You may have seen my first Larder List back in January where I was raving about a new product I’d found called ‘Peanut Hottie’. I had a few messages after this asking if I’d ever tried baking with it and I hadn’t at that time but did have plans to give it a go.
Chocolate is always a great match for peanuts in my book, so I decided to combine it with some popcorn too with this delicious bark being the end product. OK, so I know it’s still not TECHNICALLY a bake, but it is using Peanut Hottie for something other than a drink!
The Peanut Hottie works brilliantly in this recipe as it’s a powder that’s had the fat removed. If you tried to use regular peanut butter, it would make the chocolate softer and I like my bark with a satisfying snap to it.
As you may already know, to get chocolate to behave in these kinds of recipes, you need to temper it. This means the chocolate will retain the glossy finish and ‘snap’ and it won’t bloom and look unsightly after a few hours. However, I find tempering a particularly troublesome and complex process. In the past I’ve turned to products such as Candy Melts but I have been underwhelmed by the flavour of these in comparison to ‘real’ chocolate.
So, imagine my delight when I opened a pack of PME Candy Buttons and tasted them to find they were a really passable substitute for real chocolate! Don’t get me wrong, I wouldn’t use them in something where a high quality chocolate flavour is desired but for everyday baking and confectionary making, I think these are a winner! No messing with thermometers, double boilers or any of that stuff; just pop in the microwave and melt. Simples!
If you are really averse to the idea of candy buttons then by all means use real chocolate.
The recipe for this bark is so simple you almost won’t believe it, especially when you see how great it tastes too!
Peanut Butter Popcorn Bark
A sweet treat, combining the flavours of peanut butter, popcorn and milk chocolate.
Ingredients
- 340g ‘milk chocolate’ candy buttons
- 3tbsp Peanut Hottie powder
- 25g sweet & salted popcorn, plus extra for topping
Instructions
1. Chop, smash, process, blend or otherwise break down the popcorn into smaller pieces and distribute evenly on a lined tray.2. Melt the candy buttons, stir in the Peanut Hottie and pour over the popcorn, using a palette knife to smooth it out and make sure the chocolate has covered all of the popcorn.3. Place some whole pieces of popcorn on the top, pushing into the chocolate slightly then leave to set.4. Break into pieces and enjoy!
Details
Prep time: Cook time: Total time: Yield: Lots of lovely bark!Take a look at my Pinterest board, for more great bark ideas:
Follow Kevin Chambers-Paston’s board All Bark and No Bite! on Pinterest.
Or, you can see these great barks from other food bloggers:
- Lucky Charms Bark from United Cakedom
- Frozen Yogurt Bark and Superfood Chocolate Bark from My Fussy Eater
- Gingerbread Cookie Dough Bark from Cakeyboi
It looks so good, but I hate both peanut butter and popcorn – ahhh!
#UKBloggers
Hmmm, perhaps not quite the recipe for you then Emma! Not to worry, I have plenty of other 'barks' planned, I'm sure there will be one you will love.
I love peanut butter but I wasn't keen on peanut hottie when I tried it, although it smelt delicious! I would give it a try in this recipe though it sounds yummy!
Helen – #ukbloggers
Hmm, that is odd! I really love it. I can't wait to see how else I can use it to its full potential… So useful when you want to add the flavour without the fat.
This really couldn't be easier! I can't bear peanut butter but love the idea of chocolate & popcorn. Will have to think of an alternative flavour…
It seems peanut butter is dividing the masses! I'm sure there are plenty more fab combos…
Oh all our favourites in one mouthful. This is now firmly on the to do list !
Brilliant! Looking forward to hearing what you think š
I need to try that Peanut Hottie. Looks delicious!
It sure is! Sainsburys have it š
This looks delicious. I bet my kids would love it!
Thanks Weronika. Why not give it a go? I'd love to see pics if you do!
wow I've never heard of 'peanut hottie' before, I'm not a huge peanut fan, but I love peanut butter!! This sounds amazing!
Meimei xx
http://www.meimeisays.co.uk
Oooh, you are in for a treat when you first try it then!
I love the combination of salty and sweet, it's one of my favorites! I also agree that it's difficult to find a candy melt with a flavor comparable to the real thing. Have you tried the Callebaut snaps or Guittard apeels? I've turned to those as my go-tos for time I don't want to temper chocolate because of the flavor.
Hi Mary. Thanks for that suggestion. I'll have a look and see if I can find those in the UK š
That looks AMAZING Kevin and something that would be lovely for Easter too! Karen
Thank you Karen! So glad you like it. I think you're right… I may just have to make some for Easter gifts.
Thanks for the link! Loving your bark and that Peanut Hottie – must check out Sainsbury's for it.
No problem Stuart, I'm always happy to link to other great blogs. Definitely have a look for the Hottie or get in touch with me and I'll see what I can do š
My children would love this (without the peanut hottie bit).
Children that don't like peanut butter? Madness! Seriously though, I hope if you do make it they love it š
Popcorn and chocolate together – you're my hero x