Cookies, candy and carols surround us as the Christmas season is in full swing! Checking off your shopping lists can be quite stressful. With all the hustle and bustle going round and round, you may forget gifts for great Uncle Joe or your second cousin’s family. You don’t have to purchase a 40 inch flat screen TV but it is nice to have a little something for them – of course it’s the warm heart behind the gift that counts.
I always enjoy DIY (do it yourself) gifts and coming up with neat ways to wrap or contain them. This year my homemade "yum-yum" is Peanut Butter Chocolate Fudge – it’s sure to put a smile on even a Scrooges face.
Here’s what you will need:
- 1/2 Milk
- 2 cups Sugar
- 3/4 cup Peanut Butter
- 4 tsp Butter
- 1/4 cup Cocoa Powder
- 1 tsp Vanilla Flavoring
I’m sure your "little elves" would love to help make this treat. Have them help you gather and measure out the ingredients. (Mine enjoyed doing that but what he enjoyed even more was licking the spoon)
First, combine milk, sugar, butter and cocoa powder in a medium saucepan. Using a medium high heat, bring mixture to a boil. Once you see a rolling boil, stir continuously for 1 minute. (I literally set a timer because it is important to keep it going for 1 minute)
Have peanut butter and vanilla flavoring in a mixture bowl and pour in the chocolate mixture. Continually stir until the consistency changes with the mixture.
Pour mixture evenly into a buttered 8×8 dish, cover with saran wrap and place in refrigerator to set up for about 2 hours.
Bring dish back to counter and cut into pieces, pour a glass of milk and enjoy! (I usually let mine sit out a bit before enjoying to knock off the chill)
This fudge is wonderful to use as gifts for extended family members, neighbors and friends. To add a "special touch" you can place into a mason jar, tie a Christmas bow around the top and attach short and sweet note.
Christmas Cheer, Peanut Butter Chocolate Fudge Recipe
Jessica Fox, Contributor
