I have 2 recipes, the first is a traditional that we put in our Christmas gift baskets that we have given out for the last 6 years, each year we put in about 7 or 8 different items, the other is one i found last year that was an instant hit. Christmas Fudge 3 cups granulated sugar 3/4 cup butter 2/3 cup evaporated milk 1 cup chopped pecans 1 (7-ounce) jar marshmallow creme 1 (6-ounce) package or 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips 1. Grease a 9-inch square pan; set aside. 2. Combine sugar, butter and evaporated milk in a saucepan. Cook to the soft-ball stage.* 3. Remove from the heat and stir in pecans, marshmallow creme and chocolate chips. Stir until smooth then pour into pan. Refrigerate until firm. Makes 16. *'Soft-ball' describes the point at which a drop of boiling syrup immersed in cold water, when removed, forms a soft ball that flattens of its own accord but does not ooze. On a candy thermometer, the soft-ball stage is between 234° and 240°F. Holiday Truffles Ingredients: 1 (12-oz.) pkg. (2 cups) semi-sweet chocolate chips 1/4 cup orange-flavored liqueur or 1 teaspoon orange extract (also used a splash of rum in one batch) 1 can chocolate fudge or chocolate frosting Coconut, chocolate sprinkles, ground nuts or cocoa* Preparation Directions: 1. Melt chocolate chips in medium saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly; remove from heat. Stir in orange liqueur and frosting; blend well. Refrigerate 1 to 2 hours or until firm. 2. Place coconut* in pie pan. Scoop mixture into 1-inch balls; drop onto coconut. We also used powdered sugar, a cinnamon sugar mixture and a cocoa powder mixture for the coatings. (Mixture will be sticky). Roll to coat. Place in foil candy cups, if desired. Store in refrigerator.
