Candy Cane Fudge

Note: Did you see my interview over at Kate Scott Writes?  Kate is a good friend from college and an amazing writer.  In fact, her first published novel, a YA read called Counting to D comes out in February (here’s a review)!  I can’t wait to read it.  In the meantime, check out my interview!

 

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For the past four years, I have hosted a cookie exchange party.  A couple of years ago, I somehow coerced two good friends into co-hosting, and I’ll admit that they did most of the work this year.  Hors d’oeuvres, wine, hot cocoa, and more cookies than you can imagine… yeah, it was a great time.

 

 

Every year, I have made Candy Cane Fudge.  Every year, I consider making something else, but I’m always asked to make Candy Cane Fudge again.  And then I’m asked for the recipe because this is a favorite treat among husbands and sons.  Which is not to say that it doesn’t appeal to women, but that I have found it to be particularly popular with men.  Why?  I couldn’t say.  Maybe because it’s not chocolate.  Maybe because it’s not overwhelmingly minty.  Whatever the reason, it’s a festive dessert and so easy to make.  Here we go!

Step one: Assemble all four ingredients.

 

 

Yep.  Four.  Two packages of Nestle Vanilla Chips, one can of sweetened condensed milk, one or two (depending on how much you like peppermint) packages of candy canes, and green food coloring.

 

Step two: Unwrap and beat the crap out of those candy canes.

 

 

This is the most time-consuming and difficult part.  After a while, the candy cane wrappers start to cling to everything.  Your fingers get sticky.  There is candy cane dust everywhere.  But then!  Then you get to put the candy canes into a ziplock bag, grab your meat mallet, and crush them.  Take out all your holiday frustrations on those candy canes!  The smaller the pieces, the better.

 

I should be less excited about this part.

 

Step three: Melt vanilla chips and sweetened condensed milk in a saucepan.

 

 

Melt the chips and milk over medium heat while stirring until everything is smooth.  It doesn’t have to get hot or anything.

 

*I made a double batch, so yours will not look like quite so much fudge.

 

Step four: Remove from heat and stir in green food coloring until you get a nice, minty green color.

 

 

Step five: Add the crushed candy canes and stir.

 

 

Step six: Pour the gooey mixture into a pan lined with greased foil.

 

 

Let it set up, then cut it into pieces and enjoy!

        

Candy Cane Fudge

 

Line 9 x 13” pan with foil and then grease the foil (I use spray PAM).

 

2 Bags Nestle Vanilla Chips

1 Can sweetened condensed milk

1 Box peppermint candy canes

Green food coloring

 

Unwrap and crush the candy canes.  In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the vanilla chips with the sweetened condensed milk, stirring until smooth.  Remove from heat and add food coloring as desired.  Stir in crushed candy canes.  Pour mixture into pan and let cool before cutting.