Christmas treats!

Here are three yummy, yummy Christmas treats that are a hit at any party.
In order of difficulty (from least to most):

1.  Chocolate Pretzel Bites
2.  Chocolate Fudge
3.  Toffee

The Chocolate Pretzel Bites are easy peasy, and kids of most ages could help make them.
Start with square "waffle shaped" pretzels.
Put a chocolate kiss or hug in the center of each one.
Warm them up in the oven at 350 degrees for 1-2 minutes, just until the chocolate is soft.

Push an M&M (or whatever brand of candy-coated chocolate you have) into the center of each one.
Let them cool, and done!  Simple simple.  So yummy though.
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I prefer the recipe on the Marshmellow cream jar when making chocolate fudge.  A good family friend from my childhood always used to bring it to Thanksgiving or Christmas, and it went quickly. Actually, I'm told that Kraft changed the recipe, but this is the original one:

Combine 3 cups sugar, 3/4 cups butter, and 2/3 cups evaporated milk in a heavy 2-1/2 quart saucepan.
Bring to full rolling boil, stirring constantly.  Continue boiling 5 minutes over medium heat, stirring.
Remove from heat, stir in a 12 oz. package semi-sweet chocolate chips till melted.  Add a 7 oz jar Marshmallow creme, 1 cup of chopped nuts (optional), and 1 tsp of vanilla extract, and beat until blended.
Pour into greased 13x9-inch baking pan.  Let cool and cut into 1-inch squares.

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Daniel and I experimented with Toffee when we were first married.  We must have been wildly lucky the first few times we made it, because it came out awesome.  Since then our luck has been so-so, but when it comes out good, it's great.  So try it some time :).  This recipe comes from All Recipes.  

Combine 2 cups butter, 2 cups white sugar, and 1/4 tsp salt in a heavy bottomed sauce pan and cook over medium heat, stirring until the butter is melted.

Allow to come to a boil, and cook until the mixture becomes a dark amber color and the temperature has reached 285 degrees.  Stir occasionally.

Truth be told, when ours started separating like this, I whisked it.  There are sources that say you shouldn't do that, but we did, and it worked to bring the mixture back together. So... go with your gut, I guess. 

 While the toffee is cooking, cover a large baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper.  As soon as the toffee reaches the proper temperature, pour it onto the prepared baking sheet.

Sprinkle 2 cups of semisweet chocolate chips over the top, and let it set for a minute or two to soften.  Spread the chocolate into a thin, even layer once it is melted.

Sprinkle 1 cup of finely chopped pecans over the chocolate, and press in slightly.  Place the toffee in the refrigerator to chill until set.  Break into pieces, and store in an airtight container.

Happy Holiday Cooking!