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]
Candy
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]
Cranberry Pistachio Chocolate Bark
Cranberry Pistachio Chocolate Swirl Bark could start a new holiday tradition in your family. Warning: It’s addictive and tends to disappear quickly! You can substitute chocolate chips for either or both of the white or dark chocolate. My preference is to use a candy chocolate (Wilton, CandiQuik, almond bark) since it melts better and is easier to work with, especially the white chocolate. Follow the package directions for melting in the microwave. Use a narrow utensil to create the swirls-- the point of a knife, a chopstick, the handle of wooden spoon – and move slowly to allow the chocolate time to flow. Stop when you have a design you like. When you add the cranberries and pistachios, it helps to press them into the chocolate just slightly. I’ve become a fan of non-stick ... [Read More]
Classic Oreo Truffles
Oreo Truffles can be made from plain chocolate Oreos, golden oreos or a flavored filling Oreo. My favorite is a mint filled Oreo Truffle dipped in chocolate. This was a special request so it is a Peanut Butter Chocolate Oreo dipped in chocolate. Pretty darn good! Be sure to use original Oreos -- not the Double Stuff filling. And yes, any brand you like is okay. (But would you have looked again if the title was Sandwich Cookie Truffles???) If you want to add sprinkles or chopped nuts to the top of the dipped balls, do it while the chocolate is still warm so they will stay in place. The time needed for chilling means you need to plan ahead a bit to make these. I prefer to chill the mixture for about an hour before using a cookie dip to measure out the individual balls. To me it is ... [Read More]
