Virtual Cookie Exchange

I am joining my buddy, Deanna over at http://plainhonesteading.blogspot.com, for a Virtual Cookie Exchange.  That means everyone that joins in gets new recipes for Christmas (or everyday) treats.  I take no responsibility for you making the treats and possibly gaining any pounds...no one is twisting your arm to indulge!  

My first 2 treats are more candy than cookie...but you can handle a little diversity!  (just treat diversity!)

Quick Fudge

1 pound powdered sugar (sift, if its lumpy)

1/4 tsp. salt

1 stick butter

1/2 cup cocoa powder

1/4 cup milk

1 tsp. vanilla extract

Blend powdered sugar and cocoa in a microwave bowl.  Then add salt, butter, & milk ~ do not mix.  Microwave on high for 2 minutes.  Remove from microwave and stir thoroughly (quickly, it starts to thicken).  Stir in vanilla.  Pour into a wax paper lined 8x8x2 inch pan.  Freeze for 20 minutes or put in fridge for 1 hour.  Cut into squares and enjoy!

You can also add nuts if you are in a nutty mood.

If you need more than one pan, its easier to make individual batches.  Its really tough to mix up more than one batch at a time.

The fudge makes great gifts!  You can buy cutesy inexpensive containers at the $1 store, fill with yummy fudge and deliver!  

Christmas Crunch

 16 ~ 2oz. squares vanilla candy coating

6 cups Rice Chex

3 cups regular Cheerios (yellow box)

2 cups pretzel sticks broken into small pieces

2 cups cashews

1 3/4 cups mini M & M's (located in the baking section)

Microwave vanilla candy coating in a microwave safe bowl on high for 3 minutes, or until melted, stirring mixture after 2 minutes.

Combine remaining ingredients in a large bowl.  Pour candy coating over cereal mixture, stirring to coat well. Add m & m's at the very end...or you will have rainbow colored candy crunch.  Spoon cereal mixture onto 2 wax paper lined jelly roll pans.  Refrigerate about 20 minutes or until firm.

Break candy into bite size pieces, and store in air-tight container.

 Yield: 4 pounds 

This is an easy, yummy mix.  I've used name brand cereals & store brand cereals...there is no noticeable difference in the finished product.  My family doesn't like nuts, so there are no cashews in ours.

Hope you enjoy!