Valentine's Day has a few traditions around our house. Wheels comes up with beautiful heartfelt cards that make me cry. And sometimes the perfect -- although quite unexpected -- gift. When Bytes and his brother were little I would find something red to gift them -- a red truck, a red book, red handled pliers, red earbuds -- something small and red that fit their interests at the time. And I always make something special to eat. Peanut Butter Chocolate Bars fits right in the special category, from the peanut butter cup bottom to the peanut butter hearts on the top. The peanut butter bar is a classic knock off of Reese's Peanut Butter Cups. Use graham cracker crumbs in the box if you have them on the shelf. To make your own, use 9 sheets (2 squares each) of graham crackers. ... [Read More]
candy
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]
Fabulous Fudge – 5 minutes, 3 ingredients to make THE Best gift fudge ever!
Fabulous Fudge is so easy to make it's almost embarrassing. This quick and easy recipe came to me literally on a plate. A plate with three kinds of fudge dreams to delight the tastebuds. And, such a sweet friend, she included the basic recipe! Make it once and it will become your signature gift, too. The directions started "Line an 8×8 pan with waxed paper, covering the bottom and up the sides. Do NOT skip this step or you’ll be sorry!!!!" No, she didn't mean armed thugs show up at your door threatening to break your legs. It’s just that the fudge will come out of the pan in messy spoonfuls instead of beautiful, giftable squares. I've started using non-stick aluminum foil instead of the waxed paper. Releases the fudge well and is stronger for lifting out of the pan to the ... [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. 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. Back to the office – a small bowl won’t hurt. No wonder some folks call this Christmas Crack. You’ve been warned. And I’m going to have to make another batch for Christmas ... [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]
