Christmas Fudge

2 cups granulated sugar
1 cup half-and-half
1/3 cup white corn syrup
1/3 cup butter
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup candied red cherries, halved
1/2 cup candied green pineapple, diced
1 cup broken walnuts
1 cup halved pecans

Combine sugar, cream, corn syrup, butter and salt in heavy saucepan. Cook and stir over medium heat until sugar is dissolved. Cover saucepan and boil 1 minute (this helps prevent sugar crystals from forming). Uncover; cook at medium steady boil to the soft ball stage (236 degrees F) or until a soft ball forms in cold water. Remove from heat.

Add vanilla extract and immediately beat with electric mixer at medium speed. Beat until mixture is creamy and begins to hold shape, about 10 minutes. Thoroughly mix in fruits and nuts. Pour into a greased 9-inch square pan. When firm enough, cut into squares. Let stand for 24 hours.