Recipe By: Mitch Samples

Halloween is a time for sweets, so what could be sweeter than rolling your own tootsie rolls. Below is a great no-cook recipe for them that’s sure to be a hit with the whole family.  Enjoy!

Tootsie Rolls, yields about 24 pieces

½ C honey
6 Tbs unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
1 Tbs unsalted neutral flavored oil like canola or grape seed
¼ C powdered sugar, sifted
1 pinch salt
1 ¼ C instant non-fat dry milk powder
Wax-paper

1. Combine honey, cocoa powder and vanilla using a whisk. Add the oil and whisk until well incorporated. Add in the powdered sugar and pinch of salt; whisk again until well combined.

2. Using a wooden spoon, mix in the instant milk powder 1/4 cup at a time until a dough forms. When you can no longer stir the mixture with a spoon, knead it with your hands.

Keep adding in milk powder until a firm dough forms. You may not have to use all the milk powder. The finished dough should be firm and a little sticky but not so sticky that you can’t handle it.

Roll the dough into a ball and place on waxed paper lightly sprayed with cooking oil. Let dough rest uncovered on wax paper for 5 to 10 minutes. As the candy stands it will relax from a ball shape into a disc. Cut candy into 3/4-inch strips and then into 2-inch lengths. If candy sticks to the knife, spray it with cooking oil or coat it with butter.

3. Cut wax paper into 3 1/2 x 5 inch pieces. Wrap candies with the wax paper pieces. Store candies in an air-tight container in the refrigerator. Bring to room temperature before serving.