Chews Me!
Chews Me! are sweet, chewy confections combining caramel, coconut, nuts, and cereals, perfect for satisfying sweet cravings and sharing at parties or as a delightful treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place 36 vanilla caramels and 3 tablespoons light cream in the top of a double boiler over simmering water.
- Beat until the caramels melt, stirring occasionally.
- Toss together 1 cup corn flakes, 2 cups crisp rice cereal, 1 cup flaked coconut, 1/2 cup chopped California walnuts, and 1/2 cup raisins.
- Pour the caramel mixture over the dry mixture and mix thoroughly.
- With buttered fingers, press rounded tablespoons of the mixture lightly into balls.
- Place the balls on waxed paper to cool and set.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using dark caramel instead of vanilla caramels. You can substitute the walnuts with pecans or almonds for a different nutty taste. If you prefer a chewier texture, add an extra tablespoon of light cream to the caramel mixture. Ensure to mix the dry ingredients thoroughly before adding the caramel for even distribution.
Serving Suggestions
These treats are perfect for parties or as an afternoon snack. Serve them alongside a cup of hot cocoa or a glass of milk. They also pair beautifully with A Good Rice Pudding for a delightful dessert spread. Consider placing them in decorative bags for gift-giving or party favors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them, but allow them to come to room temperature before serving to maintain their chewy texture. Avoid freezing as it changes the consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chews Me! contains roughly 227 calories, with 4g protein, 50g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (87% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (64% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (37% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin D.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these treats nut-free?
Yes, simply omit the walnuts and replace them with additional corn flakes or coconut to maintain the texture. This will ensure that the treats remain crunchy and delicious while accommodating those with nut allergies.
How do I prevent the caramel from sticking?
To prevent sticking, make sure your double boiler is set up correctly, and you’re stirring frequently as the caramels melt. Additionally, buttering your fingers before shaping the balls helps keep the mixture from adhering to your hands.
Can I add other mix-ins to this recipe?
Absolutely! You can incorporate mini chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or even chopped dried apricots for added flavor and texture. Experiment with different combinations to find your perfect mix!
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).