A Sure Sign That Christmas is Around the Corner . . .

I woke up all sniffly and coughing this morning. A cold has finally caught me. It makes sense because our weather has been so cold at night lately and my body is not used to that at all. Anyway, after a couple glasses of Theraflu Cough and Cold, I was back in business.

Today I decided to bake cookies and as a second thought, make some fudge. Usually my fudge turns out all crazy and it is not so chewy and perfect like store bought fudge, but I found the most amazing recipe that was super easy (well except for the stirring, my arm got sore) AND it tastes so darn good. Shall I share????


Microwave Mint Fudge

1 1/2 c. Sugar
1 can (5 oz.) evaporated milk
1/4 c. butter
5 c. mini marshmallows
1 pkg chocolate chips
1 packet (1 oz.) pre melted baking chocolate
1/2 c. chopped nuts
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp peppermint extract

DIRECTIONS:
In a 2 qt. microwave safe bowl, combine sugar, milk and butter. Microwave on high until mixture comes to a full rolling boil, stirring after 2.5 minutes. Cook 5 more minutes, stirring after 3 minutes.

Add marshmallows and stir until melted. Stir in chips and chocolate until smooth. Stir in nuts and extracts. Immediately pour into a well greased 9x13 dish/pan. Chill until firm. Cut into squares. Store in the refrigerator. Yield: 2 1/4 lbs.

Grandma's Gingerbread Cookies (from the Grandma's Molasses site)

8 tbls. (1 stick) butter, or shortening
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup Grandmas Original or Robust Molasses
1 egg
2 cups all purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ginger
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves

Directions

Beat butter with sugar and molasses. Mix in egg. Sift dry ingredients and add to wet mixture. Mix well. Chill in freezer 1 hour or in refrigerator 2 hours. Heat oven to 350ºF. Roll out a portion of the dough 1/4-in. thick on lightly floured board. Chill remaining dough. Cut with cookie cutter, place on greased baking sheets. If decorating with raisins, add them at this time. Bake 8-10 minutes. Cool. Pipe on royal icing and add candy pieces, if desired.