Fudge

Thanksgiving is over so the Christmas baking needing a quick-start. I decided to do a quick batch of fudge tonight. This is of the 'never-fail' variety and so simple it seems like cheating, at least until you read up on the 'could-fail' methodology.

1 lb chocolate chips (that's 2 2/3 cup for those of you with the costco sized bag)
1 can sweetened condensed milk (normal size, I don't think even costco messes with it)
1 Tbs vanilla
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/8 tsp salt
2 oz unsweetened chocolate, chopped into bits
1 cup chopped walnuts

1. Mix soda, salt and chocolate well. Add milk, vanilla
2 Heat over a double boiler until just melted. Remove from heat and add walnuts
3. pour into an 8"x8" pan lined with tin foil and greased (spray oil is fine, no need to drag out the crisco)
4. cool for 2 hours
5. resist the temptation to eat now instead of saving for Christmas gifts.

Cream Cheese Spritz cookies

I started my Christmas baking with this classic cookie. You'll need a cookie press, which, if you don't have one (or one from Grandma to borrow) may be a bit pricey, but it's so much fun I think it's worth it. These cookies freeze well, but are a bit delicate, so don't put them on the bottom of the freezer.


1 cup butter
3-4 oz cream cheese (about 1/2 cup)
1 cup sugar
1 egg yolk
1 tsp vanilla
2 1/2 cup flour.

Cream the cream cheese and butter, add the sugar and beat well. Add remaining ingrediants and mix well. Note- it's fun to add food coloring so you get green trees, etc. If you do, I advise buying the good food coloring (available at craft or baking stores) the colors are sooo much richer than the stuff from the grocery store.

Fill up your cookie press and go to town- press onto an ugreased cookie sheet and bake 8-9 min at 350. Allow to cool on the sheet a few minutes before removing.