Christmas Traditions – Both Old & New

Christmas is a time for traditions, especially with sweet treats. From sugar cookies to fudge, many tend to stick with the family recipes that have been passed down for years, never veering away from those tried and true favorites.

But how did those traditions start in the first place? Somewhere along the way a new recipe was born that led a family down the path of custom Christmas baking. You can do the same this holiday season!

Share the story of your favorite recipe with your children and grandchildren, it will add to their Holiday tradition memories.

Try giving Grandma’s “old” recipe a “new” twist and start your own fresh traditions with baked goods your family will be sure to enjoy for years to come. Sometimes even the best bakers need to do a little experimenting in the kitchen.

For example, take a simply DIY recipe like this go-to Carnation instant fudge and make it your own by adding a new spice, some nuts or even a little crushed peppermint. We like to add chopped dried fruit like apricots, cranberries, and figs along with chopped walnuts and almonds in our house.

CARNATION FUDGE RECIPE

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups granulated sugar

2/3 cup (5 fl.-oz. can) NESTLÉ® CARNATION® Evaporated Milk, (Or substitute with equal amount Lactose-Free or Almond Cooking Milk)

2 tablespoons butter or margarine

1/4 teaspoon salt

2 cups miniature marshmallows

1 1/2 cups (9 oz.) NESTLÉ® TOLL HOUSE® Semi-Sweet Chocolate Morsels

1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

 Instructions

LINE 8-inch-square baking pan with foil.

COMBINE sugar, evaporated milk, butter and salt in medium, heavy-duty saucepan. Bring to a full rolling boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Boil, stirring constantly, for 4 to 5 minutes. Remove from heat.

STIR in marshmallows, morsels, nuts and vanilla extract. Stir vigorously for 1 minute or until marshmallows are melted. Pour into prepared baking pan; refrigerate for 2 hours or until firm. Lift from pan; remove foil. Cut into 48 pieces.

Cooking creativity can really spark a lot of joy and lead to some lasting memories. Plus, gifting a box of your own “personally crafted” fudge with a pretty ribbon and a note makes a thoughtful present for a neighbor, co-worker or friend this Christmas.

And if you just can’t seem to find the time to create your own special sweet treat, let Sweet P’s help you out in that department. We have a variety of holiday treat boxes to choose from, ready to pick up and take home. Gift boxes range from truffles and caramels, to toffee and yes, even fudge.

We’re sticking to our own sweet traditions, in both our recipes and finding the perfect gift for each of our customers this holiday season!

Merry Christmas from all of us at Sweet P’s Pantry

Sharon, Pat, Michaleen, Steve, Katie, Fran, Kerry & Judy