caramel apples on serving tray
Food,  Vue

5 Favorite Fall Treats

This week I am sure that many of you are preparing your favorite fall treats for those who may be knocking on your door or gathering for a party. If that shoe doesn’t fit, perhaps you can pin these favorite recipes for when you need them.

Do you have a list of favorites that you pull out each year?

There seems to be a bit of familiarity and celebration of sharing old favorites and then adding new ones to it….

Thought you might need more inspiration as we move deeper into fall gatherings.

Here’s my list…

Favorite Fall Treat List

Now, if you have littles who will appear at your door this week…now more than ever, you probably know those little ones.

Long have we left the world of creating our own special treats for strangers…and that makes me sad. If you feel that you can create them for those who knock on your door?

Please do.

For starters?

1. Popcorn Balls

This first recipe is a favorite here. Some of these made their debut on the VUE and have been loved by many. Are you a popcorn ball fan?

Vue magazine page featuring Fall festival popcorn balls

You can find the recipe for them here…either with M & Ms…

M & M popcorn balls

Fall Festival Popcorn Balls

A great and easy twist on an old favorite perfect for Trunk or Treat, Fall Festivals, gatherings or parties!
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
10 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 18 popcorn balls

Equipment

  • Stove
  • sauce pan or Dutch oven nonstick preferred
  • Mixing bowl
  • silicone or rubber spatula
  • measuring cups
  • popcorn popper microwave or stovetop
  • parchment paper
  • cellophane storage bags
  • twine or curling ribbon

Ingredients
  

  • 1/2 C popcorn, unpopped
  • 1 10 oz bag miniature marshmallows
  • 1 stick butter
  • 1/2 C M & M candies Reese's pieces, candy corn and peanuts are also great to use.

Instructions
 

  • Gather and measure all of your ingredients.
    Popcorn Ball with M & M ingredients
  • Pop your popcorn, using your favorite method. I use my glass popcorn popper. No oil or salt needed.
    TIP: This may require two popcorn poppers if you use the microwave popcorn popper. Stovetop popcorn popper will be one load.
  • NOTE: When removing the popcorn, make sure to remove all the kernels that did not pop. It was easy to tip my glass popcorn popper over and leave the kernels in the bowl as I removed the popcorn and added it to the mixing bowl.
  • Add popcorn to a large mixing bowl.
  • In a large Dutch oven, add butter and melt slowly on a low temperature.
    melting butter
  • When butter is completely melted, pour in marshmallows and stir continually until all are melted and smooth.
    adding marshmallows to butter
  • Pour the marshmallow mixture over the popcorn and gently stir with a rubber or silicone scraper to coat.
    popcorn and marshmallow mixture for popcorn balls
  • TIP: Make sure that the mixture is cool enough to not melt the candy when added so that they don't lose color in the mixture. Adding M & M's in when you scoop and make the balls works well, too. If adding candy corn and peanuts, add them directly into popcorn mixture and stir before scooping.
  • Place parchment paper on baking sheets or the counter where you want to place the popcorn balls to harden.
  • With non stick cooking spray on your hands, begin to scoop out one half cup at a time and form into balls gently, pressing the mixture together. Spray your hands periodically to help with not sticking to your hands.
    TIP: I use a metal 1/2 C spoon shaped scoop so that all the balls will be closer to the same size.
  • When shaped, place the popcorn balls onto the parchment paper to sit at room temperature until they completely cool and set.
    popcorn balls on parchment paper
  • During the "setting" process, you may need to pack a few of them again to make sure that they don't loosen in the setting process and stay in a round shape.
    M & M popcorn balls
  • After the popcorn balls have set and keep their shape, add to a cellophane bag and tie with ribbon or twine for a festive look. Because of the marshmallow mixture, these may continue to be a bit sticky.
    TIP: Bags will keep the bags fresh and easy to transport to your event, or for guests to take home with them.
    wrapped popcorn ball
  • These should be kept at room temperature after wrapping and should still stay fresh for up to 5 days, depending on your humidity level. Bags also help with this!
  • Serve in a cute and festive way!

Notes

A great easy and new twist on an old popcorn ball favorite! Feel free to make them your own for the fall celebrations in your future.
These are even perfect for campfire evenings when s’mores need a break! Made ahead of time…it makes easy entertaining even better.
Feel free to make these larger. The 1/2 C size may appear small, but are so decadent that it’s the perfect serving size…plus it makes more popcorn balls when making them smaller. 
TIP: A tag with ingredients is always helpful when dietary needs of those you are serving are not known. Keeps everyone safe!
 
