The following “Chew This!” column originally appeared in “The Courier-Times” and / or “The Shelbyville News”. Check their websites for further information and dates.

Polar Bear Paws, fun and fabulous candy

Blaise Doubman

I love this candy! It is quick and simple but above all, delicious! Try to make these tablespoon size but if they get a little larger or smaller, just keep going but try to remember you need enough white almond bark to evenly coat them all. You can experiment with this recipe too and use pecans instead of salt peanuts and milk or dark chocolate instead of the white. I have made this recipe several times over the years and people can not believe how simple and delicious!

To make the candy resemble polar bear paws at the end, you can sprinkle them with a little white sprinkle to resemble fur. You can make this recipe in advance by combining the caramel mixture with the salted peanuts and then covering and chilling until ready to use. You can allow this mixture to set in the refrigerator for up to three days before dolloping and dunking. The finished product can be kept covered at room temperature for up to a week. Make and enjoy!

Polar Bear Paws

12 oz melting caramels

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

3 tablespoons heavy whipping cream

1 cup roasted salted peanuts

12 oz vanilla almond bark

Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

I’m a large microwave safe bowl, combine the melting caramels, unsalted butter and heavy whipping cream. Microwave, on high, 2 minutes, removing to stir every 30 seconds.

Once the mixture is melted and bubbly, add in the salted peanuts and stir well.

Dollop tablespoon size amounts of this mixture onto the prepared baking sheet.

Chill in the refrigerator overnight or 12 hours minimum.

When ready to finish, melt the white almond bark in a medium size microwave safe bowl.

Take the chilled dollops of candy and place into the melted white almond bark. If it appears to be too thick, add in about a tablespoon size amount of solid vegetable shortening and melt back together in the microwave.

With a fork, remove the dipped pieces and place onto the parchment lined pan.

Waiting to eat these are the hardest part. Allow them to sit for at least 6 hours.

Sprinkle with white sprinkles if desired.

Ask and Answer: I have been getting questions on fudge and if I have recipes for fudge. Yes! I have so many recipes for different kinds and flavors of fudge, I have lost count. Visit my website and type “fudge” into the search bar. It will bring up any and all types of your favorite fudge!