What to bring for Thanksgiving if you don't bake...

We all want to contribute a little something when we visit for the holidays, but let's face it folks, not everyone likes to bake. So I thought I'd do a little round-up of different ideas and links to recipes and my Pinterest Boards for inspiration. Sound like fun? Good:@) I think when we all hear of fudge we think fussy, and thermometers, and lot's of work. And yes, that fudge is amazing... But I'm here to say you can make some ~easy~ and darn good fudge by starting with a quality chocolate chip. I encourage you to try this Microwave Rum Raisin Fudge and it might just become your signature holiday dish...

Fruitcake Fudge ~ Maple Walnut Cranberry Fudge ~ Everything with my Fudge Label

And I don't think any hostess would mind you showing up with this Cranberry Meatball Appetizer. Just be sure it's already warm and in your own slow cooker ready to serve. Maybe you even bring some cute food picks... Perfect:@) Meatball Pinterest Board here.

With charcuterie still all the rage, how about some Holiday Stuffed Celery with cream cheese, bacon and dill. Easy and this variation is honestly really pretty:@) I've shared over 14 different stuffed celery variations, why not make a sweet and savory tray. Maybe cut them into 1" bite size pieces and again, add some food picks for serving.

And you probably already guessed I'd add Deviled Eggs:@) People kinda think they are a lot of work, but they do come together fairly quickly, especially if you use a disposable icing bag to fill the whites. Another tip: Easy Peel Instant Pot Hard Boiled Eggs Technique-it works! You could make your Grandmom's basic recipe, or add lots of additional flavors, or even make them silly looking. My Deviled Egg Pinterest Board has 73 ideas and continues to grow...

And speaking of silly... A personal favorite, Cranberry and Strawberry Jello Mold with Apple, Celery and Walnuts. Talk about a conversation starter:@) Just look at that gorgeous color folks... Oh my, tell me this doesn't scream the holidays... Or how about an orange colored Carrot and Pineapple one. My Jello Pinterest Board here.

Why not pick up a bag or two of candy corn while it's marked down and make some kiddy table party favors... These Turkey Toes are literally as easy as pouring candy into bags and adding ribbon-done. And they're sure to bring a giggle or two:@)

Or maybe you'd like to bring a quick no-sew project for the kids... These Holiday Aprons fit Barbie, Curvy Barbie, Ken, Action Figure Dolls ~and yes~ even Elf on the Shelf:@) I'd cut them out ahead of time and bring ribbon and embellishments for the kids to glue together-fun! And of course the fabric could be any design or color. My Barbie Pinterest Board here.

So there you have just a few ideas from almost 14 years of blogging. My Recipe Index shares everything I've made broken down by category if you have something specific in mind. And I do have a Thanksgiving and Christmas Holiday Food and Desserts Board here. I hope you find something new to make!

🦃Happy Holiday Planning and

Have a Great Weekend:@)

ReView: Lemon Fudge & Barbie Fairy Bubble Wands

If you're looking for a tasty little sweet treat that's perfect for spring, Easter, Mother's Day or any day... This Lemon Fudge will fit the bill. Fudge is also something different for folks that don't bake to bring to holiday get-togethers. Creamy, smooth and mild, it will appeal to most. Sprinkles are optional, but always fun:@)

As the weather begins to get nicer,

how about a little craft the kids can play with outside...

These Fairy Bubble Wands for Barbie

are an easy project most kids can help make from pipe cleaners and beads:@)

Boys can make them for their action figure dolls too...

🌷Have a Happy Weekend🌷

Saturday ReView: Fruitcake Fudge & DIY Barbie Clothes Christmas Gifts -Free Patterns

If you're looking for a new candy to present as gifts or to add to the cookie tray this year, this White Chocolate Fruitcake Fudge is very tasty, an easy microwave recipe and very pretty! I like that in a holiday recipe:@) It's also extremely versatile, use whatever fruit/nut add-ins and liquor you like. 

You can find my other fudge recipes here.

