Holiday Sweets

If you’re looking for some delicious, yet quick and easy sweets to make for Christmas, look no further! We’ve got three simply yummy recipes for you to try, just in time for Christmas.

Candy Cane Fudge

This recipe perfectly combines two holiday favorites: fudge and candy canes! Whip up a batch to give as a gift or as a treat for your family and friends!

Ingredients:

• 3 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 14-ounce can condensed milk
• 4 tbsp butter, cubed
• 1/2 tsp mint extract
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup crushed candy canes (from about 8 large candy canes)

Process:

1. Crush the candy canes! You can either use a food processor or do it by hand. If you are using a processor, unwrap the candy canes and place them in the processor. Pulse it until the canes are crushed into small pieces, but are not entirely crushed to dust. If you are doing it by hand, place the unwrapped candy canes in a large zip-top plastic bag and crush them with a rolling pin. Keep the candy cane pieces sealed up until you’re ready to use them so they don’t sticky and clump together.
2. Line a 9×9 baking pan with aluminum foil and spraying the foil with nonstick cooking spray.
3. In a large bowl, combine the chocolate chips, condensed milk, and butter. Microwave in one-minute increments, stirring after each minute, until melted, about 1-2 minutes.
4. Once the chocolate mixture is melted, add the mint extract and salt. Stir until it’s smooth and well-mixed.
5. Pour the candy into the prepared pan and smooth it into an even layer. Immediately sprinkle the crushed candy canes all over the top of the fudge and press down gently into the fudge.
6. Let the fudge cool and set at room temperature for 2-3 hours. Once set, remove it from the pan using the foil as handles. Cut the fudge into small one-inch pieces using a large sharp knife.
7. Store Candy Cane Fudge in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.

Adapted from a recipe found on About.com

6-Minute Microwave Salted Caramels

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These salty-sweet caramels are the perfect treat to have on hand during the holidays and make a great gift when wrapped in parchment paper and tied with a ribbon! Not to mention, they only take a few minutes to whip up.

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/2 cup light Karo syrup
• 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• Sprinkling of sea salt

Process:

1. In a microwave safe bowl, combine butter, Karo syrup, sweetened condensed milk, and both sugars. Stir to combine.
2. Microwave ingredients for 6 minutes, stopping every 2 minutes to stir thoroughly.
3. After the 6 minutes are up, add in the vanilla extract and stir.
4. Pour your hot caramel mixture into a well-greased rectangular baking pan and sprinkle sea salt over the top.
5. Put in the fridge to cool completely before cutting into squares with a sharp knife.

Adapted from a recipe found on Food.com.

Eggnog Pie

If you love eggnog, you’ll love this simple and delicious pie recipe. It’s perfect for any holiday gathering or party! And, if you’re having company, bake it before they come over because it will leave your house smelling like Christmas!

Ingredients:

Crust:

• 1 3/4 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 8 graham cracker rectangles)
• 3 tablespoons light brown sugar
• 1 stick melted salted butter

 Filling:

• 1 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup flour
• 2 cups eggnog
• 3 eggs (beaten)
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1 tsp rum or rum extract
• 1/4 cup melted, slightly cooled butter
• a pinch of cinnamon
• a pinch of nutmeg

Process:

1. In a small bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar and melted butter.  Then press the crumbs into the bottom of a 9-inch pie dish.
2. Mix sugar and flour together.
3. Slowly beat in the eggnog, eggs, vanilla, and rum into the sugar/flour until mixture is smooth.
4. Mix in butter, cinnamon & nutmeg.
5. Pour into pie crust.
6. Bake 350 for 50-55 minutes (until center is set and top is lightly browned).

The filling of this pie bakes up to be like an eggnog custard. Cool the pie completely and then refrigerate for 4 hours. Serve with whipped cream!

Adapted from a recipe found on Food.com

Read more10 Healthy Granola Bars Recipes For Moms On The Go

Check out Daily Mom’s Guide to Christmas
for more holiday articles and gift guides!