The holiday season is probably the most sentimental time of year. Traditions may vary from family to family, but one common thread most share is the love of their favorite holiday treats.
Some prefer rich Christmas cookies or festive snacks, while others delight in candy that’s often made only this time of year.
If you’re looking for an alternative to chocolate chip cookies or peanut butter fudge, these two holiday treats may be your answer. One offers a sweet and salty choice, and the other satisfies that sweet-tooth craving.
The best thing about the two recipes is neither one is time-consuming, which is great since most people are so busy with other holiday preparations. Beware, however, because if you make them now and your family discovers them, there won’t be any left when Christmas Day rolls around.
CHRISTMAS FISH ‘N NUTS
2 (6.6-ounce) packages miniature cheddar cheese fish-shaped crackers
1 cup dry roasted peanuts
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup butter, cubed
1/2 cup light corn syrup
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon vanilla
In a large greased bowl, combine crackers and peanuts; set aside. In a large heavy saucepan, combine the brown sugar, butter and corn syrup. Cook over medium heat until a candy thermometer reads 280 degrees (soft-crack stage), stirring occasionally.
Remove from the heat. Add baking soda and vanilla; stir well. Pour over cracker mixture; quickly stir until evenly coated.
Transfer to two greased 15-by-10-inch baking pans. Bake at 250 degrees for 35-45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes. Cool, empty onto sheets of waxed paper and break apart. Store in airtight containers.
CHOCOLATE COVERED SNOWBALLS
36 large marshmallows
1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup chunky peanut butter
2 tablespoons butter
Line a 9-inch square pan with foil; butter the foil. Arrange marshmallows in pan.
In a microwave, melt the chocolate chips, peanut butter and butter; stir until smooth. Pour and spread over the marshmallows. Chill completely.
Cut between the marshmallows. Store in an airtight container.
Brotherton offers website readers one stellar recipe a week in the “My Leader Yummy” feature.
Looking for a recipe you can’t find? Email me at kbrotherton42@gmail.com and I’ll see if I have it.