If you'd like to create some outfits for the dolls as Christmas gifts, here are links to free patterns for a Ribbon Dress, a Pillow Case Dress, and a Party Dress. You can also click my Pinterest Board for more ideas and inspiration:@)

Happy holiday planning and have a great weekend:@)

Chocolate Candy Fondue, Using Leftover or Extra Holiday Candy -Little Dipper Crock Pot

The beauty of this Chocolate Candy Fondue is, while it's true that we the kids will still be eating chocolate, you can sneak in a few healthier options for the dippers... Like, bananas, strawberries, grapes, oranges or apple slices. The second great thing is, it helps use up some of the extra candy we all have after Halloween or Christmas. I made a half batch and used Snickers so you see some nuts. This pic is also after it was heated up twice. I think this fondue is a fun idea and something most everyone will enjoy-I know I did:@)

After heating for an hour (the first time) it will look very liquidy. 

Simply keep stirring and you'll see that it will come together into a glossy, creamy, ganache type consistency.

Be sure to chop your candy bars (Snickers, Milky Way, etc.) into bits about the same size as the chocolate chips.

Chocolate Candy Fondue, Little Dipper Crock Pot-adapted from A Year of Slow Cooking
1 1/2 C chocolate-a mixture of chocolate chips and chopped candy-use at least 1/2 chips.
1/2 C heavy cream-I used Half and Half
1 tsp vanilla

1. Add everything to Little Dipper Crock Pot.
2. Place folded paper towel under lid and let heat up for one hour.
3. Carefully remove lid so condensation doesn't drip back into chocolate and stir until a glossy, smooth consistency.
4. Serve with fruit, cookies, graham crackers, pretzels, marshmallows, pound cake, etc.

Go ahead, ~treat~ yourself and have a happy day:@)

I'm Joining:
Wonderful Wednesday

Fruitcake White Chocolate Fudge-Easy Microwave Recipe

I like to share a fudge recipe at Thanksgiving for a couple reasons, 1. it kinda kicks off the holiday season for me and 2. for folks that don't bake, quick microwave fudge is a nice easy sweet treat to bring to gatherings. ~You are welcome~ she says with a mouthful of fudge:@) I've had visions of this Fruitcake White Chocolate Fudge dancing around in my head since last year... And I'm pleased with the way it turned out. Don't hesitate to give this one a try folks, it might even convert a fruitcake hater or two:@)

Important Notes:

• White chocolate chips do NOT like to melt... It's best to find a nice melting white chocolate, if you only have chips (as I did), chop them up with a knife before microwaving (as I did not...).
• I like the colorful red cherries, so I leave them bigger and only cut them in half. Adding green cherries would be very Christmasy!
• Use at least 1/4 C and closer to 1/2 cup of raisins, they are what soaks up the liquor.
• The nuts are very nice in this, use at least 1/4 C and I suggest more.
• I put all of the add-ins into a measuring cup/bowl and pour the soaked raisins and vanilla on top of that bowl as well. That way everything is ready to be added to the melted chocolate all at once.
• I used 2 cups of fruit/nut add-ins, I would probably use 2 1/2 C next time.
• Stir fast! This fudge will set-up quickly.

I found the red candied cherries and all other dried fruit at Dollar Tree this year.

Fruitcake White Chocolate Microwave Fudge
14 oz can Sweetened Condensed Milk
12 oz white chocolate chips-I used Ghirardelli
2 - 2 1/2 C chopped mix/match traditional fruitcake add ins:
-dried apricots
-dried cranberries-I, um, forgot I had these-bummer
-dried pineapple
-candied cherries
-raisins
-nuts of choice-I used toasted walnuts
2 Tblsp liquor of choice: dark rum, brandy, bourbon or orange liquor
1 tsp vanilla

1. Microwave raisins in liquor of choice for 20 seconds. I had dark rum. Stir and set aside as you chop the rest of the fruit and nuts.
2. Heat milk and white chocolate in microwave safe bowl for about 30 seconds. Stir, zap in little spurts until the chocolate has melted and is smooth.
3. Quickly stir in everything else.  
4. Pour into an 8x8 pan that has been lined with non-stick foil. Press down a bit and spread evenly.
5. Chill at least one hour (longer is better), cut into squares and enjoy.

Several other varieties and flavor combinations can be found under my fudge label HERE.

