Valentine Fudge...Only Two Ingredients!

 

This yummy strawberry fudge is just perfect for Valentine's Day and the best part is that it only has two ingredients in it.   It's so pretty and very tasty also.  So if you want to make your loved ones something homemade instead of buying the box of candy, this is a great idea.   You can also use any flavor frosting and change the flavor of the chips to make different flavors.  You could use vanilla frosting and chocolate chips for chocolate fudge or white chips and vanilla frosting for white chocolate fudge or add a few drops of flavoring to that to make it whatever flavor you want.  Here is all you will need:

1  16 oz. can of strawberry frosting
1  12 oz. bag of white chocolate chips
Valentine sprinkles

Place the chips in a glass bowl and microwave on hi for 1 minute and 30 seconds, stir.  Microwave for about 1 more minute and stir again.  Do this until the white chips are completely melted.  This depends on your microwave.  Mine took about 2 minutes.  

Remove the top and the aluminum from the top of the frosting.  Microwave it for about 20-30 seconds.  Be sure to remove all of that foil or you will have fireworks in the microwave.  There is a reason I know this!  Stir the frosting into the melted chips and blend really well. 

Pour this into a 8"x8" or a 9"x9" pan that you have lined with wax paper.  You can spray the dish with nonstick spray if you don't have wax paper, but I think the paper works better.

Sprinkle immediately with your Valentine sprinkles.  If you don't do this right away, they will not adhere and will fall off easily when you cut it.  Chill for at least an hour or two.  Cut in small squares and store in an airtight container.

Valentine Fudge!



Easy Peasy Butter Toffee!!!

I love butter toffee candy and if you do also, you won't believe how easy it is to make!  It's just a few simple ingredients and very little time!!!  This would be great for gift giving!!!  The trickiest part of this is not burning the toffee mixture!!! 

 Here is what you will need:

2 cups butter (do not use margarine)

2 cups sugar

1/4 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. vanilla flavoring

1  1/2 cups chopped pecans or walnuts

2 cups milk chocolate or semi sweet chocolate  chips

Cover a large sheet pan with nonstick foil or parchment paper.  Sprinkle evenly with the chopped nuts.

In a heavy, large sauce pan melt the butter, sugar and salt together over medium heat.  Bring to a boil stirring constantly.  After it comes to a boil turn the heat down just a little so it doesn't burn and cook, stirring constantly until it turns the color of peanut butter.  If you are using a candy thermometer it should reach 285 degrees.  Once it thickens and turns the color of peanut butter, remove from heat and add the vanilla flavoring.   This will burn quickly at this stage so be sure to get it off the heat now.   Pour mixture over the chopped nuts and spread it out evenly.  It might seem thin, but that is ok.

Let it sit for a minute or two and then sprinkle the chocolate chips even over the top.

 Let the chips set for about 5 minutes to get soft.  

When they are melted, spread the chips like icing with knife.   Then place in the refrigerator and chill for about an hour or two.  Then peel it off the paper and break into pieces.  Store in an airtight container!

It doesn't get much easier or more delicious than this!!! 

Candy Corn Fudge...only 2 Ingredients!

This "Candy Corn Fudge" is a fun little project to make with the children or for the children or for those that still act like children...lol.  I am thinking of myself when I say this.  This is so easy, because I used the old "2 - Ingredient Fudge" recipe and just added food coloring to make the candy corn effect.  I did have to double the usual recipe to get the layers thick enough, but if you have a really small  square dish, I guess you could make less.

Now, before someone asks... this does not have actual candy corn in it.  It is called 'candy corn fudge' only because it looks like candy corn and I guess it tastes a bit like it too.  The great thing about this is that it tastes better than candy corn to me!   Here is what you will need for this:

2  (12 oz.) bags of white chocolate chips

2 (16 oz,)  cans of vanilla frosting (or any white frosting, I used 1 cream cheese and 1 vanilla)

red and yellow food coloring

Melt the chocolate chips in the microwave.  Microwave them on high for about 2-3 minutes stirring after each minute.  Add the frosting and stir.  Microwave that for another minute or two.   Stir until it is all well blended and smooth.  You can also do this in top of a double boiler.

Line an 8"x 8" baking dish with wax paper or foil.  The Reynolds Wrap nonstick works great for this.

Pour 1/3 of the mixture in the dish for the first, white layer.  Place it in the fridge while you color the rest of the mixture.

Divide the rest of the mixture in half and tint one orange and one yellow.  

Remove the white layer from the fridge and pour the orange next over the white layer.  Pour it in rows, so you don't have to do much spreading it around.  Pour the yellow layer over the orange, last.  If the mixture starts to get too thick to pour, just stick it back in the microwave for a few seconds and stir.  Cover and refrigerate for at least 3-4 hours.

Turn it out on a cutting board and peel the foil off.  With a sharp knife cut it in rows. 

