Gurley’s Sweet Cherry Mash Bars: A Nostalgic Delight

The first time I had a Cherry Mash bar, I was probably no taller than the candy counter at the local five-and-dime. The bright red wrapper, promising a sweet, cherry-flavored center, was irresistible. As a kid, it was the perfect treat – a delightful collision of sweet, salty, and nutty flavors that stuck to my teeth and left me grinning. Years later, I discovered this recipe, promising to recreate that beloved flavor combination in an easy-to-make bar form, bringing back all the cherished memories of that first bite.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 18
• Yields: 3 dozen
• Dietary Type: Not specified, contains dairy

Ingredients

• 2 cups sugar
• 2/3 cup milk
• 1/2 cup butter
• 12 regular-size marshmallows
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup Gurley’s Sweet Cherry Chips (TM)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 12 ounces Spanish peanuts, chopped in blender
• 2 cups Gurley’s Real Milk Chocolate Chips (TM)
• 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter

Equipment Needed

• 2-quart saucepan
• 9×13 inch pan
• Blender (for chopping peanuts)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Heat-resistant spatula

Instructions

1. In a 2-quart saucepan, combine the sugar, milk, butter, marshmallows, and salt.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Continue to boil for 5 minutes, making sure to stir continuously to prevent sticking and burning. The mixture should be smooth and creamy.
3. Remove the saucepan from the heat.
4. Stir in the Gurley’s Sweet Cherry Chips, vanilla, and half of the chopped Spanish peanuts. Mix well to ensure the cherry chips are evenly distributed.
5. Pour the mixture into an ungreased 9×13 inch pan. Spread evenly with a spatula.
6. In the same saucepan, over very low heat, combine the chocolate chips, peanut butter, and the remaining chopped peanuts.
7. Stir constantly until the chocolate chips and peanut butter are completely melted and the mixture is smooth. Be careful not to overheat the chocolate, as it can seize up and become grainy.
8. Pour the melted chocolate peanut butter mixture evenly over the cherry mixture in the pan.
9. Let the bars cool completely at room temperature. This will take about 30 minutes to an hour. You can speed up the cooling process by placing the pan in the refrigerator.
10. Once cooled and set, cut the bars into 1 1/2 inch squares.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Don’t skimp on the stirring! Continuous stirring during the boiling phase is crucial to prevent the sugar from burning and sticking to the bottom of the pan.
• Toast your peanuts! Toasting the Spanish peanuts before chopping them brings out their nutty flavor and adds a deeper dimension to the bars. Spread the peanuts on a baking sheet and toast them in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes, or until lightly golden and fragrant. Let them cool completely before chopping.
• Low and Slow Chocolate Melting: When melting the chocolate and peanut butter, keep the heat very low. This prevents the chocolate from burning and ensures a smooth, glossy finish. If you have a double boiler, it’s perfect for this step. Alternatively, you can use a microwave, heating in 30-second intervals and stirring in between to prevent burning.
• Even Chocolate Layer: To achieve a perfectly even chocolate layer, use an offset spatula to gently spread the melted chocolate mixture. Work quickly, as the chocolate will start to set as it cools.
• Clean Cuts: For neat, clean cuts, use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between each cut. You can also run the knife under hot water and dry it before cutting to make the process even easier.
• Soft Bars: If you prefer a softer bar, don’t boil the sugar mixture for the full 5 minutes. Shorten the boiling time by a minute or two.
• Firm Bars: If you prefer a firmer bar, refrigerate the finished product for a longer period of time.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve these Cherry Mash Bars chilled or at room temperature. They make a fantastic addition to any dessert platter, potluck, or holiday cookie exchange.

• Storage: Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week, or in the freezer for up to 2 months. When freezing, wrap the bars individually in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer bag to prevent freezer burn.
• Reheating: If frozen, let the bars thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving. They don’t typically need reheating unless you prefer a softer texture.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	340.6 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	N/A	56%
Total Fat	21.2 g	32%
Saturated Fat	6.3 g	31%
Cholesterol	15.6 mg	5%
Sodium	132.1 mg	5%
Total Carbohydrate	33.5 g	11%
Dietary Fiber	2.4 g	9%
Sugars	28.3 g	N/A
Protein	8.3 g	16%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.

Variations & Substitutions

• Nut-Free Option: If you have a peanut allergy, you can substitute the peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or tahini. Use another type of chopped nut, like almonds or walnuts, in place of the Spanish peanuts.
• Dark Chocolate: For a richer, less sweet flavor, use dark chocolate chips instead of milk chocolate chips.
• Different Cherry Flavor: While the recipe calls for Gurley’s Sweet Cherry Chips, you could experiment with other cherry-flavored candies or even dried cherries. Just be sure to adjust the sweetness level as needed.
• Salted Caramel Variation: Drizzle salted caramel over the chocolate layer for an extra layer of indulgence.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chocolate peanut butter mixture for a subtle spicy kick that complements the sweetness.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use a different type of nut instead of Spanish peanuts?
A: Absolutely! You can use any type of nut you like, such as almonds, walnuts, pecans, or cashews. Just be sure to chop them to a similar size as the Spanish peanuts.

Q: What if I can’t find Gurley’s Sweet Cherry Chips?
A: While Gurley’s Sweet Cherry Chips provide a unique flavor, you can substitute with another brand of cherry chips or even coarsely chopped maraschino cherries (be sure to drain and pat them dry first). You can also use a cherry flavored extract in addition to your preferred chocolate chips.

Q: How do I prevent the chocolate from seizing up when melting?
A: The key is to use low heat and stir frequently. Avoid getting any water or steam into the chocolate, as this can cause it to seize. If the chocolate does seize, try adding a teaspoon of vegetable oil or shortening and stirring vigorously to smooth it out.

Q: Can I make these bars ahead of time?
A: Yes, these bars are perfect for making ahead of time. They can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Q: Why are my bars too hard or too soft?
A: The hardness of the bars depends on the boiling time of the sugar mixture. Boiling for the full 5 minutes will result in firmer bars, while a shorter boiling time will create softer bars. Also, ensure accurate measurement of ingredients, especially the butter.

Final Thoughts

This recipe for Gurley’s Sweet Cherry Mash Bars is more than just a simple dessert; it’s a trip down memory lane. The familiar flavors and textures will transport you back to simpler times, evoking feelings of nostalgia and comfort. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe is easy to follow and yields a treat that is sure to impress. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and create a batch of these delightful bars. Share them with friends and family, and watch their faces light up with every bite. I encourage you to adapt the recipe to your own preferences, experiment with different ingredients, and make it your own. Most importantly, have fun and enjoy the process!