Have a sticky sweet happy day:@)

I'm Joining:
The Scoop
Show and Tell
Full Plate Thursday
Share Your Cup
Foodie Friday and Everything Else
Inspiration Gallery
What to do Weekends
Friday Frenzy
Candy Plan Monday

Quick and Easy 5 Ingredient Peanut Butter Fudge

This Five (Pantry) Ingredient Peanut Butter Fudge is a great emergency fudge... It whips up in no time with items most of us easily have on-hand. Emergency fudge??? Can you relate? Yea, I thought so:@) Creamy and smooth, and of course it's peanut buttery and sweet. This is also easy enough for teenagers to make (read: great for sleep-overs or teacher gifts). And once again I suggest fudge for folks that don't bake but would like to bring something homemade to holiday gatherings. I think you'll be happy if you try this one folks!

I made a half batch in a 4x8" bread pan lined with Reynolds Release.

I couldn't smooth the top so I added the chocolate sprinkles and pushed them down with my fingers. Any seasonal sprinkles would look great.

One note: This does make a thinner batch (maybe 1/2" high) fudge. 

Either use a smaller dish or increase the recipe by half if you like a thicker piece of fudge.

Quick and Easy Five Ingredient Peanut Butter Fudge-from SimpleFood365.com
2 C sugar
1/2 C milk-I used Half and Half
1/4 tsp salt-I used Kosher
1/2 tsp vanilla
1 C peanut butter, creamy or chunky-your choice-I used creamy

1. Add sugar and milk to large sauce pan, heat over medium-high and stir until the sugar melts.
2. Stop stirring and let mixture come to a boil. Set timer for about 2.5 minutes (I set my timer for 2 minutes and then one-Mississippi'd to the count of 30:@). Don't stir, just wait.
3. Remove from heat, add salt, vanilla and peanut butter. Stir quickly until just combined.
4. Pour into foil lined 8x8" pan, quickly smooth top. Cool completely, cut and serve.

Have a sticky sweet happy day:@)

I'm Joining:
Craftastic Monday
Full Plate Thursday
Foodie Friday

Easy Three Ingredient Chocolate Caramel Marshmallow Fudge

Warning: This recipe is dangerously easy folks... While I can't remember eating fudge as a kid it is something I do enjoy now. And to celebrate football season being back (that's my story any way:@) I thought I'd whip up a batch of Chocolate Caramel Marshmallow Fudge. The original recipe calls for regular sweetened condensed milk, I happened to have the caramel flavor, that was very nice too.

My crew really enjoyed this fudge and said they could taste the caramel.
I made a half batch and used a 4 x 8.5" bread pan.

A pic of the milk I had. 

Chocolate Marshmallow Fudge-from That Skinny Chick Can Bake
14 oz can Sweetened Condensed Milk-I had caramel flavor
12 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips-I like Ghirardelli
3 C mini marshmallows

1. Heat milk and chocolate in microwave safe bowl for about 30 seconds. Stir, zap a little longer until the chips have melted and it's smooth.
2. Stir in marshmallows.
3. Pour into an 8x8 pan that has been lined with non-stick foil. Press down a bit and spread evenly.
4. Chill at least one hour (longer is better), cut into squares and enjoy.

Have a sticky sweet happy day:@)

I'm Joining:
Craftastic Monday
Mix It Up Monday
The Scoop
Full Plate Thursday
Wildly Original Link Party
Foodie Friday

Lemon Fudge

While it might not make sense I'm going to say it anyway... This Lemon Fudge is a 'lighter' fudge for Easter and spring. Unfortunately not lighter in calories, but lighter in color, flavor and ~feel~. It's creamy and sweet, the pale yellow is beautiful and the lemon flavor is mellow and smooth. This is just a happy little fudge folks, I think you'll like it if you try it:@)

Sprinkles can be changed up for St. Patrick's Day, Mother's Day or even team colors for opening day... 

Actually, the fudge is really great plain too.

 I made a half batch in a bread pan lined with Reynolds Release and only added one drop of yellow food coloring.

  Fudge is a great treat for non-bakers to bring to a holiday dinner or party.

Easy and good, ya gotta love it!

