Swap Shop: Last-minute Halloween treats are sure to please
Last-minute recipe pleas for Halloween treats — a request from D.L.S. of Chicago for red candy apples and caramel apples, a request from H.H. of Buffalo Grove for sugar-type cookies with M&M’s and one from A.S. of Brookfield for popcorn balls — netted tasty responses.
To make 6 Quick Caramel Apples, from allfreecrafts.com :
Wash and dry 6 apples and remove stems. Insert a wooden stick into the end of each apple, and set aside. Place unwrapped caramels from 1 (14-ounce) package of wrapped caramels and 2 tablespoons milk in a microwave-safe bowl.
Microwave the caramel-milk mixture on high for 2 minutes, stirring once. Holding sticks, swirl each apple in caramel mixture, and then place apples on a well-greased cookie sheet to cool and set.
Carol Thomas of Chicago says her family loves the recipe for Popcorn Balls she discovered online last Halloween. To make 20 Popcorn Balls:
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine ¾ cup light corn syrup, ¼ cup margarine, 2 teaspoons cold water, 2-1/3 cups confectioner’s sugar and 1 cup miniature marshmallows. Heat and stir until mixture comes to a boil.
Carefully combine hot mixture with 5 quarts plain popped popcorn (see Note), gently coating each kernel. Grease hands with vegetable shortening and quickly shape coated popcorn into balls before mixture cools. Wrap each with cellophane or plastic wrap; store at room temperature.
Note: Five quarts is the equivalent of approximately 5 (3.5-ounce) bags of microwave popcorn.
Does any reader have a recipe for orange-cranberry cookies?
M.B., Aurora
I would appreciate a great proven recipe for chicken Marsala.
A.C., Berwyn
I am looking for the recipe for the Signature Cafe Cajun-Style Jambalaya frozen soup (with sausage, chicken and ham) at Dominick’s. I’d like to make a large pot; the 24-ounce container doesn’t last long in our house.
R.Z., Chicago
Send recipes and requests to: Swap Shop, Chicago Sun-Times, 350 N. Orleans, 9th Floor, Chicago 60654 or by e-mail, swapshop@suntimes.com.
All mail must include a daytime telephone number. Sorry, requests can’t be answered personally.