Here's a couple of quick candies: Diane's Home Cookin Chapter: Candy & other confections Double Chocolate Orange Nut Fudge( Microwave) ============================================= 1 14 can sweetened condensed milk, divided 1 8 package semisweet baking chocolate square 1 tsp. vanilla 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts 1 6 package white baking chocolate square 1 grated fresh orange zest (thinnest colored part of peel only) . Line an 8-inch square metal or glass pan with aluminum foil; set aside. Place ¾ cup milk in a 4-cup glass measure. Add semisweet chocolate and microwave on high 1½ minutes. Stir and microwave on high 1 to 1½ minutes. Stir until chocolate melts completely. Add vanilla, then pecans, and pour into prepared pan. Place in refrigerator. Place remaining milk and white chocolate in a medium glass bowl. Stirring midway through cooking, microwave on high 1½ to 2 minutes or until chocolate melts. Stir in zest and spread evenly over chocolate layer in pan. Return to refrigerator about 2 hours, or until firm +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Microwave Caramels ================== Nonstick foil 1 cup butter (no substitutions) 2-1/2 cups packed brown sugar 1 cup light-colored corn syrup One 14-oz. can sweetened condensed milk 1 teaspoon vanilla (* my notes: for chocolate hazelnut flavor add 2 pkgs each of Tasters Choice single cup size instant Chocolate coffee & Hazelnut coffee-- the dry granules-- just mix in with butter,b sugar etc.Keep in refrig --they go quite soft at rm temp) . 1. Line a 9x9-inch baking pan with nonstick foil or buttered foil, allowing edges to hang over sides of pan; set aside. 2. In a large microwave-safe bowl combine butter, brown sugar, corn syrup, and condensed milk; cover loosely with parchment paper. Microwave on 100% power (high) for 4 or 5 minutes* or until butter starts to melt. Whisk to combine mixture. Microwave on high for 4 or 5 minutes* more. Whisk well. Microwave an additional 4 or 5 minutes*. Whisk gently. Add vanilla. (Note: Bowl may get hot as mixture cooks; use hot pads to handle.) 3. Pour caramel mixture into the prepared pan. Chill for 1 to 1 1/2 hours or until just firm. Using foil, lift block of caramel from the pan. Use a buttered knife to cut into 1-inch squares. Try the topping variations below, if desired, making several of the variations with 1 batch of caramels. Wrap individually with plastic wrap or waxed paper or place in candy cups in a covered gift tin or container. Store in an airtight container either chilled or at room temperature (we prefer chilled) for up to 2 weeks. Makes 2 3/4 pounds (81 pieces) *Note: Use the 4-minute timings for higher wattage microwave ovens (1,100 to 1,200 watts) and 5-minute timings for lower wattage ovens. Orange-Cranberry Drizzles: In a custard cup combine 1 teaspoon finely shredded orange peel and 2 tablespoons snipped dried cranberries; set aside. When caramel is just set, sprinkle orange mixture atop one-quarter of the pan (or desired portion); press lightly. Cut caramels as directed. Melt 1/4 cup white baking pieces as directed above. Place melted pieces in a small plastic bag; snip a small hole in the corner of the bag. Place caramels on cooling rack over parchment paper. Drizzle with melted pieces by squeezing from bag over caramels. Enough for 20 caramels.

If you have sweetened coconut milk, it can be an acceptable substitute. If the coconut milk is not thick enough, you might have to reduce it down a bit or perhaps add a bit of tapioca or cornstarch to it. Adding coconut flakes would also help it to stay together. I've substituted coconut milk for SCM in macaroons, and I like them better. If you 12 oz can of coconut milk is not sweetened, you can add 1/3 cup sugar to it - that's what I do in my macaroon recipe. Lars Here is a link that might be useful: Lars' Macaroons

This is sooo versatile, can be used many many ways. Bourbon sauce ----can use rum as well 1/2 cup buttter 1 1/2 cups sugar 1 6 oz can condensed milk 1 large egg 3 Tbl bourbon Beat butter at med speed with elec mixer until creamy. Gradually add sugar, beating well. Add milk, eat, beating until blended. Pour into a heavy saucepan. Cook over med heat, stirring constantly, about 5 minutes or until thickened. Remove from heat, stir in bourbon. Cool, cover and store in refrig. Awesome served over french toast, yummy on homemade pound cake, waffles, or even stir in coffee. To heat just heat amt you want to use at 50 percent in micro until heated, stirring once.

Grainlady, Thank you for the helpful post (as always!) Jessy, I will always see you sitting in front of your flame decorated washer, watching the laundry go 'round! Katie, I added orange zest to my fudge; I picked a large orange so there would be plenty. (My motto is always to use real food.) It was an instant hit, as I suspect it would be. I offered to share the recipe, and the recipient didn't want it, thinking it was far more complicated than it really is. Since I didn't add the pecans, when I told her it was 3 ingredients, she changed her mind. Here's the recipe for those of you who asked. For those of you who try it, please let me know if you liked it! CHOCOLATE ORANGE FUDGE 2-1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips 1 can sweetened condensed milk (14 ounce) 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional) 2 teaspoons orange zest Line an 8x8x2-inch baking pan with lightly buttered waxed paper or aluminum foil. Set aside. Melt chocolate chips with condensed milk in the top of a double boiler or in a bowl in the microwave. Stir until smooth. Remove from heat and stir in pecans and grated orange peel. Spread in prepared dish and chill until firm. Carefully remove fudge from pan using the edges of the foil or waxed paper. Cut into squares. Store covered in refrigerator.