Lemon Fudge-adapted from Through Clouded Glass and Recipe Lion
1 1/2 C sugar
2/3 C whole milk or cream-I used half and half
1/4 C butter
1 1/2 C white chocolate chips-I used Ghirardelli
1 Tblsp lemon extract
1 tsp lemon zest, optional-I added it
2-3 drops yellow food coloring if desired-I desired
Sprinkles for top, optional

1. Place sugar, milk/cream and butter in pan. While stirring, bring to a boil over medium heat.
2. Once it boils stop stirring and boil it for 5 minutes.
3. Remove from heat and stir, add chips, extract, zest and food coloring. Stir vigorously until smooth (I gave up on the spatula and used a whisk). 
4. Pour into a buttered 8x8 dish (I lined mine with Reynolds Release instead). Immediately add sprinkles and gently push into fudge.
5. Cool at least 6 hours in the fridge, cut into squares and enjoy!
6. Store in air tight container in fridge.

Have a sticky sweet happy day:@)

I'm Joining:
Craftastic Monday
Mix It Up Monday
The Scoop
Whimsy Wednesday
Full Plate Thursday
Creative Ways Link Party
Foodie Friday
Easter Recipes and More Round-Up

Five Minute Candy Cane Fudge

Well, it's here folks... Christmas week. Are you ready? I wanted to share one last idea that whips up quickly, is seasonally tasty, and ~as a bonus~ helps use up some candy canes:@) This Five Minute Candy Cane Fudge couldn't be easier and makes a very pretty gift. Simply make the foolproof fudge recipe that's been around forever and cover it crushed candy canes. Very festive!

Chocolate and peppermint are a perfect flavor combination.

5 Minute Candy Cane Fudge 
2 Tblsp butter
2/3 C evaporated milk (a 12oz can makes 2 batches)
1 1/2 C sugar
1/4 tsp salt
2 C mini marshmallows-or 16 regular sized marshmallows
1 1/2 C good semi-sweet chocolate chips (I like Ghirardelli)
1 tsp vanilla
Crushed Candy Canes to cover top, approximately 6-8

1. Combine butter, milk, sugar and salt in sauce pan over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
2. Bring to a full boil and cook for 5 minutes, stirring constantly.
3. Remove from heat and add marshmallows, chips and vanilla. Stir vigorously until marshmallows melt and blend in. Keep stirring... it will happen:@)
4. Pour into 8" square buttered pan (I just line the pan with Reynolds Release).
5. Immediately sprinkle the top with crushed candy canes and gently press them into the warm fudge. (Or just sprinkle half with the candy canes and you'll have two types of fudge.)
6. Cool and cut into squares.

Have a sticky sweet happy day!

And remember... Christmas calories don't count:@)

I'm Joining:
Foodie Friday

Microwave Rum, Raisin and Nut Fudge

I love the idea of making fudge for Thanksgiving and Christmas, it's especially nice if you want to bring a treat and don't bake. Let's take that one step further and say this Rum, Raisin and Nut Fudge comes together in no time (start to clean-up in less than 30 minutes). These flavors are warm and homey and would be a perfect treat for the holiday season. I think you'll like this if you try it folks:@)

Notes:

• Instead of letting my raisins soak in the rum for 30 minutes I mixed them in a bowl and microwaved them for 20 seconds. This works great.
• Speaking of raisins... add more!
• Toast the nuts for better flavor. 350 degrees for about 8-10 minutes. Don't walk away, if you begin to smell the nuts take them out of the oven.
• Speaking of nuts... add more!
• If you use peanuts this would be like a grown-up Chunky Bar:@)
• You can make the fudge more festive by adding some holiday colored sprinkles to the top if desired.

