chocolate peanut butter fudgeWhen I see a plate of Christmas goodies, my eyes (and fingers) almost automatically go for the fudge. It's so rich and creamy, and this is pretty much the only time of the year it's around. Which is both a shame ... and a blessing for my weight. This creamy chocolate fudge with peanut butter swirls stands out even more as it takes traditional fudge up a big, delicious notch.

From Southern Food, this recipe is quick and easy, and makes a ton. Okay, it makes five pounds, but that's a lot of fudge, as a little goes a long way. The peanut butter takes some of the bite out of the chocolaty richness and adds a nice, salty punch. Cut into small pieces and placed on festive mini muffin wrappers, a box of these makes a great gift for teachers, coworkers, or anyone.

Chocolate Fudge With Peanut Butter Swirls

4 cups sugar
1 can (12oz) evaporated milk
1 cup butter or margarine
1 jar (7oz) marshmallow cream
3 pkgs (6oz) semisweet chocolate chips, 18 ounces total, or about 3 cups
1 tablespoon vanilla
1 cup peanut butter

Combine sugar, milk and butter in a heavy saucepan; bring to a boil and cook for 8 minutes, stirring constantly.
 
Add marshmallow cream, chocolate chips and vanilla; stir to blend. Pour half of mixture into a buttered 13- x 9- x 2-inch pan; dollop with spoonfuls of peanut butter.
 
Spoon remaining chocolate mixture over the peanut butter. Gently swirl the mixture with a knife to create a marble effect.

Chill until firm; cut into 1-inch pieces and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
 
Makes about 5 pounds.

 

Image via Marntzu cook