Keyword fall festival treats, fall popcorn balls, popcorn balls, trunk or treat treats

Or with candy corn and peanuts…

Fall Candy Corn Popcorn Balls

Candy Corn Popcorn Balls

Perfect sweet and savory popcorn balls to enjoy for fall festivals and trunk or treats.
5 from 2 votes
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Creating popcorn balls 10 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Dessert, Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 18 popcorn balls

Equipment

  • 1 popcorn popper microwave or stovetop
  • 1 Stove
  • 1 Dutch oven or stock pot
  • 1 parchment paper
  • 1 nonstick scraper
  • 1 1/2 C metal measuring cup/scoop
  • bags and ribbon for packaging optional

Ingredients
  

  • 1 stick butter
  • 1 10 oz. miniature marshmallows
  • 1/2 C unpopped popcorn
  • 4 oz. candy corn
  • 1/2 C dry roasted peanuts
  • nonstick spray for hands when rolling balls.

Instructions
 

  • Measure out all of your ingredients.
    Uncooked ingredients for candy corn popcorn balls
  • Use your favorite method to pop popcorn and add to a large mixing bowl.
    Ingredients for candy corn popcorn balls
  • Add butter to Dutch oven or stockpot and melt on low temperature.
    melting butter for candy corn popcorn balls
  • Add in marshmallows and stir until they are melted and smooth.
    melting marshmallows to create candy corn popcorn balls
  • Pour over popcorn in bowl and stir with a nonstick scraper until well mixed.
    melted marshmallows over popcorn for candy corn popcorn balls
  • Add in candy corn and peanuts and stir to evenly distribute.
    adding candy corn and peanuts to candy corn popcorn balls
  • Take a metal 1/2 C measuring cup/scoop and fill to make balls all the same size.
    scooping candy corn popcorn balls
  • Spray your hands with a nonstick spray and roll each scoop of mixture into a ball.
    parchment paper filled with candy corn popcorn balls
  • Place onto parchment paper evenly spaced to "set". As they "set", you may need to compress them again so they don't lose their shape before setting.
    candy corn balls on parchment paper
  • When set, add them to cellophane bags and tie with ribbon or twine.
    Fall Candy Corn Popcorn Balls
  • TIP: A tag with ingredients are always a helpful addition to avoid food allergies if taking them somewhere to fall festivals or trunk or treats.

Notes

A favorite fall candy and peanuts to create wonderful sweet and savory popcorn balls. Fall festival and trunk and treat favorites here!
Keyword candy corn popcorn balls, fall festival popcorn balls, fall popcorn balls, popcorn balls, trunk or treat popcorn balls

2. Oreo Popcorn

This second recipe is a favorite fall treat. A great gathering recipe for parties or movie night, this one is SURE to please the chocolate lovers in your life!

Oreo popcorn in a bowl

Oreo Popcorn

A most decadent popcorn covered in white chocolate and Oreos that makes the BEST party menu item!
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 30 servings

Equipment

  • 1 large bowl to mix ingredients
  • 1 oven
  • 1 food processor, optional
  • 1 baking dish
  • 1 microwave
  • 1 microwave popcorn cooker

Ingredients
  

  • 1 C unpopped popcorn
  • 24 oz white almond bark
  • 20 reg. Oreos
  • flavacol or popcorn seasoning salt

Instructions
 

  • Add almond bark to a baking dish and melt in a preheated 200° oven for 20-30 minutes until completely melted.
  • Add Oreos to a food processor and process into crumbs.
    TIP: You can use a zip close bag and a rolling pin if you don't have a food processor.
  • Add 1/3 C popcorn to the microwave popcorn maker and pop. You will need to make 3 batches of the popcorn. When popped, add to the large bowl and season with popcorn seasoning.
    microwave popcorn maker
  • Pour melted chocolate and Oreos over popcorn and stir to combine.
    mixing Oreo popcorn
  • OPTIONAL: Add parchment paper to a cookie sheet with sides and lay the popcorn out to dry out a bit to set the chocolate before bagging or adding to a serving bowl.
    Oreo popcorn on parchment paper

Notes

This Oreo popcorn is decadent and rich. Perfect for birthday parties, Super Bowl parties, or game-day events.
Serve in individual bags or add a scoop in the bowl with party themed or punch cups for individual servings.
Make ahead and keep in ziplock bags until ready to serve or take to parties at other locations.
Planning just became a little easier.
Enjoy!
Keyword decadent popcorn, game-day favorite, Oreo popcorn, super bowl favorite

3. Caramel Apples

Now, this recipe is a new one that I haven’t shared with you before. You see…this one comes with a little commitment of stirring and careful attention to getting the caramel perfect!

