Last Minute Fudge

Happy Valentine's Day Everybody!

Hopefully, you're better prepared than I am. You see, last week, both of my kids were home sick and in the hubbub of taking care of them, I forgot all about this festive little holiday. While Daniele was busy creating all sorts of Valentine's Day crafts, I was busy Lysoling the dickens out of every surface in my home!

 

So imagine my surprise, when I actually remembered that Valentine's Day was today! Usually, I give the kids a day full of (semi-healthy) chocolatey treats from morning till dusk, but this year, I'm not even going to be home.

 

Instead, I'll be in Albany for a Legislative Awareness Day where I will be speaking with our legislators about decisions that are being made that will determine what type of mental health services will be available to children, youth and families in New York state. So even though I'm sad to miss the day's activities with my family, I'm proud to know that I'm taking a stand with many other people today, and reminding our legislators that Mental Health Matters.

 

But, even though I know that Mental Health Matters, my little ones are way too young to understand. All they know is that Chocolate Treats On Valentine's Day Really Matters. Luckily, I have a super-fast Last Minute Fudge recipe up my sleeve and have made two batches of delicious fudge for my little gremlins.

 

If you're looking for a special treat, on Valentine's Day or any day for that matter, this fudge recipe will do the trick. It's fast, it's easy, and insanely versatile. Plus, it makes you look like a creative genius in the kitchen - even though it's not "real" fudge. Oh well...

 

OH MY GOD, I FORGOT IT'S VALENTINE'S DAY - LAST MINUTE FUDGE!
(Otherwise known as Carnation's Famous Fudge Recipe)

Ingredients:
* 2 Tablespoons butter
* 2/3 cup evaporated milk
* 1-1/2 cups granulated sugar
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 2 cups (4 ounces) miniature marshmallows
* 1-1/2 cups (9 ounces) semisweet chocolate chips
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1/4 cup smooth peanut butter, optional
* 1/2 cup toppings, optional (chopped nuts, white chocolate chips, etc.)

Directions:

Step 1: Combine butter, evaporated milk, sugar, and salt in a medium, heavy-duty saucepan. Bring to a full rolling boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Boil stirring constantly for 4 to 5 minutes. Remove from heat.

Step 2: Stir in marshmallows, chocolate chips, and vanilla. Stir vigorously for 1 minute or until marshmallows are melted. (If using toppings, and/or peanut butter, incorporate these items now.)

Step 3: Pour into a foiled-lined 8-inch square baking pan. Chill until firm.

Note: My kids are super-picky, so I never mix any nuts into my desserts, muffins, etc, unless it's for adults-only. Instead, I opt to press the nuts and other toppings directly into the top layer. This way, the kids get half, and the adults get half!

Thanks for reading,
Denine