How to Make Your Own Halloween Candy

The best things about Halloween are candy, dressing up in costume, and more candy, in that order. It’s the one holiday where you are truly allowed to go overboard on the sugar rush—it’ll only help you out later when you’re trick-or-treating on the last block in the neighborhood! Loving the sugar, but aren’t cool with all the extra stabilizers and emulsifiers added into packaged products? Whether you’re looking for a fun project or want to give out candy that doesn’t have the extra junk, try making your own Halloween candy at home! Read on for more recipes for candy like sour gummy bears, homemade Crunch bars, and DIY Reese’s peanut butter cups:

Homemade Snickers Bars

Butter with a Side of Bread

Crunchy nuts are folded into homemade nougat, topped with caramel and then covered with ganache for good measure. These DIY Snickers bars can be cut into bigger chunks for a more dessert-like portion, or into smaller pieces to hand out to treaters at the door. Get the recipe.

Homemade Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups

The Recipe Critic

If there’s a Halloween candy favorite, it might have to be the lowly peanut butter cup. Super easy to assemble, these sweet cups only need a mini muffin tin and liners to make these treats at home. Get the recipe.

Homemade Candy Corn

The Kitchen is My Playground

Nobody actually likes it, but candy corn just may be the quintessential candy of Halloween. Sugar sweet and dyed with food coloring, these treats are one you just have to have in your bag, but are the last ones to get eaten. Get the recipe.

Homemade Crunch Bar

Beaming Baker

Skip the junk. These homemade Crunch bars don’t have any of the extra ingredients that the packaged bars list on the back. Simply puffed brown rice cereal, chocolate, and coconut oil, these treats are dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegan depending on your chocolate preference! Get the recipe.

Homemade Butterfinger Bars

Deliciously Yum

Who doesn’t love the snap of a Butterfinger bar? Take this recipe for peanut butter treats to the kitchen ASAP for these ultimate sweet and crunchy candies. Get the recipe.

Homemade Starbursts

The Spruce

Chewy, tart, and oh-so-natural, these homemade Starbursts are made with simple ingredients and real flavors. Citric acid gives the candies tartness without any added artificial flavors. Get the recipe.

Homemade Twix Bars

I Heart Nap Time

Who can deny a cookie and candy mashup? These Twix bars may not come in pairs, but they can definitely be eaten in twos for prime candy consumption. Get the recipe.

Tootsie Rolls

Cheap Recipe Blog

Tootsie Rolls—America’s favorite candy! Make these chewy chocolate candies at home with all-natural ingredients you can find at your local grocer. Get the recipe.

Homemade Sweet Tarts

Instructables

One of the classics, Sweet Tarts, have found their way into Halloween treat bags for years. Small discs of sweet and tart, these candies rolled up into little sleeves are perfect to pass out to your neighbors. Get the recipe.

Homemade 3 Musketeers

Mom.me

Pillows of rich chocolate are covered in another layer of rich melted chocolate in these momemade 3 Musketeers bars. These candies might be the first to melt in your bag, so that just means you’ll have to eat them faster! Get the recipe.

Homemade Sour Gummy Bears

Bigger Bolder Baking

Go for gummy with these all-natural sour bears! Play with different fruit juices for a variety of flavors and portion out bears into small baggies for easy distribution. Get the recipe.

Homemade Suckers

I Heart Nap Time

Whether you call them suckers or lollipops, we can all agree that candy is the sweetest deal about Halloween. Try sprinkling Halloween sprinkles or edible decorations into the lollipops before they set into hard suckers for an extra festive touch! Get the recipe.

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How to Make a Fall Herb Garden, No Matter Your Living Space

Though you may initially associate gardening with warming spring weather or the dog days of summer, the fall can actually be an ideal time to use your green thumb. Autumn is a prime time for planting many herbs that thrive in cooler weather, like cilantro, mint, parsley, rosemary, thyme, and more. You already know how using herbs can spice up some ho-hum dishes and add an additional kick to your favorite cocktails, but these ingredients can also contribute a slew of health benefits. Cilantro, for example, can combat inflammation, while mint is thought to promote digestion, and rosemary has antibacterial properties.

Given all the positives, you likely don’t need any convincing that having fresh herbs at your disposal will be a boon for both your palate and your health. But how exactly can you set up an herb garden if the only thing you’ve planted recently is yourself…on the couch? We’ve laid out a few simple steps.

