Fudge

  We're planning themed fun nights for our church kids every Wednesday night during the summer. I decided that we'd have a Christmas in July night next month. My motivation for planning this night probably wasn't entirely selfless. Who am I kidding? It definitely wasn't selfless. I love Christmas and all the traditions that go along with it. We're going to encourage the kids to wear green and/or red and let them decorate cookies. We're going to sip frozen hot chocolate while we read the Christmas story. Then we're going to make ornaments. Aren't you feeling giddy just thinking about it?
  Family traditions are great, they give us a sense of belonging. Certain foods and activities always remind us of special occasions shared with loved ones. Just say coconut cake and my mind instantly turns to Easter. Mention sweet potato casserole and football and BAM! it's Thanksgiving. You get the idea. Lately I've been making an effort to do special things for my family just because. Bake a cake on Tuesday night just because. Have an all finger food dinner, pile up on the couch together, and watch Animal Planet just because you can. Why should we reserve our best (and usually most fattening) recipes for holidays? Why shouldn't we set the table with the fancy stuff and light candles just for our family? We can make any old day a special day.
  All this thinking about Christmas, traditions, and recipes inspired me to make a treat for my family. We love fudge and we eat a ton of it (thus the boot camp experience) each December. We'll be enjoying our fudge early (and twice) this year. Try something new then sit back and smile while your husband or your kids wonder what in the world you're up to. Keep 'em guessing!

Easy Fudge

1 can sweetened condensed milk
1 bag semisweet morsels
3/4 bag butterscotch morsels
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (we also love almond)

Place first three ingredients in medium sauce pan. Melt over medium heat, stirring constantly. Add extract, stir well, and remove from heat. Pour immediately into a square pan. Place in refrigerator until set.

Yummy additions that can be mixed in along with the extract:
pecans, almonds, walnuts, peanuts
coconut
marshmallows
candied dried fruit (think fruitcake)
white chocolate chips
peanut butter chips
crushed oreos

Enjoy!