Ask A Chef: Best Spooky Halloween Treats

When October rolls around, it's time for Halloween and treats of all kinds. Your treats don't have to stand out if you're just handing them to kids that come trick-or-treating to your house. However, if you're hosting a party, you want your guests to remember the treats they eat. Betsy Thagard of B. Toffee provides two recipes that are sure to be remembered by guests of all ages.

Betsy Thagard founded B. Toffee in 2009. Using quality sugars, chocolates and pecans to make her delicious toffee, it's some of the best around. She is also known as "the Queen of Entertaining" for her memorable parties and gatherings. We've rounded up her top recommendations for Halloween treats.

Related: OC Party Planner's Tips for your Halloween Party

Bewtiching Blondies with Spooky Sauce

• 1-2/3 cups flour
• 3/4 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter at room temperature
• 1-1/8 cups brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1-1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup B. Toffee, chopped to bits (reserve 1/4 cup for the top)

For the sauce

• 2 sticks butter
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup brown sugar

Directions:

1. Heat the oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Coat a 9x13 baking dish with nonstick spray and set aside.
3. In a bowl, mix the flour, baking soda and salt.
4. In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and brown sugar until pale and fluffy.
5. Beat in the egg and vanilla until combined.
6. Reduce the mixer speed to low and gradually add the flour mixture until the flour is incorporated.
7. Fold in the chocolate chips and 3/4 cup of B. Toffee bits.
8. Scrape the dough into the baking dish and use a piece of parchment to press the dough evenly into the pan.
9. Bake for 15 minutes or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few crumbs.
10. Let the brownies cool on a wire rack.
11. Top the brownies with 1/4 cup B. Toffee bits.
12. Place the brownies in the refrigerator for approximately 15 minutes.
13. Cut the brownies into squares. 
14. For the sauce, cook the butter, cream and brown sugar over high heat until melted.
15. Let the sauce simmer for 15-20 minutes, then serve it over the brownies.

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Banana Boo Bites

• 1 12-oz bag of milk or semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup B. Toffee bits
• 3 to 4 bananas, cut into 1-inch slices
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil

Directions:

1. In a double boiler over medium heat, melt the chocolate with the oil.
2. Remove the chocolate from heat.
3. Line a cookie sheet with wax paper or parchment.
4. Dip each banana slice in the chocolate and coat with toffee bits.
5. When all slices are complete, place the cookie sheet in the freezer for 3 to 4 hours.
6. Serve frozen.

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