First things first, the most important thing is location, location, location. If you’re in an apartment or home without outdoor space, find a window sill or ledge near a window that has plenty of light, since your garden will need sun exposure for at least four hours per day. Pick out some pots for each herb (at least six inches in size), checking that each one has drainage holes, which are key to ensuring that your plants’ roots aren’t sitting in stagnant water. You’ll also likely want to pick up saucers for each pot, to protect any surface that you’re putting them on.

If you’re in a milder climate, you can also opt for an outdoor garden. The same rules apply: select a sunny spot. Make sure that if you’re using larger pots, they have drainage holes, or if you are planting directly into the soil, check that your soil will drain well and is clear of stones.

Once you’ve figured out location, you can get to the actual planting part, which will start inside, regardless of where your final garden will end up. The best option is to use a seed starting potting mix, which will allow for proper draining and is lighter than garden soil, and fill up each vessel nearly to the top. Create a hole for your seeds, using either your hands or a small shovel. The exact depth will vary depending on the specific herb, which should be outlined on the seed packet. Cover the hole back up and return your pots to your preselected sunny area. Regularly water your plants to keep soil moist but not sopping wet. You can also opt to use a fertilizer every one to two weeks to help the plants flourish.

If you’re keeping your plants indoors, then, boom, you’re done and free to enjoy your garden as it grows!

If you plan to move your herb garden outdoors, then you’ll have to ready your outdoor garden for a transfer, about a month and a half to two months after the initial planting. If you haven’t already done so, prepare the planting bed to make sure it is free of stones, and has the adequate soil. The best is loam, which is light and has a loose structure that helps with drainage. If you don’t have adequate soil outdoors, you can improve it by adding peat moss or compost to the area.

Loosen each of your existing plants from their pots to get them ready to be moved. Dig holes in your outdoor garden for each of the plants, ensuring that you leave enough room between them (some plants, like mint, require much more room) and that the spaces are deep enough for the plants to be completely in the ground. Take your loosened plants out of their pots and place them into the ground, making sure that the roots are fully in the hole. Fill the remaining hole with soil and tamp it down lightly to make sure the plant is secure. Finally, continue to water and fertilize as you did before, to keep herbs healthy.

Once your garden is in full bloom, you can use your harvest for a host of different meals. Read on for some recipes where your homegrown herbs will be front and center!

Herbed Heirloom Tomato Salad

Chowhound

This salad is all about letting fresh ingredients (like those farmer’s market tomatoes you’ve been eyeing) shine. Not to mention, you’ll get some use out of the basil and parsley you’ve grown yourself. Serve it at a dinner party as a light precursor to a heartier meal. Get our Herbed Heirloom Tomato Salad recipe.

Spinach and Basil Hummus

Chowhound

Looking for an even healthier version of store-bought hummus? This veggie-centric recipe is the perfect centerpiece for a drool-worthy snack platter. Get our Spinach and Basil Hummus recipe.

Lebanese Lentil Salad with Garlic and Herbs

Kalyn’s Kitchen

Herbs take center stage in this vegan and gluten-free salad. Make a large batch and save leftovers for lunch the following day. Get the recipe.

Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies

Dessert For Two

If you thought all recipes featuring herbs were savory, think again. These homemade cookies will satisfy your sweet tooth and make you never want to reach for a box mix again. Get the recipe.

Garlic and Parsley Butter Shrimp

Jo Cooks

Learn to DIY your own herb butter and then use it to infuse jumbo shrimp with a ton of flavor in this recipe. Even better? This meal will be ready in less time than it takes you to watch your favorite network comedy. Get the recipe.

Grilled Rosemary and Balsamic Chicken

Wholesomelicious

Say buh-bye to dry, sad chicken! This meal takes poultry from “meh” to “wow” with the help of rosemary, soy sauce, and brown sugar. Get the recipe.

Creamy Avocado Basil Pesto Spaghetti

Ahead of Thyme

Few things go together better than basil and pasta. For a unique spin, sample this take on spaghetti which boasts a creamy pesto, thanks to the added avocado. Get the recipe.

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11 Soup and Thermos Pairings to Tote Around During the Fall

As I recently noticed the days getting shorter and the leaves changing color, I had two realizations: 1) It’s fall and 2) I’ve been wasting the last 20 years of my life NOT toting around soups in fun thermoses; that’s right, wasting! I remembered that I had a wonderful Princess Jasmine lunchbox when I was a kid, complete with a plastic soup thermos designed to reward my hard-learnin’, hard-playin’ childhood self with a warm and comforting lunch. Now, why had I forsaken this wonderful autumnal tradition of my youth?

