Homemade gifts are always meaningful . . . just ask L.  I tear up every time she gives me a homemade card.  Yes, even a brass-balled former-litigator like me.  And while today’s gifty goody isn’t guaranteed to elicit tears of joy, it’s easy, delicious and from the heart. And best of all, it uses a childhood favorite of mine, Marshmallow Fluff . . . made locally in Lynn, Massachusetts.

Peppermint Never-Fail Fudge (adapted from the Marshmallow Fluff Yummy Book)

Butter an 8-inch square baking pan; set aside.

In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine sugar,butter, milk, Fluff and salt . Microwave, uncovered, on medium high for 2 1/2 minutes; remove and stir until blended. Microwave on medium high for 5 minutes; remove and stir until blended. Microwave on medium high for 5 minutes; remove and stir. Microwave on medium high 2 1/2 minutes; remove and stir again. Still using medium high microwave for 6 minutes more. Stir in chocolate and vanilla and until blended. Pour into pan. Top with crushed candy canes.  Using a plastic baggie or a piece of waxed paper, very gently press the crushed cane pieces into the top of the fudge. Let stand to harden.  Makes 2 1/2 pounds.

A note on the fudge process . . . don’t get crafty and just set the microwave to run for minutes on end . . . do you know why I keep having you get your bowl out to stir?  Because otherwise, all that gooey goodness will get super hot, bubble up, and erupt all over the inside of your microwave.  And once it sets, this stuff could probably be used to mortar your front walk . . . so don’t cut corners on this one – you’re already using the microwave to make candy, for goodness sake.

© 2009, Sarah. All rights reserved.

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