Three Super Easy Holiday Treats!

Happy holidays to you! Many of us are starting to feel the “holiday crunch,” and no I don’t mean a tasty treat – although treats are on my mind, and in my tummy, lately. I mean the feeling that there’s too much to do and little time and money to get it all done. The three recipes that I am going to share with you today will make at least part of your holiday planning a little easier and certainly more delicious! 

Three Easy Holiday Treat Recipes

Homemade Turtles

Who doesn’t love gooey caramel, crunchy pecans, and luscious chocolate in a cute animal shape? Turtles can be pricey to buy, and nothing says love like a homemade treat, so this recipe is the perfect solution. 

Ingredients:

1 1/2 C pecan Halves

12 oz caramels

8 oz chocolate chips (whatever flavor you prefer) 

Process:

1. Place pecans on a lined baking sheet in groupings of three or four. 

2. Place unwrapped caramels in microwave-safe bowl and heat for 20 second intervals (stirring in between) until completely melted.  

3. Let caramel cool slightly and then spoon dollops onto each cluster of pecans. 

4. Place chocolate chips in microwave-safe bowl and heat in 20 second intervals (stirring in between) until completely melted. 

5. Using a spoon coat each cluster with the melted chocolate. 

6. Let turtles sit to set to allow the chocolate to set up before removing from baking sheet (placing in the fridge will speed up the setting process). 

Homemade Fudge 

Everyone loves delectable fudge, and this recipe delivers just that without the time-consuming old-fashioned way on the stove! This recipe comes together very quickly and is super versatile so you can be sure to please anyone with just what they love. 

Ingredients

4 C chocolate chips (whatever flavor you prefer)

1 small can sweetened condensed milk

1 Tbs butter

1 tsp vanilla

Add-ins (optional)  Walnuts or pecans, Toffee chips, Peppermint pieces 

Process:

1. Spray or grease an 8-inch square cake pan. 

2. Place all of your ingredients (except the add-ins) in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 30 second increments, stirring in between until mixture is completely melted together. 

3. Stir in any add-ins. 

4. Place mixture in greased cake pan and spread evenly. 

5. Allow to cool completely before removing to cut into bite-size pieces. 

Hand-Dipped Salted Caramels 

If you have someone who enjoys caramel candies, these treats are sure to please! The fact that they were hand-dipped adds to the enjoyment for everyone. This is a very quick recipe, and the results look impressive and taste even better! 

Ingredients

1 or 2 bags of wrapped caramels (I usually use 2 as these are a favorite at my house!)

1 1/2 small bags chocolate chips (whatever flavor you prefer)

1/8 to 1/4 C sea salt flakes 

Process:

1. Unwrap all caramels and set aside in a bowl. 

2. Place chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 30 second increments (stirring in between) until chocolate is completely melted. 

3. Completely coat each caramel with chocolate (I usually put 3 or 4 directly into the chocolate and move around using a couple of spoons until coated). 

4. Place on wire cooling rack and sprinkle with desired number of sea salt flakes. (Do this right away because once the chocolate starts to set, the salt won’t stick.) 

5. Allow to cool until chocolate is set. (Doing this in the fridge takes about 20 minutes.) 

I hope that these recipes will help you out this holiday season. Soooo easy, they are perfect for beginners and kid helpers. Please enjoy and happy holidays! 

Now, what will you do next to love where you live? 

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