I have to make fudge (the old standby recipe that uses marshmallow fluff) and this year I'm trying a pumpkin fudge for a neighbor who loves the stuff. Have to make choc covered cherries because my daughter loves helping with those. We're either going to do Torrone or divinity (depending on how much time I have). I'm realizing I'm quickly running out of time, I'm barely getting the christmas tree decorated. I got the outside decorated last weekend since it was nice weather, but I haven't even started shopping for presents yet. I'm attempting homemade marshmallows this weekend, definitely strawberry ones covered in chocolate and vanilla covered in chocolate and rolled in graham crackers, for teacher presents. I figured since my daughter always wants to give her teachers presents then she can learn to make them. She even has a chef jacket and hat. The love cancels out the calories. Paula's recipes are healthy (not physical health but definitely psychologically - they make you feel good when you eat them). Everything's better with butter :-)

You can add a tablespoon of molasses but the cookies will be just fine with your light brown sugar. In gingerbread or gingerbread cookies, I always add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes rubbed between my fingers before adding them. It gives the gingerbread just a bit of extra 'kick'. I also double the amount of ginger. /tricia

If your husband likes spicy gingersnap cookies he should try this recipe. Home Cookin Chapter: Recipes From Thibeault's Table Gingersnaps - Extra-Spicy Gingersnaps ===================================== Posted by: KarenInSeattle on Thu, Oct 17, 02 at 19:14 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda 3/4 teaspoon cinnamon 1 teaspoon ground ginger, or more to taste 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper 8 tablespoons (1 stick) cool unsalted butter, cut into pieces 1/2 cup granulated sugar, plus extra for rolling 1 cup light brown sugar, packed 1/3 cup molasses (not blackstrap) 1/4 cup egg whites (from about 2 eggs) . Combine the flour, baking soda, and spices in a mixing bowl and set aside. Cream the butter until smooth and fluffy in a mixer fitted with a paddle attachment (or using a hand mixer). Add the sugars and mix. Add the molasses and mix. Add the egg whites in 2 batches, mixing to combine after each addition. Add the dry ingredients in three batches, mixing to combine after each addition. Heat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spread a few tablespoons of granulated sugar on a small plate. Roll the dough into 3/4-inch balls, then roll each ball in the sugar until lightly coated. Transfer to parchment lined cookie sheets, leaving 1-inch of space between the cookies. Bake until browned, 8 to 10 minutes. Let cool on wire racks and store in an airtight container. Yield: 60 cookies

I just tried this one a few weeks ago. Very easy to make. (Taken from Southern Plate website). Tiger Butter Print Ingredients 1 package ( 24 ounces) white almond bark ½ cup crunchy peanut butter 1 cup semi sweet chocolate chips (Milk chocolate will work fine too) Instructions Line a rimmed baking sheet with waxed paper. Set aside In large mixing bowl, break up almond bark as best you can (or you can just toss the whole thing in). Place bowl in microwave for about one minute. Stir well. Microwave at 30-45 second intervals, stirring after each, until bark is melted and smooth. Stir in peanut butter until melted and well blended. Spread out onto waxed paper lined baking pan. Place chocolate chips in a small bowl and microwave at 30-45 second intervals, stirring after each, until smooth and melted. Drop dollops of chocolate onto peanut butter mixture in pan. Swirl with a knife. Place baking sheet in refrigerator until hardened or allow to harden completely at room temp. Break into pieces and store in an airtight container.