My Christmas Favorite

Christmas time is definitely a time for making candy.  Christmas would just not be the same without all the homemade goodies you get this time of year.  Fudge is always on the top of my list.  It's easy and everyone loves it.  This is the basic recipe I use and then you can make variations to it to create your own favorites.  Here are just a few that I do:  Chocolate chips with Walnuts, White chocolate with dried cranberries and my favorite is just plain butterscotch chips.  

Fudge

1 ½ (3/4 Cup) Sticks Butter

3 Cups Sugar  

2/3 Cup Evaporated Milk

1 Sm Jar (7 oz) Marshmallow Crème

1 Tsp Vanilla

1 Pkg (12oz) Chips (chocolate, white chocolate, butterscotch)

Line 9-inch-square baking pan with foil. Lightly spray with cooking oil.  Combine sugar, butter and evaporated milk in medium, heavy-duty saucepan. Bring to a full rolling boil, stirring constantly. Boil, stirring constantly, for 5 minutes. Remove from heat.  Stir in chips, marshmallow crème and vanilla extract. Pour into prepared pan.  Refrigerate for 1 hour or until firm. Lift from pan; remove foil. Cut into pieces. Store in airtight container in refrigerator.

Tomato Tomato

This is a great appetizer for any get together you may have coming up.  It's quick and easy to make and everyone should love it.  It can be served cold with chips or bread.  It's also great broiled in the oven on top of sliced toasted baguettes with mozzarella too.  

Bruschetta

6 Roma Tomatoes - Chopped

1/2 Cup Sun-Dried Tomatoes – In Oil

2 Tbsp Olive Oil ( I use the oil from the sun-dried tomatoes)

3 Cloves Garlic - Minced

2 Tbsp Balsamic Vinegar

1/4 Cup Fresh Basil - Stems Removed

1/4 Tsp Salt

1/4 Tsp Ground Black Pepper

In a large bowl, combine the tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, vinegar, basil, salt, and pepper. Allow the mixture to sit for 30 minutes (the longer the more flavor; I let it set over night in the refrigerator).  

Party Time

This time of year there are always parties to go to.  This is a easy and yummy appetizer that's bound to get gobbled up quickly.  I know it does whenever I have made it.  Serve with crackers, tortilla chips, pita chips or bread.  

Baked Spinach Artichoke Dip

1 10 Oz Pkg Frozen Chopped Spinach - Thawed, Drained and Squeezed Dry

1 14 Oz Jar Marinated Artichoke Hearts - Drained & Chopped

1/2 Cup Mayonnaise

1 Tbs Minced Garlic

1 8 Oz Pkg Cream Cheese - softened

1/3 Cup Sour Cream

1 Cup Grated Parmesan Cheese

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.  Lightly grease a 7x11 inch baking dish.  Mix together the cream cheese, sour cream and mayonnaise in a bowl until smooth.  Mix in the artichoke hearts, spinach, Parmesan cheese and garlic.  Spread evenly into the prepared baking dish.  Bake covered for 20 minutes. Remove the cover, and bake uncovered for 5 more minutes, or until the surface is lightly browned.