Maybe it’s because I am now (generally) trusted to use a microwave. Or maybe, just maybe, I’ve forgotten how to truly embrace the spirit of fall. Cooler, cozier, a little slower—fall is for chunky sweaters, and chunky soups. Oftentimes I am so focused on the fashion, though, getting my cardigans and boots out of storage, that I sometimes forget about the flavors of fall: the squash pasta dishes that pop up at my favorite restaurants, the pumpkiny drinks at nearby coffee shops, the pies! They come and go before you know it, just like the season itself.

Well, I propose we slow down and enjoy fall in all its glory, as it was meant to be enjoyed: with a warm soup at arm’s length. Let’s go on a carefree stroll in the crisp air, and let’s crunch some leaves underfoot. And let’s pause whenever we feel like it, unscrew the lid to a soup-filled thermos, and let’s sip warm, comforting broth and marvel at (dare I say) the greatest of all seasons.

Here are 11 soup-and-thermos pairings to help fully immerse yourself in the splendor of fall.

Roasted Tomato Soup in a Red Campbell’s Thermos

The Recipe Rebel

I had my fair share of Campbell’s tomato soup in my Princess Jasmine thermos, but I’m older and wiser now, and I know homemade tomato soup is where it’s at. This soup is fresh, flavorful, and easy with roasted tomatoes, parmesan cheese, and basil. Transport it in a thermos with a Campbell’s motif, and you’ve got the best of both worlds: flavor and nostalgia! Get the recipe.

Curried Carrot Soup in a Plaid Thermos

Chowhound

Maybe you’re feeling a bit more sophisticated. This soup elevates a typical cream-of-carrot recipe with curry and coconut milk. Paired with a tartan-plaid thermos, this combination will having you channeling the UK with its cool-and-rainy weather and its love of curry. Get our Curried Carrot Soup recipe.

Chicken and Stars Soup in a Character Thermos

Gimme Some Oven

Get back to the basics with this pairing: an OG character thermos of your choice (may I recommend Spider-Man?) and tried-and-true chicken and stars soup. What makes this soup great for toting is the sippable stars; no need for a spoon when you sidestep large, messy noodles in favor of smaller, more kid-friendly shapes. Get the recipe.

Côte d’Azur Cure-All Soup in an ENERGIFY Thermos with Folding Spoon

Chowhound

Sometimes you’re dealing with more adult problems, like the repercussions of a too-late night out. In these instances, you don’t need a cartoon character judging you; you need a thermos that’s all business, ready to effectively deliver to you this French hangover remedy. With its own folding spoon, this thermos is ready to serve up this garlicky, protein-packed soup when you need it most. Get our Côte d’Azur Cure-All Soup recipe.

Roasted Butternut Squash Soup in a Bold Steel Thermos with Carabiner

Chowhound

Butternut squash and sage are essential fall flavors. When you combine this soup and this thermos with its carabiner clip and handle, you can enjoy hands-free toting of this creamy, savory fall goodness. Get our Roasted Butternut Squash Soup recipe.

Lemony Kale and White Bean Soup in a Hydro Flask Thermos

For Knife Swoon

This pairing combines a soup and a thermos that find themselves at home on the hiking trail. Take a pause from enjoying nature to enjoy this hearty, nourishing soup packed with greens and beans and a hint of lemon. Get the recipe.

Roasted Tomato, Chickpea, and Swiss Chard Soup in a Thermos with Folding Spoon

Chowhound

Sometimes sipping won’t cut it. A chunky soup, like this one, may require having a spoon at the ready to bolster full enjoyment of your meal-on-the-go. This thermos comes with its own folding spoon, to help herald in delicious bites of tomato, chickpeas, and swiss chard. Get our Roasted Tomato, Chickpea, and Swiss Chard Soup recipe.

Moroccan Red Lentil Soup in a Tiger Chocolate Brown Thermos

The Sea Salt

The warm reds of this soup and the deep chocolate brown of this thermos will pair nicely with the colorful fall foliage you’ll encounter on an afternoon stroll through the park. Enjoy hearty lentils and aromatic spices as you surround yourself with crimson-, gold-, and, mocha-colored leaves. Get the recipe.

