Christmas Candy
For the Christmas family get together at my parents' house the other day, I made some divinity, and peanut butter fudge.
Yummy! I have the recipes and pictures below, in case you'd like to try some out for yourself: 
Pecan Divinity Recipe:
4 cups sugar
1 cup white corn syrup
3/4 cup cold water
3 egg whites
1 teaspoon pure vanilla
2 cups chopped pecans
In a heavy saucepan over medium heat, stir together the sugar, corn syrup, and water. Stir only until sugar has dissolved. Do not stir after this point. Cook syrup mixture until it reaches 250 degrees F on a candy thermometer, bringing it to a hard ball stage.
While the syrup is cooking, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. Once the sugar mixture reaches 250 degrees F, carefully pour a slow steady stream of syrup into the stiffly beaten egg whites, beating constantly at high speed. Add the vanilla and continue to beat until mixture holds its shape, approximately 5 minutes. Stir in pecans.
Using 2 spoons, drop the divinity onto waxed paper, using 1 spoon to push the candy off the other. This may take a little practice because the technique is to twirl the pushing spoon, making the candy look like the top of a soft serve ice cream. If the candy becomes too stiff, add a few drops of hot water. You will need to work fast when making this type of candy. After you spoon the cooked sugar and nuts onto the waxed paper, you're done. Cool the candies on racks completely. You can store them in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
VERY EASY Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe:
- 1/2 cup butter
- 2 1/4 cups brown sugar
- 1/2 cup milk
- 3/4 cup peanut butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
- Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir in brown sugar and milk. Bring to a boil and boil for 2 minutes, stirring frequently. Remove from heat. Stir in peanut butter and vanilla. Pour over confectioners' sugar in a large mixing bowl. Beat until smooth; pour into an 8x8 inch dish. Chill until firm and cut into squares.
Along with the divinity and fudge, I also made some Hot Cocoa Mix for everyone, and put it in little Ziplock bags to give out:
This hot cocoa recipe is one that my Mother-in-Law gave me- it turns out really rich and smooth. It's not too sweet, like some of the kinds that you can buy at the store. I really love it.
Hot Cocoa Mix:
1/2- 2/3 c. cocoa
1 c. sugar
Dash of salt
For one serving, pour three heaping tablespoons of cocoa mix into a cup of hot water. Stir and enjoy! (You can add more or less, as desired).
And, for no other reason but to just because I love to share pictures of the kids, here is a picture I snapped of the them all yesterday morning, reading Calvin and Hobbes together:
Well, you've got my husband and I both drooling right now Bethany LOL ... I'll have to jot these recipes down and make 'em for my family! Thanks for sharing!
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Bethany,
That peanut butter fudge looks amazing. I'm definitely going to be trying that recipe!!
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What is confectioners' sugar?
hehe
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They were as delicious as they look! Thanks for the yummy Christmas gift!
I still need to give you your gifts too.
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reading your blog inspired me to start my own! I really love reading yours.
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JM, confectioners sugar is powdered sugar.
Kelly, thank you!!
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Bethany I made the Peanut Butter Fudge Candy and it was delicious. I posted it on my blog with links to your blog. We ate them as part of our families New Years Celebration. Thanks for the recipe. BTW, they taste like the inside of a Reese's peanut butter cup. Delish!
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