Christmas Candies

The Christmas season is now in full swing. You know what that means. Time for parties and church/family gatherings. And that means it's candy making time.

All those gatherings are the perfect opportunity to break out those favorite candy recipes you make only during the holidays. Because let's face it, if you make it just to have at home, you're going to be the one eating it all. Well, I would be anyway. I have little restraint this time of year. 

Peanut Clusters are one of the first things I make every year. (recipe here)

They're super easy to make AND they freeze well. That means you can make them now and then simply thaw what you need as you need them. They're perfect for parties and gift-giving.

Another annual treat that freezes well is Peanut Butter Balls. (recipe here)

Also known as Buckeyes, these are reminiscent of Reese's Peanut Butter Cups. You can find the recipe here, however I have made one minor change. Actually, one that makes things so much easier. Instead of melting a bit of paraffin into chocolate chips (very old-school), I simply use the melting wafers or coating chocolate. Both are made to coat and harden into a nice chocolatey shell.

My mom's favorite Fantasy Fudge is next. (Recipe can be found here)

This recipe has adorned the back label of Kraft Marshmallow Cream for as long as I can remember. However there was a slight change somewhere along the way. The recipe has always called for a small can of evaporated milk. But for some reason, the makers of evaporated milk changed the amount in the can from 6 ounces to only 5 ounces. And because of that, my beloved fudge just wasn't the same. It wasn't until I stumbled across the original recipe my mom had cut off of the back of a jar many, many years ago that I discovered the problem. So, don't buy the small can of evaporated milk. Do yourself a favor and get the larger can and measure out a full 6 ounces.

Trust me on this one. That one little ounce of evaporated milk makes all the difference.

Another confectionary treat that's perfect for both young and old is Dipped Pretzel Rods, (Tutorial here)

Their sweet/salty mix makes them a delicious treat. And you can add sprinkles or drizzle them with those colored candy wafers you find by the cake decorating supplies to make them extra festive.

My final favorite chocolatey Christmas treats are Pretzel Turtles. (Recipe here)

Like the Dipped Pretzels, these Pretzel Turtles require no baking skills. All you need to do is assemble. But your patience will be rewarded with a very tasty treat that will wow your friends and family. 

That's my lineup of holiday candies. What are some of your favorite Christmas candies to share?

Three time Carol Award finalist Mindy Obenhaus lives on a ranch in Texas with her husband, the youngest of her five children and two dogs. She passionate about touching readers with Biblical truths in an entertaining, and sometimes adventurous, manner. When she's not writing, she enjoys cooking and spending time with her grandchildren. Learn more a mindyobenhaus.com.