Maple Fudge

I am annoyed with myself as I forgot to take pictures of the maple fudge I made Michael for our Anniversary February 1st. But I do want to get the recipe down as the first batch I made at Christmas - although very tasty was a little crumbly. So this time it was PERFECT!

1 can sweetened condensed milk
1 cup brown sugar
1 1/4 cups butterscotch chips
2 sticks of butter
3 teaspoons maple extract

Place all ingredients except the maple extract into a 2-quart microwave safe mixing bowl and microwave on high for 10 minutes, stopping and stirring every 2 minutes. THE MIXTURE IS VERY HOT - so be CAREFUL! Let cool slightly and then beat with a mixer for 2 minutes. Add the extract and beat for another 3 to 4 minutes. It almost looks caramel in texture but it does come out fudge consistency.

Spread mixture into a parchment paper-lined 8 x 8 inch square pan or you can also just butter the pan really well. I have done fudge both ways and it works fine. Chill to set and then cut into squares. I think it was close to 60 to 64 squares.

Chocolate Caramels

Not the best picture but they are very good! They turned out perfect this year too. Sometimes they are a little soft. These were chewy and firm like a caramel. Michael usually makes these because they require lots of stirring and my arm goes out before they come to tempature. We wrap them together too and it is nice Christmas tradition for us. Sitting at the table talking, Christmas music playing in the background, the tree sparkling with lights while we wrap the caramels. I like making them not only because they are tasty but I only need to make one batch and it will cover all the goodie trays I make every year because they make such a big batch.



2 cups sugar
2 cups whipping (heavy) cream
3/4 Light Corn Syrup
1/2 cups margarine or butter
2 ounces unsweetened chocolate - chopped

Butter square pan - 8x8 or 9x9. Heat sugar, cream, corn syrup, butter and chocolate to boiling in a 3 quart saucepan over medium heat. Stirring constantly. Cook to 245 degrees on candy thermometer or until small amount of mixture dropped into very cold water forms a firm ball that holds its shape until pressed. Spread in buttered pan. Cool. Cut in squares. Wrap individually in plastic wrap or wax paper.

Mint Thins

I love mint flavoring but I think Michael likes it even more. So I always keep my eye out for mint recipes so that I can make him a minty treat. I have tried two different kinds of brownies but neither really was great. I saw this recipe in Kraft's Food & Family magazine (which is a free magazine by the way.) And frankly I kind of turned my nose up at them as Ritz Cracker being the base didn't sound like a good idea to me. But I have to say these were an unexpected surprise! The salt from the Ritz mixed with the mint chocolate just made it a perfect pairing.

I had quite a few people ask about them and they also just looked pretty on the trays I made up.


1 pkg. (8 squares) Semi-Sweet Baking Chocolate
1/4 tsp. peppermint extract (I used 1/2 tsp. because we like peppermint and it didn't smell like it would taste very minty)
1 sleeve RITZ Crackers (36 crackers)
1 peppermint candy cane (6 inch), crushed

Microwave chocolate in small microwaveable bowl as directed on package. Stir until completely melted. Blend in extract.

Dip crackers in melted chocolate, completely coating crackers with chocolate. Carefully scrape off excess chocolate. Place on waxed paper-covered baking sheets; sprinkle with crushed candy.

Refrigerate 30 min. or until chocolate is firm.

Valentine Treats

These are other treats that I did as packages for Valentines to send out to faraway friends!

I made heart cut out cookies - used the Caradmom Butter Cookie recipe I use at Christmas time.





Valentine Bark - again using the recipe I use at Christmas time but with Valentine M&M's.

Easy Chocolate Fudge

This recipes is so easy and I always get compliments on my fudge. Fudge was one of those things that always intimidated me. It is something I always thought I would screw up, but this one makes it fail proof at least it was for me. The best compliment for me was my Mom asking me for my fudge recipe. She now makes it like this too and she is a fabulous cook/baker!

3 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 (14-ounce) can Sweetened Condensed Milk (NOT evaporated milk)
Dash salt
1/2 to 1 cup chopped nuts (optional)
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

In heavy saucepan, over low heat, melt chips with sweetened condensed milk and salt. Remove from heat; stir in nuts and vanilla. Spread evenly into wax paper lined or buttered 8- or 9-inch square pan. Chill 2 hours or until firm. Turn fudge onto cutting board; peel off paper and cut into squares. Store loosely covered at room temperature.

I have not ever done these variations or made it by microwave but including them anyway.

Notes: Microwave: In 1-quart glass measure, combine chips with sweetened condensed milk and salt. Cook on 100% power (high) 3 minutes or until chips melt, stirring after each 1 1/2 minutes. Stir in remaining ingredients. Proceed as above.

Variations:
Creamy Dark Chocolate Fudge: Melt 2 cups miniature marshmallows with chips and Sweetened Condensed Milk. Proceed as above.

Milk Chocolate Fudge: Omit 1 (6-oz) package semi-sweet chocolate chips. Add 1 cup milk chocolate chips. Proceed as above.

Rocky Road Fudge: Omit 1 (6-ounce) package semi-sweet chocolate chips, salt, nuts, and vanilla. In saucepan, melt chips with Eagle Brand® and 2 tablespoons margarine or butter. In large bowl, combine 2 cups dry-roasted peanuts and 1 (10 1/2-ounce) package miniature marshmallows. Stir in chocolate mixture. Spread in wax paper-lined 13 x 9-inch pan. Proceed as above. (Makes about 2 3/4 pounds)

Festive Bark

The Recipe:


16 oz vanilla/almond bark - candy coating - chopped
2 cups small pretzel twists
3/4 cup Red and Green M&M's


Line a cookie sheet with waxed paper. Melt candy coating in a medium saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly. Take off heat and add remaining ingredients, toss to coat. Spread mixture thinly on waxed paper-lined cookie sheet. Let stand until set. Break into pieces.