Homemade Christmas Candy Recipe

When asked what my favorite Christmas candy is, my answer has to be fudge. The thought of the smooth, silken texture of fudge melting on my tongue fills me with eager anticipation every Christmas season. Here is a recipe for a delightfully easy, delectable triple-decker fudge. This fudge makes a beautiful gift, placed on an inexpensive but decorative plate and then sealed in clear cellophane and tied with a colorful bow. Another option is to buy a decorative tin and place the fudge in it. Both ideas leave the recipient with a memento to remind them of this exquisite treat.

Triple Play Holiday Fudge

Makes about 5 dozen pieces or about 2 pounds of fudge.

Ingredients:

1 cup peanut butter chips

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

1 cup white chocolate chips

2 1/4 cups sugar

1 jar (7 ounces) marshmallow creme

3/4 cup evaporated milk

1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Line 8-inch square pan with foil, allowing the foil to extend over the edges of the pan. In separate medium bowls place the peanut butter chips, chocolate chips, and white chocolate chips. In heavy 3-quart saucepan, combine sugar, marshmallow creme, evaporated milk, and butter. Cook over medium heat, stirring continually, until mixture boils; boil for 5 minutes, continuing to stir constantly. Remove from the heat and stir in vanilla. Immediately stir one cup of hot mixture into peanut butter chips, stirring until chips are completely melted; quickly spread into prepared pan. Stir one cup of the hot mixture into the white chocolate chips until they are completely melted. Quickly spread over the peanut butter layer. Take the remaining hot mixture and combine with the chocolate chips until chips are completely melted. Again, quickly spread over the white chocolate layer. Cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until firm. Use foil to lift fudge from the pan and then peel it off and discard. Cut fudge into 1-inch squares. Store in tightly covered container at room temperature.

Variation: Mix up the layers, place the chocolate on the bottom, peanut butter in the middle and white chocolate on top.