Candy corn has been around over a century. It was originally produced in the 1880s to appeal to farmers, and though we know it as Candy Corn today, it was actually introduced under the name *Chick Feed* when it was first developed, but it didn't take long for the company to realize that they could reach a broader audience with their sweet confection and renamed it *Candy Corn*. Today, 135 years later, it is produced by the very same formula. It is essentially a mixture of sugar, corn syrup, marshmallows, binding agents, a confectioner's wax, food coloring and water. The only difference is that it is now made by machine rather than by hand.
Originally each color was mixed, then poured by hand into molds, each color separate from the other. And an interesting fact is that the confection is fat free and relatively low in calories with a handful at only 148 calories compared to a mini candy bar which is high in fat and as much as 210 calories per bite. So for those watching their caloric intake, but need to satisfy that sweet tooth, candy corn may be a good option.
Today, candy corn is produced year round in colors to appeal to the seasons and special holidays and goes by a variety of names to match the seasons and color combinations. You might find it called *Indian Corn at Thanksgiving, or *Reindeer Corn* at Christmas time, but the color varies by an added chocolate center. It is virtually available year round, but is most popular at Halloween and amazingly is still the most popular candy sold during Halloween, with over 35 Billion pounds sold annually. They have even come up with new flavors for the fall season to include a Pumpkin Spice and Candy Apple.
Given the billions of pounds sold at Halloween, it would appear everyone loves Candy Corn, but ironically that is not the case. According to public polls, only 12% of those asked even confessed to liking it, and it is most popular among females, while most men do not like it at all. Regardless of statistics, it is probably the most recognizable Halloween candy available on the market and at this time of year you will see it adorning cupcakes, cakes, rice treats, caramel apples, cocktails and in candy dispensers such as my simple *Witch Chicken Feed* dispenser.
As chicken enthusiasts how could we ever pass up the opportunity to display our *chick feed* in anything less than a chicken feeder decorated for Halloween? This quick, inexpensive craft can be made in minutes with few readily available supplies and is a great project to do with the kidlets.
WITCHES HAT CHICKEN FEEDER DISPENSER
1 square black sticky back felt
1 quart mason jar
1 feeder base for chickens (Metal or Plastic screw-on to fit mason jar)
Bag of *Chicken Feed* aka, Candy Corn or other small Halloween candy
Felt scraps for eyes and mouth (if desired)
Use your felt as a guide around the top of the mason jar. Then cut a triangle. Remove the paper backing and seal the sticky edges, to form a rounded cone. (Careful not to stick it to anything you don't want it stuck to, it's hard to pull apart). Trim as needed for a smooth seam. With the remaining felt, lay out on the bottom of the jar, and cut a circle at least one inch wider than the jar bottom. Remove the paper backing and stick to the bottom of the jar. Take the pointed Witches hat and stick it to the circle, centering it as much as possible, then form your cone and brim to suit your taste. With the scraps left from the hat, cut eyes and mouth to suit. Fill the jar with candy and secure to the screw-on feeder base.
Note: I have seen the plastic feeder bases and you might be able to find one in a suitable Halloween color at your local feed store. I did see green and yellow ones, but there may even be Orange and black. Or with a little more time and expense you can spray paint a base in a color to suit your project.
Happy Halloween Everyone! Enjoy!!
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