5-Ingredient Broccoli Cheese Soup in a Simple Modern Thermos

Budget Savvy Diva

Keep it simple with this five-ingredient broccoli cheese soup, ready to go in this thermos of your favorite color. This recipe will leave you with time to watch the sunset from your favorite park bench—yikes, did it always get dark this early? Get the recipe.

Split Pea Soup in a Matching MIU COLOR Thermos

Chowhound

I usually try to avoid being ‘matchy-matchy’ with my fall accessories, but not with this pairing! Lean in and enjoy a classic, cool-weather favorite in a matching thermos. Prep this split pea soup ahead of time, freeze, and you can have warming deliciousness whenever the mood strikes you. Get our Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup recipe.

French Onion Soup in a Dual-Compartment Thermos

Good Dinner Mom

If you are able to put in the time to make this recipe, then this is the thermos that will enable you to enjoy flawless French onion soup on-the-go. That’s because this is the rare thermos that allows you to keep the essential gruyere crouton portion separate from the onions and broth until you’re ready to eat. Instead of soggy, soup-soaked bread, you can bask in the wonderful, totable balance of this pairing. Get the recipe.

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Parker House Rolls

One day in Home Ec class when I was younger, we learned to make Parker House rolls. As they came out of the oven, we grabbed the hot rolls off the baking sheets even though the teacher protested that we’d burn ourselves.

Of course they were too hot to eat, but that didn’t stop us. Tender, buttery rolls with a hint of sweetness shaped like puffy half-moons – who can wait? They looked like Pac-Man, and they were delicious!

Continue reading "Parker House Rolls" »

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Clean Labels, Clean Snacking

Many burgeoning areas in the candy industry show the effect of the clean snacking philosophy.  This includes bite-size snacking chocolate in thins and barks, fruit & chocolate snacks, high cacao dark chocolate, and the many new clean label products. 

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Crowdsourcing Is a Sweet Gig for These ‘Wisdom of the Crowd’ Stars

Crowdsourcing has its pros and cons, but when it comes to food fads and trends, good taste is always universal. And since Chowhound’s passionate and knowledgeable community has been sharing their wisdom with our food-focused audience for 20 years, it was a no-brainer to team up with the cast of CBS’s Wisdom of the Crowd to celebrate the show’s premiere.

With help from the hit drama series, we polled dozens of anxious-to-eat, on-the-go Angelenos about their favorite food truck offerings and the beloved ice cream sandwich—unsurprisingly—was one of the most common answers. One company that dominates the ice cream sandwich food truck space is Coolhaus, so it was also a no-brainer to partner with them, as well.

Now that Natalia Tena, Blake Lee, and Jake Matthews are the authorities on interpreting public information and using it to their benefit, TV’s latest crime-solving trio were on hand to distribute Coolhaus ice cream sandwiches in Los Angeles, all with the goal of spreading happiness after a long and demanding work week. The result: mid-day, sugar-filled bliss for hundreds of office-bound workers—a true testament to the power of listening and giving the people what they want.

When asked about their favorite ice cream flavors of all time, Tena, Lee, and Matthews could not have had more contrasting answers. For Matthews, it was the exotic blend of saffron and lavender (we’re still not quite sure if he was joking), while Tena couldn’t make up her mind, volleying from lemon sorbet (not technically ice cream) and sea salt caramel to “chocolate chip after dinner.” Lee was more traditional with chocolate, chocolate chip—essentially anything that features the world’s most crave-worthy dessert.

Though tastes certainly vary and not everyone will agree that saffron and lavender are the first two things that should be mixed into a dessert, there’s one piece of wisdom we can all agree on: Ice cream is the best afternoon pick-me-up, no matter the season.

Wisdom of the Crowd airs Sundays at 8/7c on CBS.

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Santina’s Harvest

Santina’s Harvest includes three base sauces that are a blend of fresh vegetables, inspired by Italian “sofritto”.

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Culinex Announces Senior Culinologist Promotion

Prior to joining CuliNex, Werblin received her Master’s degree in Food Science from Chapman University, and worked as a contractor at CuliNex.

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Mina Moroccan Sauces

Mina’s classic Moroccan Harissa, Shakshuka and Tagine’s spice up the flavor of food and add nutrients.

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Anlit Introduces Omega Bites

Anlit will showcase this product and other novel supplements at the Convention on Pharmaceutical Ingredients (CPhI), October 24-26 in Frankfurt, following the launch in Meijer's 230 supercenters and grocery stores in the United States.

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