holiday fudge

I love the way I pop fudge in my mouth and it magically melts against my tongue. While I can only eat little nibbles because of its richness, it still makes for a tasty treat for the holidays. It's a great gift idea for co-workers or neighbors, especially if it comes in cute packaging.

Here is an easy recipe...

Ingredients

• Vegetable oil, cooking spray
• 2 cups sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 3 1/2 cups mini marshmallows
• 3 cups semisweet or white chocolate chips
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candy

Directions

• Line a 9-by-13-inch baking pan with two sheets of waxed or parchment paper in a crisscross manner (one lengthwise, one crosswise) so ends overhang sides of pan; coat evenly with cooking spray.
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• In a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat, cook sugar, salt, butter, cream, and marshmallows, stirring, until butter and marshmallows are almost melted, 5 to 6 minutes.
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• Bring mixture to a boil; cook, stirring occasionally, 5 minutes. Remove from heat. Add chips and vanilla; stir until chips are melted. Pour mixture into lined pan.
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• Let fudge cool in the pan at room temperature, 3 hours. Use edges of paper to lift out fudge; place on cutting board, and remove paper. Cut out shapes with cookie cutters, or cut fudge into bars. Sprinkle evenly with crushed candy.
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• [click on image for source]