Candy Short Cuts

Candy Cupcakes
Mix one package of chocolate cake mix according to directions. Line muffin pans with cup cake liners. Pour about ½ the necessary amount into each cup, then insert one bite-sized, unwrapped chocolate piece in each. Fill the cup 2/3 to 3/4 of the way full and bake as instructed. If desired, ice the cupcakes before serving. The candy will have melted during the baking process. NCA recommends miniature coconut chocolate bars for a taste identical to German chocolate cake with much less effort (other bars will work as well – have fun experimenting!). If you cannot find bite-sized pieces of your favorite brands, simply cut larger bars into smaller pieces.

Peanut Butter Bliss
Mix one package of peanut butter cookies according to instructions. Before baking, add three chopped chocolate candy bars - we like a bar that contains either peanuts or peanut butter. Use more if you chose snack-sized bars. Bake according to package instructions.

Stained Glass Cookies
Buy a roll of sugar cookies in the cooler section of your grocery store and pick up about one pound of gum drops while you're there. Slice the sugar cookies according to directions. Before baking, sprinkle tops of sugar cookies with chopped gum drops. Be sure to use a variety of colors on each cookie.