I made a batch of these and took them to Thanksgiving Dinner. People descended on them, saying Oh my grandma used to make these and I loved them. Straight from the Sixties and Seventies, folks. Or Eighties. Or Nineties. Or the Aughts. Guess that’s what makes them a classic! It is tempting to roll out the candy mixture and treat it like cookie dough. Does not work well, as the small mints are difficult to handle and quickly become distorted beyond recognition. I tried! The stars and Christmas trees on the plate were the result. Total result! At least, that remained recognizable. And they took as much time as the rest of the mints put together. Your mileage may vary, but I found the roll and press method far more efficient and consistently better looking. Leaving the mints ... [Read More]
Candy
Double Chocolate Toasted Almond Clusters
Double Chocolate Toasted Almond Clusters are so very easy to make and yet look super elegant and gift worthy! Toasting the almonds takes a little extra time and effort, but so worth it for the extra flavor and crunch. Toast them ahead of time, if you want, while baking dinner one night or another batch of goodies. Only ten minutes in a 350 degree oven makes a big difference. When adding white melting chocolate to slow cooker, break into pieces at the score. Or some brands come in little “cubes” in individual cups. Easier to melt than a big chunk. Baker’s German Chocolate is a sweet baking chocolate – also scored to break into easy to melt chunks. The chocolate chips add a different flavor to the mix. I have also used dark chocolate chips--but I like dark chocolate. Use the low ... [Read More]
Rocky Road Bars
Rocky Road Bars arrived in a Christmas card envelope. The recipe that is. My cousin sent it with a warning that it made a humungous amount. Storing leftovers in the freezer, she discovered they came out soft and immediately edible--- did not diminish the capacity to charm. The only defense in the effort to avoid total consumption was to gift the candy immediately to someone else. The very large batch issue was easily fixed by cutting the measurements in half and putting it into a smaller pan. I also streamlined the process by developing microwave instructions –giving the potential of making another batch even more quickly. Just in case, anyone missed the other half. And then we sampled the first batch. Keep in mind, I am not a marshmallow fan. But. . . . This is seriously ... [Read More]
Eggnog Fudge
Wow! It tastes just like eggnog! That's what everyone says who tastes Eggnog Fudge for the first time. Truth in advertising. It really does taste just like eggnog! If you like the taste of nutmeg and eggnog, you'll love this! Gather the ingredients for this before you begin. It will take a while to reach 234 degrees and you will need to stir quite frequently, but once the thermometer reaches that point things will move quickly. When you add the white chocolate chips, try to spread them around so they will melt quickly instead of dumping them all in one spot where they will clump. And take forevah to melt. Chill before cutting. With these little hints, Eggnog Fudge goes together quickly and easily. And when you are done, it will taste just like eggnog! Eggnog Fudge ... [Read More]
Gooey Golden Chex Mix
Gooey Golden Chex Mix. You can’t just have one taste. Once you start eating, it is “just one more handful” until the bowl is empty. Great stuff to package for neighbor gifts. Perfect addition to a snack buffet for any occasion. Just don’t make it too far ahead. Because -- it will disappear before it becomes a gift. Just try resisting temptation by sealing this mix in gallon zip bags and putting it away. Somehow a bag always ends up back onto the counter with less in it. Cereal – that should count for breakfast, right? Trip to the kitchen for coffee – need a go with snack. Lunch time – dessert. Out the dining room door to feed the birds – just a small handful as a reward for helping little creatures. Back to the office – a small bowl won’t hurt. No wonder some folks call this ... [Read More]
Ritz Turtles
Ritz turtles – caramel and pecans atop a Ritz cracker and smothered in chocolate. Crispy, salty, smooth sweetness with the crunch of pecans – all covered in chocolate deliciousness. These yummy bites are so easy to make you won’t believe it. You will want to double this recipe. Don’t. Make two, or even three or four, batches. By the time you get to the last cracker, the caramel is beginning to set up in the bowl. So repeat the recipe instead of doubling it. Because you will want more. For the same reason, divide the chocolate and only melt half of it at one time. The chocolate begins to set up by the time you get to the 16th or 17th cracker. Use a candy chocolate like almond bark or candiquik for best results. I don’t know how long you can store them in the refrigerator, ... [Read More]
