Christmas treat recipes
Who doesn't LOVE Fudge?
Traditions
Since my mother passed away in 2006 Christmas has been a difficult time for me to 'get into the spirit', in the process my family has suffered during the Holiday's. At some point this past year I came to the conclusion that in order for things to move forward it is going to have to be me who does the 'moving'. My Mom was always the one who made Christmas fun for me and my kids, I now know that in order to make Christmas something more than a 'Buy Me!' holiday I am going to have to be the one to bring old and new traditions in to my family.
A couple of years ago I started making crocheted gifts for my kids and grand kids. That is all well and good, but most folks remember the yummy foods that are to be eaten during the holiday's more than anything. I know as a child my fondest memories were all the various treats that my Mom made. I have expounded on those recipes and even created a couple of my own.
It is of course up to you to make your own traditions but I would like to give you a couple of ideas to get yourself started!
I call this my Peanut Butter Cup Fudge
Yum!!
Peanut Butter Cup Fudge
Cook Time
Ingredients
- 2 sticks (1 Cup) Butter or margarine
- 1 12 oz can evaporated milk
- 4 1/2 Cups sugar
- 18 oz. Semi sweet Chocolate chips, I buy the 24 oz. bag and reserve 3/4 C.
- 1 1/2 Cup Peanut Butter, smooth or crunchy whatever your preference
- 1 1/2 tsp. Vanilla
- Mix sugar, butter and milk in large non-stick pan. Cook over medium heat. Bring to a boil that doesn't stir down, boil for about 8 minutes or until 234 degrees on a candy thermometer. You are looking for a 'soft ball stage', which means when poured over an ice cube or into cold water forms a soft sticky ball.
- Add marshmallow peanut butter, chocolate chips and vanilla. Stir until all are melted and combined well. Pour into oiled or sprayed 9 x 13 cake pan or a 1 inch deep 11 x 17 cookie sheet. Let set, cut into 1 inch squares. Share and Enjoy!!
Microwave candy!
Who doesn't love quick - easy and delicious? This next recipe goes so darned fast you'll want to make lots more!
Butter Finger Candy
Butterfinger candy
1 C. sugar
½ C. light corn syrup
1 tsp. baking soda
1 TBSP. Butter
1 tsp. vanilla
3/4 Cup. Chocolate chips (use the reserved from the Fudge)
In 3 qt. glass bowl combine sugar and corn syrup (it will be VERY thick)
Cook on high for 3:10 (that's 3 minutes 10 seconds), Make sure you use pot holders, pull it out and give it a good stir. Put it back in for another 3:10. That's it for the cooking!! At this point it should be slightly discolored - a very light brown. Stir in the baking soda, butter and vanilla. Quickly pour on a greased cookie sheet (yes, even non-stick) Using a heat safe spatula or wooden spoon spread it around (the baking soda makes it foamy) let it set for 1 minute, then sprinkle the chocolate chips over it. Let it set for another minute or two to soften the chips. Then using a butter knife or spatula spread the chocolate around evenly. When cooled completely break into bite sized pieces and enjoy!!
All we are is what we leave behind
Remember folks those store bought gew-gads are great for the moment, but the things that live on are those that we share with others. Take those memories of what you remember and add new ones for those who will follow you.
