With hubs out of town for work, this week has been a frozen pizza and macaroni & cheese kind of week. I didn’t plan our meals ahead of time. I just strolled down the aisles of Wally World thinking this will be easy and the kids won’t turn this down. If I’m being honest, I think I’m still recovering from all of the socializing that occurred over the holiday season. #introvert. I just have not had much residual energy and so my cooking motivation has dropped drastically.
Anyway, Hubs and I co-lead a small group with another couple from church on Wednesdays. Signing up for extra responsibilities isn’t really my jam - due to my ADHD but if Hubs is around to help me keep myself in line and on time, I can manage. (Read about ADHD and time management here.) However, Hubs is sometimes on the road for work during the week and when this occurs, I get a bit panicked about all the things I have to manage on my own in order to get out of the house and to group on time with all the things the kids and I might need.
So Wednesday… I’m running through my list and mildly freaking out inside when I realize no one has signed up to bring a snack to small group this week. My cabinets are limited from this week’s shopping style and my will to make something fancy or complicated is nonexistent. So, I decide to make my easy, go-to, homemade dessert and the only recipe I have ever memorized - Scotcheroos.
What’s one more thing on the list?
I really pull myself together, friends.
I shower.
I bathe the kids (bane of my existence… the bathing, not the kids.)
I make Scotcheroos
during Quartersquat’s nap
while on FaceTime with Hubs.
I feed the kiddos dinner,
pack the diaper bag,
remember the Scotcheroos on the way out the door,
drop the kids at the sitter,
and roll into group
NEARLY on time
and with snack in hand.
Giving myself a pat on the back.
Scotcheroos are delicious, addicting, and super easy to make. I add a secret ingredient to my recipe and people rave. These are just a few things I heard when I debuted my Scotcheroos at group:
These are my love language.
AND
I could eat this whole pan.
AND
Let me just get one more.
If your New Year’s Resolution is to eat healthier and get in shape or you err on the side or binge eating (Hi. My name is Jessica and I ate half of a pan of Scotcheroos in one night.) leave this page immediately. These will be your demise. But, if you love food that tastes heavenly or you want a lot of attention at a party, stay. Read. Memorize this recipe.
Start by measuring out 6 cups of Rice Krispies Cereal into a mixing bowl and set aside. Similarly, measure out 1 cup of peanut butter and set aside.
I strongly prefer creamy peanut butter but crunchy will work too. Do yourself a favor and don’t use the all natural, “refrigerate after opening” stuff. These were never intended to be healthy. Don’t make it weird.
Now, in a high sided skillet, mix 1 cup of light corn syrup, 1 cup of sugar and 1 tablespoon of maple syrup.
The average Scotcheroos recipe does not contain Maple Syrup. This is my “secret” ingredient and it adds a subtle maple flavor that takes the original recipe up a notch. Trust me on this. I prefer real maple syrup but maple favored pancake syrup will work too.
Heat the mixture over medium heat until it bubbles. As soon as you see bubbles, remove from heat and add 1 cup of peanut butter you set aside earlier. Mix until peanut butter is fully melted and the mixture is smooth.
Pour mixture into mixing bowl of crisp rice cereal and stir until well combined.
Spread cereal mixture onto a greased foil-lined cookie sheet. Previously I used a 9 x 13 Pyrex and it did work but these turn out so much better when they are thinner and easier to bite into. Just my opinion.
To make the topping, add 6 - 8 ounces of semisweet chocolate chips and 6 - 8 ounces of butterscotch chips to a microwaveable bowl. Heat in the microwave for 30 seconds. Stir. Repeat this method until chips are fully melted and combined.
Pour onto the center of your Scotcheroos base and spread with a spatula until evenly covered.
Refrigerate until topping has set.
Cut and enjoy!
Optional: Prior to cutting, these can be dusted with confectioners sugar. It doesn’t effect the taste but prevents them from sticking together if they are stacked and, honestly, it looks pretty.
It turned out, other group members were concerned about the snack situation too. There was a pound cake that was heavenly and chili con queso dip that was arguably more addicting than the sweet treats. We ate well on Wednesday night.
Small group has been such a valuable part of my life - and not just for the snacks. If you’re not in one, I encourage you to seek one out. It’s so much easier to grow in relationship with Christ when you have a support group of friends seeking the Savior just as deeply.
💚 Happy cooking! 💚
WellTree Mama