With apples still available at local orchards, this one will be reminiscent of falls at a park or fall festival.

caramel apples on serving tray

Caramel Apples

A wonderful recipe to create homemade dipped caramel apples that create memories and fill the senses.
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 8 apples

Equipment

  • 1 saucepan
  • 1 Stove
  • 1 candy thermometer
  • 1 set measuring spoons and cups
  • parchment paper
  • 1 Baking Sheet

Ingredients
  

  • 8 large apples- your choice- Granny Smith or red
  • 8 wooden skewers
  • 1 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 C light corn syrup
  • 1 C unsalted butter
  • 2 C brown sugar, packed
  • 2 t vanilla

Instructions
 

  • Wash each apple well.
    NOTE: Local apples from orchards will not have the wax coating that often prevent caramel from holding onto the apples.
  • Measure all ingredients before beginning.
    Ingredients for caramel apples
  • Insert skewer into the center of the top of each apple and place onto a parchment lined baking sheet.
    Skewers added to apples for caramel apple recipe
  • Attach a candy thermometer inside the saucepan.
  • Add the milk, corn syrup, brown sugar and butter into the saucepan, stirring ingredients while heating on a medium heat.
    Adding caramel ingredients for caramel apples to saucepan
  • While stirring constantly, bring the mixture to a boil. At this point you may want to turn the burner down to prevent burning.
  • Keep stirring constantly until the candy thermometer reads 248 which will take about 30 minutes.
    NOTE: Make sure that you don't overcook the caramel or it will harden and be difficult to eat later!
    cooking caramel for caramel apples to right temperature
  • Remove immediately from the heat and stir in the vanilla.
  • Dip each apple into the caramel, completely coating and place back onto the parchment paper to cool.
  • Cool completely before eating.
    Dipped caramel apples cooling on baking sheet

Notes

Dedication is needed to stir the caramel until it reaches its temperature.
Nothing better than creating memories with these apples!
Keyword caramel apples, fall dipped caramel apples

4. Nuts and Bolts

Party mixes are always at the top of my list. In a few days, my roaster will launch the first recipe of these for friends.

Then, before Thanksgiving, the roaster will create another batch for the family “jar” that will remain filled through the holidays. It’s simply one of those recipes that begins in the fall and continues through the holidays.

savory snack mix

Nuts & Bolts

A savory Christmas favorite!
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 10 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American

Equipment

  • Roasting pan
  • saucepan
  • measuring spoons

Ingredients
  

  • 1 container salted, mixed nuts you may add more peanuts, if desired
  • 1 large cheerios
  • 2 small bags pretzel sticks
  • 1 large rice chex
  • 4 T Worcestershire sauce
  • 6 shakes Tabasco sauce
  • 4 T garlic salt
  • 1 lb butter

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 250 degrees.
  • In saucepan, mix together Worcestershire sauce, Tabasco sauce, garlic salt and butter until melted.
  • Mix together dry ingredients in a large roasting pan that has a lid. Pour over butter mixture and stir well.
  • Place into preheated oven, covered for one hour and uncovered for the last hour. Stir every 20 minutes.

Notes

This recipe is ALWAYS available during the Christmas holidays. The perfect savory snack that’s been a family tradition for years. Enjoy!
Keyword Christmas

Now…many of you may add fall candy or different ingredients to make yours your own…you go for it! I love enjoying different versions that just suit the gathering!

5. Hot Cinnamon Apple Juice

Fall gatherings always need a great warm drink to have on hand. Although you probably won’t be handing cups of this out the door…(although my husband has been known to do this!)…gathering always needs a great fall drink.

This one is an easy recipe that a dear friend shared with me early in my teaching career. Who knows how many gallons of this have been made. This recipe even had it’s own designated coffee warmer where gallons were added for gatherings at one time!

Hope you’ll add this to your favorites.

hot cinnamon apple juice

Red Hot Cinnamon Apple Juice

This recipe has been a holiday tradition for our family for decades. So fast, so easy and so perfect!
5 from 5 votes
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Drinks
Cuisine American

Equipment

  • dutch oven
  • 1 cup measuring cup
  • Stove

Ingredients
  

  • 1 gallon apple juice
  • 1 C red hot cinnamon candies

Instructions
 

  • Add the red hots to the apple juice in a dutch oven.
  • Heat and stir until all of the red hots are melted.
  • Serve immediately or cool and store in the refrigerator back in the apple juice container to warm in the microwave one cup at a time.

Notes

This is a family favorite recipe that is always requested and enjoyed. We love keeping a gallon in the refrigerator when guests drop by. Just fill mugs and microwave when needed for a cup of holiday cheer! 
This favorite continues through the winter months here. A great cup by the fireplace is always welcome!
The only thing I have to watch with this recipe are little (or big) ones who may spill this liquid. Staining can be a problem so be aware of where those mugs go for some!
Enjoy! Happy Holidays!
Keyword apple juice, beverage, Christmas hot drink, Christmas tradition, holiday drink, red hot cinnamon apple juice, red hot cinnamon drops, Red hots

So, what favorite fall treats will you be preparing for gatherings soon?

I’d LOVE to know in the comments!

Happy Fall Gathering, friends! The season is upon us!

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