Heirloom Christmas Fudge Recipes

3-INGREDIENT CHRISTMAS SWIRL FUDGE

Steps:

• Line 8-inch square pan with foil, leaving foil overhanging at 2 opposite sides of pan; spray foil with cooking spray.
• In large microwavable bowl, microwave white chips uncovered on High 1 minute. Spoon frosting over chips. Microwave on High 30 seconds; stir. If necessary, continue to microwave in 15-second increments until mixture can be stirred smooth.
• Place 3/4 cup fudge mixture into each of 2 small bowls, leaving remaining untinted fudge mixture in bowl. Tint 1 bowl green and 1 bowl red by stirring in each food color to desired color.
• Drop heaping tablespoons of green, red and white fudge mixture in bottom of pan to create random pattern. Pull table knife through layers for marbled design. Refrigerate uncovered until set, about 1 hour.
• Remove from pan by lifting foil; peel foil away. Cut into 8 rows by 8 rows. Store covered in refrigerator.

FUDGE COOKIES (AN HEIRLOOM RECIPE FROM MY FAMILY)

Steps:

• 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Pour all ingredients into a bowl and mix by hand (all at once). (In other words, do not cream sugar and shortening first.)
• 2. Place in greased and floured 13 X 9 metal pan, and bake in 350 degree preheated oven for about 30 minutes.
• 3. Note: I remember when we made these with lard that the tops of the fudge cookies would crackle much like the ground does after a heavy rain and pieces of the ground crack and turn loose from the rest of the ground. I loved these crackly, crunchy flakes. It doesn't do quite the same thing (to the same extent) with Crisco, but they are still good. Now, that everyone worries about the type of fat consumed, lard is long gone from many people's pantries. I think if we worked physically like my maternal Grannie did, we could probably still consume lard (and her favorite--bacon grease). She lived to 99, had no cholestrol or blood pressure issues, and was happy.

CHRISTMAS FUDGE

Steps:

• Line a 20 x 20cm cake tin with baking parchment. Tip the sugar, cream, butter and glucose syrup into a large pan. Warm over a low heat to dissolve the sugar and melt the butter, stirring occasionally.
• When the sugar has dissolved, put a sugar thermometer in the mixture, making sure the end is completely covered by the syrup - if it's not, transfer the mixture to a smaller pan that's still large enough for the syrup to bubble. Turn up the heat to medium-high and bring the syrup to the boil, stirring occasionally to stop it catching. When the thermometer reaches 116C - or 'soft ball' stage, remove the pan from the heat.
• Leave the mixture to stand, undisturbed, for 5 mins, until the temperature drops to 110C, then stir in the vanilla bean paste, mixed spice, mixed dried fruit and peel, the orange zest and a good pinch of salt.
• Remove the thermometer, then vigorously beat the mixture with a wooden spoon, checking the temperature every minute or so until it drops again to about 60C. By this time, the mixture will be really thick and have lost its glossy shine. Take the thermometer out and continue beating the mixture for a few more minutes. This part is crucial as it helps create small sugar crystals that give the fudge its smooth, creamy texture.
• Quickly pour the fudge mixture into the prepared tin and smooth the surface using a spatula. Leave to cool overnight at room temperature - don't put it in the fridge, as it will become sticky and won't set properly. Cut into 36 bite-sized pieces. Will keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two months.

HEIRLOOM CHRISTMAS FUDGE

Steps:

• Butter 8 - 9 inch foil lined baking pan and pre-measure miniature marshmallows, semi-sweet chocolate morsels, nuts (optional) and vanilla. Combine butter, evaporated milk, sugar and salt in medium, heavy saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Boil for 4 - 5 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from heat.
• Stir in marshmallows, morsels, vanilla, and nuts (optional). Stir vigorously for 1 - 2 minutes or until the marshmallows and morsels are melted.
• Pour into buttered foil lined baking pan. Sprinkle with additional nuts, if desired. Chill until firm.