Time-Saving Christmas Treats

Quick and Easy Cookies and Candy for Christmas or ANYTIME!

My mother, like her mother and grandmother before her, spent most of the month of December in the kitchen, baking, candy-making, and washing endless bowls, pots, pans, and cookie sheets. And she worked full time too! I have a little more time than she did, but a lot less energy, so I've tried to put together some easy recipes for cookies and candies. I'm starting with the easiest and quickest first. All of these recipes came from my mother or my sister, although I'm sure they can be found in many cookbooks, too.

CANDY

Easy Microwave Fudge

1 pound powdered sugar
1/2 cup baking cocoa (unsweetened)
1/2 cup butter (you can use margarine if you must, but not the whipped kind)
1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon milk
1 tablespoon pure Vanilla extract
1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional; Mom used walnuts)
1 cup miniature marshmallows

Combine all the ingredients in a 3 quart glass or microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high for two minutes (30 seconds longer if your microwave is less than 1000 watts). Stir until well-mixed, then pour into an 8 by 8 inch pan that has been sprayed with cooking spray or buttered. Cover and refrigerate until set, then cut into one inch squares, for 64 pieces. This is really easy, and in a pretty tin from a dollar store, makes a great gift for someone who has "everything." You can also vary the recipe by adding crushed peppermint candy canes after microwaving.

Easy Peanut Butter Fudge

2 cups (1 16 oz bag) semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup butter
1/4 cup milk
1 tablespoon vanilla
one pound powdered sugar
1 cup creamy peanut butter (I use Skippy ^TM but pick your favorite!)
1 8 oz. package cream cheese at room temperature