I really like the taste of sweet-and-salty things. I ate a lot of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches as a kid, and I’ve always loved PayDay candy bars. I don’t eat candy bars that often, but every once in awhile I indulge in a PayDay. If you like PayDays too, then you will like this Candy Corn “PayDay” Mix because the candy corn and salted peanuts really bring to mind the taste of that candy bar!
I was needing to make something simple and quick for a little fall party, and when I saw this candy corn mix idea at About.com, I thought it would be perfect! It’s so simple to make—there are just two ingredients—candy corn and peanuts. How easy is that? It’s a perfect sweet-and-salty treat for any fall party, a great snack for game-watching, and a nice treat to package up in treat bags for giving. I like it better than just eating candy corn by itself–I feel like I’m at least getting a little protein with the peanuts in there! 🙂
You can either use dry roasted peanuts or salted peanuts–I prefer using the dry roasted, but either works great! You can also substitute cashews for the peanuts if you prefer.Some of you have also told me that this mix tastes great with M&M’s, chocolate chips, or peanut butter chips, so I added those as optional ingredients for all of you chocolate and peanut butter-lovers! 🙂
Here’s the very simple recipe…
CANDY CORN “PAY DAY” MIX by NancyC, adapted from About.com
Makes 6 to 7 1/2 cups of mix
- 3 cups candy corn (or use an entire 21-oz. bag, which comes to about 3 3/4 cups)
- 3 cups lightly salted dry roasted peanuts or cocktail peanuts (or use an entire 16-oz. jar, which comes to about 3 3/4 cups; OR substitute the same amount of cashews)
- Optional: 2 to 3 cups plain M&M’s or chocolate chips, depending on how chocolatey you want it! Or, if you want a stronger peanutty flavor, you could add the same amount of peanut butter chips
In a medium to large serving bowl, combine the candy corn and the peanuts, and stir together with a large spoon until they are well mixed. Add in the M&M’s (or chocolate chips), if using. Or, you can combine the candy corn and peanuts (and M&M’s/chocolate chips, if using) in a large Ziploc bag and shake them together until they are well mixed. Serve and enjoy!
Store any leftovers in an airtight container to snack on later.
Recipe from NancyC | nancy-c.com
If you want to make this mix for treat-giving, use treat bags to package them in—I tied mine with a bright orange ribbon!
Have you made any fun fall treats this season?
Sharing at Hearth & Soul, Weekend Potluck, Thursday Favorite Things, Full Plate Thursday, Tasty Tuesdays, Wonderful Wednesday, Happiness is Homemade, Silver Pennies Sundays, Inspire Me Monday.
NancyC 
It looks very good Nancy!
Perfect for autumn…I’ll have to give it a try!
Thank you!
Happy weekend!
All my heart,
Deborah xo
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Just found out that mymother’s favorite candy bar is PayDay. And you are right, this probably tastes a lot like it. But if i keep it in a bowl, i am afraid I will eat it all myself!
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Your’re right–it’s hard to stop eating it once you get started! 🙂
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This is even better with the addition of plain M & M s !
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That does sound good, Sheryl!
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I make this mix this every year!
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That goes to show how good it is! 🙂
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Mmmm! Huge fan of sweet & salty foods 🙂
http://www.prettybithescancooktoo.com
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What a cool and creative mix for kids! Thank you for bringing it to the party! Happy Fiesta Friday and Halloween!
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Thanks, Antonia! 🙂
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What a fun and pretty Fall treat!
Happy Tuesday!
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Thanks, Veronica! 🙂
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Great recipe! I love candy corn!
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Yes, this recipe tastes great and is so easy! I love the sweet-and-salty taste of this! 🙂
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Mmm, this is such a tasty snack, (and it really does taste like a Payday bar.) I made some a few nights ago. I will need to be careful with this, as I don’t have a lot of self control about such things… Thanks so much for sharing at Thursday Favorite Things.
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You’re right—this mix is hard to resist, Pam! 🙂
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