Microwave Rum, Raisin and Nut Fudge-adapted from gazingin.com
18 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips-I like Ghirardelli
14 oz sweetened condensed milk
1/2 C raisins
2 Tblsp rum-I used Myers Dark Rum
1/2 C nuts of your choice-I used walnuts, original recipe used honey roasted peanuts
1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

1. Line 8x8 pan with parchment paper, leaving 2" hanging over sides so you can lift it out. I use Reynolds Release.
2. Soak the raisins in rum for 30 minutes or microwave for 20 seconds. Toast nuts if necessary.
3. Pour chips and milk in large microwave safe glass bowl. Heat on high for approximately one minute, stir well. **Note: Every microwave is different, mine runs very hot so I set it for 45 seconds-adjust accordingly. If all of the chips haven't melted you can put it back into the microwave and heat for short spurts, approx 10 seconds, until the candy is smooth. You'll do a lot of stirring so eat your Wheaties for breakfast:@)
4. Quickly stir in the raisins, nuts and vanilla. I just spooned the raisins into the chocolate, leaving whatever rum was left in the bowl. You can pour it all in if you'd like.
5. Quickly pour into prepared pan and refrigerate until set, a few hours or so.

You'll find eight other recipes and ideas grouped as 'fudge' in my recipe index HERE.

Happy holiday planning:@)

I'm Joining:
Foodie Friday
Link Party Palooza
featured on Edible Crafts

A Theme'd Link-Up for All Things Thanksgiving

5 Minute White Fudge Eyeballs

The famous 5 Minute Fudge recipe has been around forever, but there's nothing that says it can't be changed up a bit by using white chocolate chips:@) And since Halloween is coming up quickly... White Fudge Eyeballs sounded like a fun project. After the fudge cools for about a half hour break off little 1" pieces and using the heat from your hands roll it into a ball, gently press a candy eyeball disk into the ball.

They did give the kids a chuckle!

These Wilton Halloween eyeballs make decorating a breeze.

Of course another fun option would be covering the top of the hot fudge with Halloween colored sprinkles HERE.

Fudge is always a fun treat and any white chocolate lover would enjoy this for the holidays, 

simply change the sprinkles to match Thanksgiving or Christmas colors.

5 Minute White Fudge-adapted from Nestle
2 Tblsp butter
2/3 C evaporated milk-the 12oz can makes 2 batches
1 2/3 C sugar
1/2 tsp salt
2 C mini marshmallows
1 1/2 C good white chocolate chips-I like Ghirardelli
1 tsp vanilla
Candy eyeballs or colored sprinkles

1. Combine butter, milk, sugar and salt in sauce pan over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
2. Bring to a full boil and cook for 5 minutes, stirring all the time.
3. Remove from heat and add marshmallows, chips and vanilla. (It's best to have all of this already measured out in a bowl ready to pour into the pot). NOTE: White chips don't melt as well as chocolate ones, you might want to either chop them up a bit with a knife or heat them in the microwave a bit before adding them.
4. Stir vigorously until marshmallows and chips melt and blend in-a minute or two.
5. Pour into 8" square buttered pan (I just line the pan with Reynolds Release tin foil).
6. Cool about 30 minutes, roll 1" pieces of fudge between hands to make ball. Press in candy eyeball. ~Alternately, once fudge is poured into pan cover top with sprinkles, gently press in. Allow to cool completely and cut into squares. 

Eye'll be having a piece of fudge, you have a happy day:@)

I'm Joining:
Mix It Up Monday
Craftastic Monday
The Scoop
Whimsy Wednesday
Wildly Original Linky Party
Full Plate Thursday
featured on Edible Crafts
Awesome Life
Foodie Friday
Kitchen Fun and Crafty Friday
Link Party Palooza
featured on Totally Tutorials
Halloween Spooktacular Linky Party

4th of July Fudge -aka Ridiculously Easy Layered Fudge

The minute I saw the Oreo Fudge that Bloggy Buddy Liz made I bookmarked it. The only thing is, I'm one of the two people in the world that's not fond of Oreo's... So, I could either sub the cookies with chocolate chip cookies or opt to leave them out entirely. I went with the latter and coated the top with red, white and blue jimmies. This Fourth of July Fudge truly is ridiculously easy to make and can be changed up for any holiday simply by using color coordinated jimmies or candy on the top. I think you'll like it if you try it folks:@)

I used a 4.5x8.5 bread pan to make sure I had nice thick pieces of fudge. You can get the Oreo version HERE.

