Sweets From Around the World

 

 

Halloween is a time of celebration and superstition – and its right around the corner!  Did you know the nearly 2,000 year old holiday was originally a pre-celebration for the Celts New Year, known as Samhain, which began on November 1, marking the end of summer and the beginning of the dark, cold winter?
They believed that during this day the dead returned as ghosts and  that the mere presence of these ghosts aided their priests in predicting the  future. The Celts would set bonfires, make sacrifices of food and animals to  appease their Gods and wear costumes to celebrate the day. Combined with  influences from other cultures, Samhain has become the Halloween celebration  that Americans know today. (Source: Oprah.com). While we enjoy M&M’s, Snickers, Hershey’s, and Almond Joys this Halloween,  countries around the world have their own favorite treats they enjoy.  We also have a recipe for some delicious South African Chocolate Crunchies you can try out this holiday season courtesy of our pals at Little Passports!  Enjoy!

 

Brazil: Brigadeiros, chocolate bon bons, were created in Brazil in the 1940s to support a candidate’s campaign who was running for President. This no-bake gooey, chocolatey, caramel-y treat is super easy to make!

 

 

 

Sweden: People in Sweden, as well as other Nordic countries, enjoy a type of candy known as “Saltlakritsis”. It is a black licorice candy that many say tastes salty!

 

 

Mexico: Pulparindo is a popular, spicy candy in Mexico and is made from the pulp of tamarind fruit, as well as sugar, spices and chili peppers.

 

 

Austrailia: One of the most popular candies in Australia is Violet Crumble. The name (as well as the wrapper color) was inspired by the chocolatier’s wife, whose favorite flower was the violet. This tasty treat is a chocolate bar with honeycomb toffee inside.

 

 

Hungary: Hungary’s version of the popular M&Ms candy is called Francia drazsé. These are small chocolates coated in colorful shells, and are believed by many to be “the original M&Ms”.

 

 

 

 

Here’s a recipe for South African Chocolate Crunchies.

 

Ingredients:

1 cup flour

1 cup oats

1 cup coconut

1/2 cup sugar

2 tbsp cocoa

1/2 cup butter

1/2 cup margarine

2 tbsp syrup

1 tsp baking soda

       Ingredients for Icing:

       1 cup icing sugar; 1 tsp vanilla; 2 tsp milk

 

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 F.

2. Mix all the dry ingredients for the crunchies, except for the baking soda.

3. Melt the butter and syrup together. Mix in the baking soda.

4. Combine the dry and wet ingredients, mix well.

5. Press into a medium sized greased baking pan, about 10 by 8 inches. Use the back of a spoon to press the mixture together and smooth the top.

6. Bake for 20 minutes at 350 F.

7. In a bowl, mix together the icing ingredients.

8. Put in the microwave for 1 – 2 minutes, until the mixture is smooth.

9. Pour the hot icing over the hot crunchies to cover their entire surface. 10. Cut into squares when cool.

 

Photo courtesy of Flickr:

 

 

Post courtesy of Little Passports, a monthly subscription for kids that follows Sam and Sofia on their exciting adventures around the USA and the world.  Inspire a love and understanding of the world as your child learns about a geography, history, culture, and language in a fun and memorable way.  To learn more about their award-winning program go to the Little Passports website.

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