Symphony Bar Fudge

As you may remember, I requested recipes for fudge and just really wanted an amazing one. I guess I should never doubt my collection because I found this recipe given to me by my aunt Darlene. The only reason I tried it is because Kristi made her mother-in-law's rockin' fudge and this is a similar recipe. I'll let Kristi post her recipe later!! (FYI: Kristi's computer has a virus so she may be MIA for awhile...)

Symphony Fudge

In a large (emphasis on large) heavy pan or roaster combine:
2 cups heavy cream
4 cups granulated sugar

Stir well to mix thoroughly. Bring to a boil and then heat to soft ball stage (235 degrees on a candy thermometer). Do not stir again after mixture reaches a rolling boil. Remove from heat.

In a large mixing bowl combine:
1 cup real butter cut into chunks
3 Hershey or Symphony 1/2 lb bars (break into pieces)

Pour hot mixture over butter and chocolate pieces. Beat with electric mixer until glossy. Pour into buttered 9x13 pan and put into refrigerator or freezer to cool.

Note: You can make this recipe with or without almonds in the chocolate bars. Use Symphony Bars with toffee and almonds to add texture to the fudge.

Candy Cane Kiss Cookies

I was looking for something to make for our ward Christmas party and had some Candy Cane kisses in the house. The recipe on the back for those "kiss" cookies you always see (you know, where the kiss is pressed in the middle of it?) was a sugar cookie and I didn't think that candy canes went well with sugar cookies, so I looked online for a chocolate cookie recipe to use. This recipe off of allrecipes.com got really good ratings, so I baked them like the recipe says then added the candy cane kiss in the center after they had cooled a few minutes. The kisses melted a little (DON'T touch the kisses until the whole thing has cooled or they'll lose their cool shape!) and melted into the cookie perfectly. If you wait too long to put the kiss on, they won't stick well to the cookie. These cookies were gone soooo quick at the party and were super festive. Next time I want to try and wrap the dough around the kiss and bake them that way so there is that melted candy cane kiss in the center when you are done!

Candy Cane Kiss Cookies

1 cup butter, softened

1 1/2 cups white sugar

2 eggs

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

2 cups all-purpose flour

2/3 cup cocoa powder

3/4 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

2 cups semisweet chocolate chips

1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)- I didn't add this, but would be yummy if you aren't using the kisses

1 bag candy cane kisses, unwrapped

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

2. In large bowl, beat butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla until light and fluffy. Combine the flour, cocoa, baking soda, and salt; stir into the butter mixture until well blended. Mix in the chocolate chips and walnuts. Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheets.

3. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven, or just until set. Cool slightly on the cookie sheets and add a candy cane kiss to the center of each cookie after they have cooled 3-5 minutes. Transfer to wire racks to cool completely.

TIP: Don't press the candy cane into the cookie while it is on the wire rack because it will push the cookie through the bottom of the rack. I know this from experience :) Press them into the cookie while the cookie is still on the cookie sheet!

Velveeta Recipe?

Hey everyone! I hope everyone had a yummy Thanksgiving!

I bought a 2 lb box of Velveeta thinking that I needed it for a recipe, but it turns out I didn't. Now I'm stuck with the Velveeta and I want to make something out of it. Does anyone have a great recipe that uses Velveeta they want to share? I always like to mix Velveeta and chili to make a yummy dip, but I'm looking for a dinner idea here. Thanks!