Amish Christmas Candy Collection

First in a series of recipes over the next week or so of some favorite Christmas candy recipes.  These come to us from an Amish cook in Maryland.  Yum!

Homemade Cashew Squares (Land O Lakes photo)

CASHEW SQUARES
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup light corn syrup
1 cup cream
2 lb. cashews, warmed in oven
Cook sugar, corn syrup, and cream to hard ball stage. Grease a large mixing bowl with butter. When this mixture is almost at hard ball stage, transfer warmed cashews to greased bowl. When candy thermometer registers hard ball, pour syrup over cashews and mix. Press in greased pan. Let set till almost cool; cut in 1" squares with sharp knife.

BUTTERSCOTCH CORN FLAKE CANDY
½ cup peanut butter 
12 oz. butterscotch chips
5 cups corn flakes
Melt peanut butter and butterscotch chips in top of double boiler. Crush corn flakes just a little, then put into greased bowl. Pour melted mixture over top and mix. Dip out in small clusters onto waxed paper and let cool.

BUTTERCRUNCH TOFFEE

1 cup butter
1 cup granulated sugar 
2 Tbsp. water
1 Tbsp. light corn syrup
¾ cup coarsely chopped nuts melted chocolate coating
¼ cup finely chopped nuts
In 2-qt. saucepan, melt butter. Add sugar and stir over low heat till mixture comes to a boil. Add corn syrup and water; stir and cook over low heat to 290°. Remove from heat and add ¾ cup nuts. Pour into greased 13" x 9" pan. Let set till almost cool; remove to waxed paper. Spread melted chocolate coating over top and sprinkle with ¼ cup nuts. When completely cold, break in pieces. Store in airtight container