Chocolate Candy Acorns

Fall is upon us. Just ask my blistered hands after 3 hours of raking leaves this morning. And scooping fallen acorns from the ponds. Where were my gloves?

Since our "yard" is mostly oak trees, the acorns are EVERYWHERE right now. Here's a shot of some of them ripening before they took the leap.

These cute little guys inspired me to try a sweeter version.

This is the first attempt. Took just a couple of minutes to see if it would work and then I made these for you.

They are super easy and fast to make. And did I mention yummy? I thought they looked pretty nice and could add a sophisticated element to any fall gathering. I plan to use them on a fall inspired cake. We'll see how that goes . . . 

(UPDATE: you can see the cake I used them on here.)

They would also look adorable as a cupcake or brownie topper. Or how about or dressing up a simple fall dessert serving by placing one or two on that plate? Can't wait to see where your imagination takes you!

So, have you figured out what they are made with yet?

Harvest Peanut m&ms

and Tootsie Rolls.

Told you it was easy. And fast.

Here's how:

Chocolate Candy Acorns
Deborah Stauch
www.Once-Upon-A-Pedestal.blogspot.com

Makes about 75.

Note: The m&ms can be substituted with chocolate covered almonds although they are a bit more costly than the candies.

If you're not a Tootsie Roll fan, try caramels or pre-made caramel apple sheets as an alternate.

For fun brightly colored acorns, use regular colors of peanut m&ms and Starburst candies.

Ingredients
One 12.60 ounce package Harvest Blend Peanut m&ms
One 3.73 ounce package Tootsie Roll Midgees (about 17 per King Size pkg, only 13 needed)

Equipment
Paring knife with sharp pointed end

Directions

Wash and dry hands thoroughly. Do I need to say that? Just a friendly reminder since this is a hands on project.

Separate m&ms and set aside and yellow and red candies for snacking. You should have about 75 rust and brown candies remaining.

Unwrap 12 of the Tootsie Rolls.

1.  Cut the Tootsie Rolls into 6 equal segments by slicing the log in half and cutting each half into thirds.

2.  Not really shown in the photo but . . . using the warmth of your hands, roll each segment into a ball.

3.  Flatten each ball into a disk about 3/4" in diameter. Adjust the size if needed for any smaller m&ms. A smooth surface like a tile or granite countertop is great for this. Waxed paper can also be used as a non-stick surface. Use the paring knife to score criss-cross lines across the top of each disk, about 8-10 lines in each direction. Use the flat blade of the paring knife to loosen and release the disk if needed.

4 - 5.  Unwrap one Tootsie Roll and slice in half. You can eat the other half if you're hungry about now. Roll the cut half into a long, narrow rope about 1/8" - 1/4" in diameter. Slice the rope into tiny segments. The segments should be no larger than 1/4" since it just takes a tiny amount to form the stems.

6.  Look for the fatter end of the m&m. This will be the top or cap end.

7.  Attach the scored disks to the tops of the m&ms. The stickiness of the candy will act as the glue but if you're having trouble, use a tiny piece of Tootsie Roll as adhesive. Center the disk over the top of the m&m and use your fingertips to gently form the cap to the candy. Try not to press or rub so much as to remove the criss-cross pattern.

8.  Pierce a small hole in the top of the cap with the sharp end of the paring knife, puncturing the Tootsie Roll, not the m&m. Roll one of the tiny segments into a stem shape in the palm of your hand. Place one end of the stem inside the hole and press very gently. The stem will adhere best when the hole is freshly cut and the stem is still slightly tacky and warm from being formed.

9. Repeat 74 times or until you have enough acorns for whatever project you want to use them for.

 Enjoy your tiny treasures and the splendor of Fall!