It’s the end of the month, and you’re staring at a pantry that’s a mere shadow of its former self.

The monthly grocery run is still a couple of days away, but the kids are whining, your tummy’s grumbling, and you need a quick fix—stat!

You know, the kind of magical creation that’s as indulgent as it is resourceful. Enter “Empty Pantry Candy,” my go-to lifesaver when the pantry’s looking bleak but the sweet tooth is kicking in.

This recipe is your passport to snacking heaven, cobbled together from odds and ends you almost certainly have lying around.

Why You Will Love Empty Pantry Candy

It’s easy, quick, and, most importantly, delicious! Empty Pantry Candy is your creative outlet when you’re strapped for ingredients.

Kids adore it, adults crave it, and the best part? Every batch is a unique masterpiece, letting you be the artist of your own sugary canvas.

Tips

1. Eyeball It: This recipe is all about improvisation. Don’t get too hung up on measurements; your intuition is your best friend here.
2. Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your peanut butter is at room temperature for easier melting.
3. Customize, Customize, Customize: Let your pantry be your guide. No chocolate chips? Use butterscotch! No pretzels? How about oats or crushed cereal?

The Ingredients

Peanut Butter

The creamy base that brings everything together. It provides that rich, nutty flavor which is the cornerstone of this candy.

Chocolate Chips

These tiny morsels add sweetness and a smooth texture that perfectly complements the chunky ingredients.

Pretzels

Ah, the unsung hero! Pretzels give your candy that satisfying crunch and a surprising twist of saltiness.

Marshmallows

These add a soft, chewy dimension that balances out the crunchy and smooth elements.

Raisins

Tiny nuggets of natural sweetness that offer a brief, fruity escape from the overwhelming decadence.

How to Make Empty Pantry Candy

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients and Equipment

Before you begin, make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature for easier mixing. Lay out a greased cookie sheet on your counter and keep a mixing spoon handy. This sets the stage for a smooth and quick preparation.

Step 2: Melt Peanut Butter and Chocolate Chips

Grab a microwave-safe bowl and pour in your peanut butter and chocolate chips in a 1:2 ratio. Pop the bowl into the microwave and melt the mixture. Be sure to check and stir every 30 seconds to avoid burning. You’ll know it’s ready when you achieve a silky, smooth texture.

Step 3: Add the Remaining Ingredients

Once the base mixture is ready, it’s time to jazz it up. Toss in your crushed pretzels, fluffy marshmallows, and sweet raisins into the bowl. Stir vigorously, making sure every piece gets a good coating of the chocolate-peanut butter magic.

Step 4: Spread Onto Cookie Sheet

Grab your pre-greased cookie sheet and carefully spread the mixed ingredients onto it. Use the back of your spoon to flatten the mixture evenly across the sheet, ensuring that each piece will be delightfully chunky yet manageable to eat.

Step 5: Let it Set

Place the cookie sheet in the refrigerator and let your creation firm up. This usually takes about 30 minutes to an hour. Use this time to clean up, or better yet, plan your next Empty Pantry Candy masterpiece!

Step 6: Cut and Serve

Once your mixture is firm to the touch, pull it out of the fridge. Cut the candy into bars or squares, using a sharp knife for clean edges. Place them on a serving platter, and voila! Your Empty Pantry Candy is ready to wow your taste buds and salvage any snack-time crisis.

Serving Suggestions

Serve it as an after-school snack, a party treat, or a midnight munchie. Presentation-wise, these look lovely on a rustic wooden board, accompanied by some fresh fruits to balance the sweetness.

Substitutions

• Swap out chocolate chips for butterscotch chips.
• Use oats or crushed cereal instead of pretzels.
• Cranberries or chopped dates can replace raisins.

Equipment

• Microwave-safe bowl
• Greased cookie sheet
• Mixing spoon

FAQs

How long can I store Empty Pantry Candy?

Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.

Can I freeze them?

Yes, you can! Just make sure to separate the bars with parchment paper.

Can I use almond or cashew butter?

Absolutely, any nut butter will work as a fantastic alternative to peanut butte.