Cooks Recipes | Cherry Mountain Candy Squares Recipe

Tastes just like the candy bar and will make an attractive addition to a platter of holiday fudges and confections!

Cherry Mountain Candy Squares

2 cups granulated sugar
2/3 cup evaporated milk
1/2 cup butter
12 regular-sized marshmallows
1/4 teaspoon kosher or coarse salt
6 ounces cherry flavored chips*
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 to 3 drops red food coloring (optional)
12 ounces milk chocolate chips
3/4 cup smooth peanut butter
1 1/4 cups salted peanuts, finely chopped
1 tablespoon butter

Line a 13 x 9-inch pan with aluminum foil (leaving 1 to 1 1/2-inch edge to grasp for easy removal), and lightly grease with butter; set aside.
In large saucepan combine sugar, milk, 1/2 cup butter, marshmallows and salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat; boil for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat.
Add cherry flavored chips, vanilla extract and red food coloring (if using), and stir until chips are melted and mixture is smooth. Pour into prepared pan. Set aside.
In 4 cup measuring glass, melt chocolate chips in microwave oven on High for 30 seconds, stir and microwave an additional 30 seconds. Stir until melted. (Be very careful, as chocolate will burn easily.) Stir in peanut butter, finely chopped peanuts and 1 tablespoon butter, mixing well. Spread chocolate mixture evenly over the cherry mixture.
Allow to sit at room temperature until completely set and firm. Lift candy from pan by foil edges and place on a cutting board. Cut into 1-inch squares. Store in cool place.

Makes 117 (1-inch square) servings.

* If cherry chips are unavailable in your area, you can purchase them online at www.bakerscatalogue.com. Or, you can substitute with 6 ounces premium white chocolate chips and 1 teaspoon cherry flavored oil or 1 ounce cherry extract.

Nutrition Facts (per serving): 71.6 calories; 51% calories from fat; 4.3g total fat; 3.4mg cholesterol; 42.1mg sodium; 47.4mg potassium; 7.6g carbohydrates; 0.5g fiber; 5.6g sugar; 7.2g net carbs; 1.4g protein.