Traditional Latin Honey Candies, the Treat of Choice this Halloween

Firestone, Colo. – The fall is a time in the United States when cultures collide. While many older Latinos carry over their homeland traditions by celebrating what is recognized as Day of the Dead, their children have adapted to more traditional American customs by celebrating Halloween.

Despite these cultural differences, both traditions practice the sharing of candies. For Latino parents, the preferred choice is to share more natural-based treats made with honey and other ingredients such as fruits and seeds, reminiscent of the candies they enjoyed back home. Just in time for fall, the National Honey Board has developed delectable honey-based candies rooted from all over Latin America that both parents and their children can enjoy together as they celebrate Halloween and the Day of the Dead.

Traditional Day of the Dead celebrations consist of family members paying homage to deceased ancestors by placing offerings at their altar. Original customs stem from indigenous people in Mexico. Later, when the Spanish arrived, ancient Day of the Dead beliefs were combined with Catholic holidays: All Saints and All Souls day. Although Halloween customs differ, some remain similar. The love for candy is celebrated and embraced by both holidays. That's why the candy recipes created by the National Honey Board are fit for kids celebrating Halloween while their parents enjoy the same treats from their childhood when honoring the Day of the Dead.

"The National Honey Board wants to share candy recipes with the Latino flavor and culture in mind," says Catherine Barry, Director of Marketing for The National Honey Board. "We made some very popular bite-size candies such as jamoncillo, palanquetas and cocadas among others, which all have honey as the key ingredient."

The candies developed by the National Honey Board originate from various parts of Mexico, as well as from Central and Latin American countries. The Palanquetas is derived from the mixed ethnic and heavily indigenized populated state of Veracruz. Jamoncillos come out of Zacatecas, a state known for its agriculture and tourism. Other candy recipes created by the National Honey Board are rooted from countries like Peru, Guatemala and Cuba.

Honey is a commonly used ingredient in Latin America. It gives candies an irresistible taste, providing the natural ingredient that children enjoy. Indulging in these delicious honey-based candies will give kids a taste of their culture, while celebrating the American holiday of Halloween, all with the simple touch of honey!

Take a bite out of Latin America during Halloween with these tasty candy recipes with honey:

Cuban Lunch Candy Bar
20 pieces
Ingredients:

1/2 cup honey
2 cups bittersweet chocolate
2 cups butterscotch chips
1-1/2 cups peanut butter
1-1/2 cups peanuts (toasted and medium ground)
1 cup potato chips (lightly salted, crushed)

Preparation:

1. Place the dark chocolate, honey, butterscotch chips and peanut butter in a medium-sized bowl and melt slowly over a double boiler. It takes around 20 minutes.
2. Whisk the mixture until completely melted and fold in the peanuts and potato chips.
3. Spoon about 3 tablespoons of the mixture into your hand and gently form a ball. Make 20 balls and place them into small paper cups. Refrigerate for 15 minutes.

Cocadas
12 pieces
Ingredients:

1/4 cup honey
2 cups shredded coconut
1/4 cup condensed milk
3 egg whites
1/2 tsp almond extract

Preparation:

1. Preheat oven to 350° Fahrenheit. Spray a cookie sheet lined with aluminum foil.
2. In a bowl, add shredded coconut, condensed milk, honey, egg whites and almond extract, mix together with a spoon until fully combined.
3. Lightly wet hands, spoon about 3 tablespoons of coconut mixture into your hand and gently form a ball. Place onto greased cookie sheet.
4. Lightly wet hands again, and repeat process until all mixture is formed into 12 balls.
5. Place onto a 10" x 15" cookie sheet. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until light golden brown. Allow to cool.

For more traditional Latin honey-based candy recipes, how-to videos and more, please visit http://www.mielpura.org.

About the National Honey Board
The National Honey Board is a federal research and promotion board under USDA oversight that conducts research, marketing and promotion programs to help maintain and expand markets for honey and honey products. These programs are funded by an assessment of one cent per pound on domestic and imported honey.

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Name: Ana Ceron

Phone: (310) 473-4422

Email: [email protected]