Ep 10. Tricks for Treats

In season 7 episode 10 of Good Eats, titled Tricks for Treats, host Alton Brown dives into the world of Halloween treats and how to impress your trick or treaters. Brown introduces the episode by stating that Halloween is the second-highest grossing commercial holiday after Christmas, with Americans spending billions of dollars on costumes, decorations, and sugary treats.

Brown’s first recipe is his twist on the classic candy corn. He starts by mixing together sugar, corn syrup, and water in a saucepan and bringing the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, Brown adds in a mixture of powdered sugar, powdered milk, and gelatin. Using a stand mixer, Brown whips the candy mixture for several minutes until it becomes thick and opaque. He then separates the mixture into three parts and colors each part with yellow, orange, and white food dye. Brown creates a makeshift piping bag by placing a ziplock bag over a cup and cutting off the corner to create a small hole. He then pipes the mixture into the shape of candy corn, letting each layer dry before adding the next. The end result is an impressive homemade candy corn that will be sure to impress any guest.

Next, Brown tackles caramel apples. He explains that the trick to a successful caramel apple is to ensure the coating sticks to the apple by properly cleaning it. To clean the apple, Brown recommends washing it with hot water and rubbing the surface with a kitchen towel to remove the wax coating. Once the apple is clean, Brown instructs to insert a wooden stick into the top of the apple. In a saucepan, Brown combines sugar, corn syrup, and water to create the caramel mixture, bringing it to a boil and then reducing the heat. Brown then adds cream and butter to the mixture, stirring until the ingredients are incorporated. Brown advises that the caramel mixture is ready when it reaches a temperature of 235 degrees Fahrenheit. Once at the correct temperature, the caramel mixture is ready to be drizzled over the apples. Brown suggests rolling the caramel covered apples in nuts, sprinkles, or other toppings to add extra flavor and texture.

The third and final recipe Brown tackles in this episode is a homemade butterfinger candy bar. Brown starts by creating a simple sugar syrup by boiling sugar and corn syrup in a saucepan with water. Once the mixture reaches 310 degrees Fahrenheit, it is poured over peanut butter and stirred until it is fully incorporated. The mixture is then spread onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and allowed to cool. After it is completely cooled, the peanut butter mixture is broken into pieces and placed in the refrigerator to chill. The pieces are then blanched in a frying oil to create the crispy texture found in a typical Butterfinger bar. Brown then melts chocolate and dips the peanut butter mixture in the chocolate to create the final product.

Throughout the episode, Brown teaches tips and tricks on how to properly work with sugar and candy, including the importance of a candy thermometer and how to properly clean hardened sugar from pans. He also explains how to work with chocolate and how to temper it for the best results.

Overall, Tricks for Treats is a fun and informative episode of Good Eats that will leave viewers feeling confident in their ability to make impressive Halloween treats at home. Brown’s recipes are easy to follow and the tips he provides will be useful for any baker looking to improve their candy-making skills.