MOCK MAPLE CANDY BUNS

1 cup milk chocolate chips
1 cup butterscotch baking chips
1 cup creamy peanut butter
1 cup dry roasted peanuts
1/2 cup butter
1/4 cup milk
2 tbsp vanilla cook and serve pudding mix
3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1/2 tsp maple flavoring

In the top of a double boiler over medium heat, melt the chocolate chips, butterscotch chips and peanut butter together, stirring occasionally.  Divide the mixture between two small bowls; stir peanuts into one bowl until combined. Set aside for 15 to 20 minutes to cool slightly.

Line two rimmed baking sheets with waxed paper. Transfer plain mixture by tablespoonfuls in puddles on the waxed paper; spread each puddle to 2 1/2-inches in diameter. Freeze until solid.

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the milk and pudding mix, whisking until mixture just begins to boil. Remove from the heat and beat in the powdered sugar until smooth. Stir in the maple flavoring. Set aside to cool slightly.

Remove chocolate from freezer and place 1 heaping tablespoon pudding mixture in the center of each chocolate round, spreading nearly to the edge. Place 1 tablespoon of the set-aside peanut mixture on top of the pudding mixture, carefully spreading to the edge.

Freeze until solid. Serve frozen or slightly thawed.

Yield: 18

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