This is a nice soft, creamy fudge. I'm thinking it would be a great frozen summertime treat too:@)

Ridiculously Easy Layered Fudge-from That Skinny Chick Can Bake
14oz can sweetened condensed milk, stirred and divided in half-I used a kitchen scale
1 C semi-sweet chocolate chips-I used Ghirardelli
2 Tblsp butter-I cut back to 1 Tblsp 
1 C white chocolate chips-I used Ghirardelli

1. Line pan with non-stick foil. A bread pan made my fudge about 1" thick.
2. Place half of the milk and chocolate chips into a microwavable bowl. Microwave at 30 second intervals (or less-you know your microwave), stirring after each, until chips have melted.
3. Pour into pan and smooth top. I put it in the fridge while I mixed the rest.
4. Add remainder of milk, 2 Tblsp butter (if using) and white chips in a microwavable bowl. Microwave at 30 second intervals, stirring after each, until chips have melted.
5. Pour over the chocolate layer. Smooth top and add sprinkles or candy of your choice. Lightly press candy into fudge.
6. Place in fridge until firm, cut into squares and enjoy!

Have a sticky sweet happy day:@)

Featured on Edible Crafts
Full Plate Thursday
Foodie Friday
Link Party Palooza
Craftastic Monday
Featured on Totally Tutorials

Ouch! and a happy ending...

Tell me I'm not alone and we all occasionally have "one of those days". You know the kind, your head says you have this great idea and the finished product is just a disaster.

And what hurts even more than pride is the fact that it involves Ghirardelli chocolate...

Oh yes GF, I did... end up throwing out over a bag of Ghirardelli white chocolate chips-ouch!

Allow me to introduce...

Easter Egg Hunt Fudge
The idea was to give a wink and nod to an egg hunt with green coconut grass and jelly beans as the eggs.
Yea, don't do that...

Does it look like the eggs were run over by a lawn mower to anyone else? 
Not the look I was going for. Not to mention it was so sweet it hurt!
Thought about sticking the coconut to the top and adding a jelly bean, decided it would be too messy.

Now for the happy ending... let's talk about fudge, the edible, adult kind:@) 

Coconut is a great addition to this easy vanilla fudge! 

Coconut Fudge
3 C white chocolate chips-I used Ghirardelli
14 oz can sweetened condensed milk
1/4 C butter
1 tsp vanilla extract
*1 1/2 C coconut 

1. Line an 8x8 pan with foil on bottom and up the sides so you can lift the fudge out of the pan.
2. Put chips and milk in a 2 quart sauce pan and heat very slowly over low heat, stirring constantly until the chips melt. If you'd like to melt this in the microwave please see the Maple Walnut Fudge post.
3. Take off heat and add vanilla, stir until incorporated.
4. *Stir in coconut, work quickly.
5. Pour into pan, spread evenly and smooth top.
6. Cool uncovered in fridge until firm, approximately 2 hours.
7. Cut into small squares, and enjoy.

Note: *I suggest measuring the coconut and giving it a quick whirl in a food processor or chopping it a bit with a knife. 

Have a happy day:@)

Maraschino Cherry Fudge

How about an easy, last minute Valentine treat... I wanted a little something special for dinner with the boys tomorrow and decided to dress up 5 Minute Fudge by simply adding a maraschino cherry and cutting it with a heart shaped cookie cutter-wa-la! They'd be so pretty placed in mini cupcake papers.

 Fancy minus the fuss:@)

What to do with the scraps? How about Fudge Balls:

Let the heat of your hands soften the fudge,
when it gets shiny roll it into a ball and embellish with candy decorations.

5 Minute Fudge with Maraschino Cherries 
(Foolproof fudge! This recipe has been around forever and can be cut in half, just use a bread pan)
2 Tblsp butter
2/3 C evaporated milk (the 12oz can makes 2 batches)
1 2/3 C sugar
1/2 tsp salt
2 C mini marshmallows
1 1/2 C good semi-sweet choco chips (I like Ghirardelli)
1 tsp vanilla
Maraschino cherries, dried well

1. Combine butter, milk, sugar and salt in sauce pan over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
2. Bring to a full boil and cook for 5 minutes, stirring all the time.
3. Remove from heat and add marshmallows, chips and vanilla. (It's best to have all of this already measured out in a bowl ready to pour into the pot. I used walnuts in this post here.)
4. Stir vigorously until marshmallows melt and blend in (a minute or two).
5. Pour into 8" square buttered pan (I just line the bottom and sides of the pan with Reynolds Release or tin foil). Spread fudge out and smooth the top quickly.
6. Push cherries (that you have dried very well on paper towels) into the fudge.
7. Cool and cut into squares, or shapes with a cookie cutter. Note: it's easier to use the cookie cutter when the fudge is chilled and firm but not totally cold. 

