result. I was thinking about these the other day when I was making another family favorite, Oriental Beef Casserole, lamenting the fact that I'd purchased a gigantic bag of chow mein noodles in order to take advantage of a sale.

So, in my continuing celebration of National Candy Month, today I made haystacks. I remember them being very sweet in my youth, largely, I think because of the overwhelming sweetness of the butterscotch chips. So I decided to make mine with semisweet chocolate chips alone, and add some brickle bits to get added crunch, and a bit of a toffee taste, without being cloying. Can you say winner? These are great. Now I'm thinking I may just need another bag of these noodles.

This is a great candy to make with the kids during the summer. Keep them in the fridge for a cool and crunchy snack.

There are variations to suit all tastes, so consider replacing the toffee bits with cocoa nibs, crumbled Clean Snax, mini chocolate chips, crushed espresso beans, or a special addition of your own.

Haystacks

1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

1/2 cup chow mein noodles

1/2 cup salted peanuts

2 tablespoons brickle bits

In a medium-sized microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate and butterscotch chips, at 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until smooth. Stir in chow mein noodles, peanuts, and brickle bits until well coated.

Drop by rounded tablespoonfuls onto a waxed paper or Silpat-lined baking sheet. Refrigerate for 2 hours or until set. Yield: 8 clusters. Feel free to double, triple, quadruple…you get the picture.

I am taking a bit of a blog break. Thanks to the many of you who have written me notes and messages asking if I am all right.  Yesterday, Mr. O-P entered Hospice Care. It was a tough day. He has been ill for nearly three years now, and it has been a difficult road for us both. I need to take a bit of a break in order to get sleep. This week I have only had a combined 6 hours and am literally stumbling from exhaustion. I have also managed to lose 14 pounds in the past two weeks, so obviously I am not cooking or eating my good food.

As things settle, I will return. This blog and the entire blogging community have been great solace to me, and I find such peace and comfort in taking part.

Love to all and keep us in your thoughts and prayers.

This post is linked to: Full Plate Thursday, Simple and Sweet Fridays, and Foodie Friday & Everything Else