Gently lift the piece and turn it on it's side.  Cut in triangle shaped "candy corn' pieces.  You will have to trim up edges of the rows that were on the outside of the baking dish.  Use a dish with the straightest sides if you have one.  Kids and husbands will be more than happy to eat the trimmings!

You will notice that every other piece is not in the right color order of white, orange, yellow, but only the pickiest of people will notice that. 

The rows are also not real uniform either, but I looked at some pretty upscale candy corn (can candy corn be upscale...lol) and their rows were not so uniform either, so I was ok with it!

If you don't want to worry over cutting these candy corn shapes, cut it in squares and slap a piece of candy corn on top and it's still cute!

Cream Cheese Fudge!

This is one of those recipes I like to call 'easy peasy', because anyone can make it!  Homemade candy, and especially fudge can be tricky.   This recipe turns out great every time.  It's so creamy and not overly chocolate.   

Here is what you will need:

1 (8 oz.) pkg. cream cheese, softened to room temperature (do not use light or fat free)

2 cup semisweet chocolate chips, melted

4 cups confectioner's sugar

1 tsp. vanilla

1 cups chopped walnuts or pecans

Place the cream cheese in a mixing bowl and beat with an electric mixer until it's fluffy.  Add in the melted chocolate and vanilla until blended.  Gradually add in the confectioner's sugar.  Fold in the nuts.

Line an 8"x8" dish with buttered parchment or wax paper.  Overlap it a little so you can lift the candy out once it has firmed up.   Pour the fudge in the dish and smooth the top.  Refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight.  

Lift it out of the pan with the paper.  Remove the paper and cut in small squares.  It's ready to serve!  Now wasn't that easy peasy!!! 



Peanut Butter Snowballs!

These are yummy little peanut butter balls dipped in white chocolate!  If you have peanut butter lovers, they will really love these.   They are also really easy to make! 

 Here is what you will need:

1 cup creamy peanut butter

6 Tbs. butter, softened to room temperature

2 cups confectioner's sugar

1  1/2 lbs. almond bark ( white candy coating)

Place the peanut butter and butter in a mixing bowl and cream together with an electric mixer.  Slowly mix in the confectioner's sugar until well blended.

With a small cookie scoop, scoop out and roll into a little less than 1 inch balls and place on a cookie sheet lined with wax paper or parchment paper.  You should get about 30 pieces.  Place in the freezer and freeze for at least 2 hours...overnight is even better! 

When you are ready to dip them, melt the almond bark in the microwave per the package directions.  If you can't find the almond bark, you can substitute the same amount white chocolate chips with 1 Tbs. shortening added.   Dip with a toothpick and place on wax or parchment paper to dry.

When you pull the toothpick out it leaves a hole in the top, with a small spoon drizzle a little of the candy coating on top to cover it.  This gives them a pretty finish on top.  These are best kept refrigerated until ready to serve!



Ten Easy Candy Recipes...Perfect for Gift Giving!





This is a collection of ten of our easiest candies that are great for candy trays or for gift giving!  Sometimes a homemade gift of candy or other homemade treats means so much more than something you buy, because not everyone makes their own treats at Christmas or maybe they are not able to bake or cook anymore and homemade candies or cakes bring wonderful memories back for them! 

To view each recipe, click on the title below each picture and it will take you to that post! 





Buckeyes!

 

 

Oreo Truffles

 

Martha Washington Candy!

 

Potato Candy!

 

Slow Cooker Chocolate Pecan Clusters!

 

Peanut Butter Fudge!

 

White Chocolate Fudge!

 

Best Dang Fudge You Ever Ate!

 

Mama's Old Fashioned Divinity!

 

Old Fashioned Black Walnut Fudge!

 

 

 

 

 

 



Easy Peasy Peanut Butter Fudge...Just 2 Ingredients!

Sometimes I love an easy recipe instead of one with 30 ingredients in it.  Now, there are those recipes that need all of those ingredients and if you leave anything out, it will just not be the same.   

When I post one of those recipes with quite a few spices and ingredients, I always know someone is going to comment and complain that my recipes have too many ingredients.  All I can say is, if it's listed as an ingredient, it needs to be in there and it won't taste the same or the results won't be the same if you leave it out. 

However, if you make good peanut butter fudge with just two ingredients and it works, I am all for that also.   So this recipe, is for those who want to "keep it simple"!

I love peanut butter fudge and there are several recipes for it on the site already.  This is just a little different spin on it and it's so easy, the kids can make this with little supervision.   

Here is what you will need: 

1lb. of white almond bark candy coating (could substitute white chocolate chips)

1 (18 oz.) jar of good peanut butter (I use Jiff) 

Break the almond bark up in a glass bowl.  Microwave for about 3-4 minutes, stirring after each minute or until melted.  Stir the jar of peanut butter in until it's all smooth and combined.  You might want to microwave it together for about another minute.  

If you use the white chocolate chips, it will make a softer fudge and you might need just tad less peanut butter....about 16 ounces  

You can use crunchy or smooth peanut butter, whichever you prefer. 