Enjoy and have a happy day:@)

I'm joining:
Sweets for a Saturday
The Valentine Party
Valentine Par-Tay!
Foodie Friday
Seasonal Sunday

Maple Walnut Fudge

Hey everyone! Thanksgiving is the perfect holiday for maple flavored treats, how about a nice easy fudge recipe. I've made a few different types of fudge, some require candy thermometers and are pretty involved... This one can be made in about 15 minutes by simply microwaving chips! Just don't tell anyone how easy it is and maybe this will become your signature contribution to Turkey Day... leave the all day marathon triple layer mocha pumpkin latte cheesecake to someone else:@)

Maple Walnut Fudge
3 C white chocolate chips-I used Ghirardelli
14 oz can sweetened condensed milk
1/4 C butter
1 tsp Maple flavored extract
1 1/2 C broken walnut pieces

1. Grease an 8x8 baking dish and line with parchment paper, leave edges hanging over the side of dish. 
2. Melt chips, milk and butter in a microwavable bowl at 30 second intervals. Mix between each melting, do not over heat it the chocolate will scorch.
3. When melted, add extract and mix till incorporated, then stir in the walnuts (work quickly).
4. Pour into prepared pan and smooth top, chill at least one hour in fridge. Remove from pan, slice and enjoy!

My thoughts:

• Be careful with the microwaving, mine is super strong so I used a lot less than 30 second intervals.
• Always a good idea to toast the walnuts for a few minutes, and don't be afraid to leave some of them bigger.
• I found pure maple extract at TJ Maxx, yum!
• This is a very good fudge, especially for how super easy it is. 
• Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Woo Hoo it's Tuesday... don't hesitate to give this a try folks:@)

Adding another variation from Scrambled Henfruit HERE.

Have a happy day!

I'm joining:
It's A Keeper Thursday
Foodie Friday
The Thanksgiving Party

Some Great Fudge and a Holiday Sing Along:@)

Woo Hoo-Santa came through! Look at my great new runner, I'm lovin' it! Actually, my boys got it for me-thanks guys! Of course they are still looking at me funny and "who wants an elf riding a pig on their table???" may have been mumbled under egg nog'd breath, but I'm very happy:@)

5 Minute Fudge 
(Foolproof fudge! This recipe has been around forever)
2 Tblsp butter
2/3 C evaporated milk (the 12oz can makes 2 batches)
1 1/2 C sugar
1/4 tsp salt
2 C mini marshmallows-or 16 regular sized marshmallows
1 1/2 C good semi-sweet choco chips (I like Ghirardelli)
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 C chopped walnuts

1. Combine butter, milk, sugar and salt in sauce pan over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
2. Bring to a full boil and cook for 5 minutes, stirring all the time.
3. Remove from heat and add marshmallows, chips, vanilla and nuts. (It's best to have all of this already measured out in a bowl ready to pour into the pot. I added the nuts to the top this time, they do fall off, so I like them mixed in best.)
4. Stir vigorously until marshmallows melt and blend in (a minute or two).
5. Pour into 8" square buttered pan (I just line the pan with Reynolds Release or tin foil).
6. Cool and cut into squares.

Now for the song, I know you've all been waiting:@)

Squealing Thru The Snow

Sung to the tune of Jingle Bells:

Squealing thru the snow,

One silly elf on a pig,

O'er the fields we go,

Laughing at this gig!

Bells on curly tail ring,

Spirits make things bright,

What fun it is to laugh and sing,

A pig riding song tonight!

~~oh~~

Jingle [snort] bells, Jingle [snort] bells,

Jingle all the way,

Oh what fun it is to ride,

One holiday pig this day!

Everybody join in...

Have a happy day:@)
I'm joining:
Seasonal Sunday
It's A Wonderful Life!
Table Top Tuesday
Foodie Friday