Christmas Tradtions Part 5

I think Christmas is a time for baking cookies and sharing them with family and friends. Kilo prefers to make candies to share. Actually, this works out quite well at Spark It Up HQ as Kilo stands at the stove stirring and stirring while I feed him fresh from the oven cookies. I am liking this Christmas tradition trade off very much!

BEST EVER BUTTER TOFFEE

2 1/3		cups sugar
2		cups LAND O LAKES® Butter
1/4		cup plus 2 tablespoons water
2		tablespoons light corn syrup
1 1/2		cups chopped walnuts or pecans, toasted
1		cup (6-ounces) semi-sweet or milk real chocolate chips (We recommend NESTLE® TOLL HOUSE® Morsels)

Butter 15x10x1-inch jelly-roll pan. Combine all ingredients except nuts and chocolate chips in heavy 3-quart saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until butter is melted.

Reduce heat to medium-low. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until candy thermometer reaches 300°F or small amount of mixture dropped into cold water forms hard brittle strands (25 to 40 minutes). Stir in 1 cup nuts.

Pour mixture into prepared pan; spread to desired thickness. Sprinkle chocolate chips over hot candy; let stand 5 minutes. Spread melted chocolate evenly over candy. Sprinkle with nuts. Cool completely (at least 3 hours). Break into pieces. Store in airtight container in a cool dry place up to three weeks.

CARL'S FAVORITE FUDGE

4		cups sugar
1/2		cup LAND O LAKES® Butter
1		(12-ounce) can evaporated milk
2		(12-ounce) packages real semi-sweet chocolate chips
1		(7-ounce) jar marshmallow creme
2		cups chopped walnuts
2		teaspoons vanilla

Combine sugar, butter and evaporated milk in heavy 4-quart saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until mixture comes to a full boil (7 to 10 minutes). Continue cooking, stirring constantly, until candy thermometer reaches 228°F (5 to 7 minutes).

Remove from heat. Gradually stir in chocolate chips until melted. Stir in marshmallow creme until well blended. Stir in nuts and vanilla. Spread into lightly buttered 13x9-inch pan. Cool at room temperature. Cut into 1-inch squares. Store refrigerated.

Next time one of my favorite cookie recipes. Check Out Christmas Traditions Part One, Part Two, Part Three, and Part Four.

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