Nearly everyone has had bloodshot eyes at one point in their life, especially if you’re a parent. Children may squirm when they see these treats and realize they are supposed to eat them. Be prepared, however, there is quite a bit of sugar in these eyeballs, so your children may not be able to close their eyes for a while after enjoying them.
Scary Eyeball Treats
- 1 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter – If you are preparing these for your child’s school party, be sure to ask the teacher if any of the students have peanut allergies. It would be a nice idea if you could have something special for them so they won’t feel left out.
- 1/2 cup softened butter or margarine
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 3/4 cups powdered or confectioner’s sugar
- 12-ounce white candy coating – Chopped to make it easier to melt
- 1 tablespoon vegetable shortening
- 20 blue chocolate-coated candies
- 20 brown chocolate-coated candies
- Red decorating gel
Cream the peanut butter, vanilla, and butter in a medium-sized mixing bowl. When it is thoroughly creamed, start adding a little bit of the confectioner’s sugar and mix it well before adding more. When all the sugar is incorporated, roll the dough into 1 inch balls. Place them on a baking sheet or plates and refrigerate them for at least one-half hour.
Melt the candy coating and shortening in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat it for 30 seconds and then remove the bowl to stir. Continue doing this until the candy coating and shortening are completely melted and combined. Stir until it is smooth. Allow the mixture to cool slightly before you begin dipping the peanut butter balls into the coating. Place the balls on waxed paper on the table.
Complete the treat by adding one chocolate-coated candy to each peanut butter ball. Be sure that any writing is not visible. Allow the balls to cool until the coating has set. Make the eyeballs look “bloodshot” by squeezing a thin line of red gel on them. Start in the center and go to the sides.
As you hand each child their treats, tell them you always wanted to “keep your eye on them” and this is the perfect way to do just that!
Happy Halloween