Line an 8"x8" baking dish with plastic wrap or foil.  Leave enough for it to overlap the edges.  I like to use the nonstick foil.  Pour the peanut butter mixture in the pan and smooth out evenly.   Refrigerate for at least 3 hours.  Overnight is even better.

Lift the fudge out using the overlapping foil for handles. 

 Place on a cutting board  and cut in small squares. It's very rich, so I cut it pretty small.  Store in an airtight container. 



Buckeyes!

For me, Buckeyes are one of the best homemade candies.  I am probably partial to them, because I love anything peanut butter and chocolate!   The obvious reason they are called "Buckeyes" is because they resemble the nut or buckeye from the Buckeye Tree.   The state of Ohio is known for their abundance of Buckeyes...trees and candies! 

These are very easy to make.  The only challenging part might be dipping them, but it's not really all that difficult if you follow our directions.   Here is what you will need:

1 cup butter (softened)

2 cups creamy peanut butter

1  1/2 lbs. powdered sugar

2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

1/2 cup (4 oz.) paraffin for candy making

Mix together the butter, peanut butter and powdered sugar.   Roll into balls about the size of a buckeye.   Place on a parchment lined baking sheet.  Most recipes say to place them in the refrigerator overnight to chill.   We actually froze them overnight, which made them much easier to dip. 

The next day, melt the chocolate and paraffin in the top of a double boiler.  Keep the chocolate mixture over the warm water to keep it warm and thinner.   You might need to stir it every now and then.  You will need to move fairly quick and get them all dipped before they thaw.  If they start to warm up, they are harder to dip.

 Put a toothpick in each buckeye and dip in the chocolate about 3/4 of the way up, leaving the top uncovered to get the 'buckeye' look.    After you dip each one place it back on parchment or wax paper so the chocolate hardens.   Keep refrigerated  in an airtight container when not serving! 



 These are a wonderful addition to a candy tray or for gifts!





Key Lime Fudge...Only Two Ingredients!

 

This key lime fudge is perfect for St. Patrick's Day or the Easter holiday and it only has two ingredients and takes just minutes to make! 

 

 

They have Key Lime frosting out for the spring season and you need white baking chips. You only need a 12 oz. bag of chips and not this big huge bag.  I buy in bulk!  You will also need some Spring sprinkles.

 

 

1  16 oz. can of Key Lime frosting
1  12 oz. bag of white chocolate chips
Spring, St. Patrick's Day or Easter Sprinkles

Place the chips in a glass bowl and microwave on high for 1 minute and 30 seconds, stir.  Microwave for about 1 more minute and stir again.  Do this until the white chips are completely melted.  This depends on your microwave.  Mine took about 2 minutes.  

Remove the top and the aluminum from the top of the frosting.  Microwave it for about 20-30 seconds.  Be sure to remove all of that foil or you will have fireworks in the microwave.  There is a reason I know this!  Stir the frosting into the melted chips and blend really well. 

Pour this into a 8"x8" or a 9"x9" pan that you have lined with wax paper.  You can spray the dish with nonstick spray if you don't have wax paper, but I think the paper works better.

 

Sprinkle with whatever sprinkles you want to use as soon as you pour it in the pan and it has not set yet.  If you wait until it has set, they will not adhere and will all fall off.  

 

Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, overnight is best.   Turn it out and peel the paper off.  Cut in 1 inch squares.

 

This Key Lime flavor will be great for St. Patrick's Day or Easter, but you can make virtually any combination with this you like, just by changing the frosting and the chips.   I think lemon would great for Easter also!  Do this with the kids, they will love experimenting with the flavors and putting the sprinkles on.

 

                                                                     Key Lime Fudge!

 





Easy Peasy Peanut Butter Chocolate Fudge!

 

 

 

 

 

This fudge is the absolute easiest fudge I have ever made and I just don't think there is any way to mess it up.  There is no boiling, no candy thermometer, no soft ball stage...nothing.   The combination of peanut butter and chocolate reminds me of those "no bake" chocolate peanut butter oatmeal cookies we made about `100 years ago in Home Economics class or if you are younger than that, the ones your mother or grandmother made in Home Ec 100 years ago.  I love those cookies though and I still make them occasionally.  Here is all you will need and you won't believe it:

 

2 sticks butter

1  1/4 cups peanut butter (I used the chunky kind)

3 Tbs. powdered cocoa

dash of salt

1 tsp. vanilla

1 tsp. light corn syrup

3 cups powdered sugar, sifted

 

In a large saucepan, melt butter.  Add in peanut butter, cocoa, salt, vanilla and corn syrup and blend well.  Remove from heat and stir in the sifted powdered sugar.   Mix until it is all incorporated.

 

Butter an 8"x8" pan and spread the mixture and pat it down smooth.  Refrigerate for a couple of hours and then cut in 1 inch pieces with a sharp knife.  Store in an airtight container.  

 

Easy Peasy Peanut Butter Fudge!