Deluxe Holiday Fudge recipe

Makes 6 dozen candies

1 1/2 packages (12-ounce size each) semisweet chocolate chips (3 cups)
2 cups miniature marshmallows or 16 large marshmallows, cut in half
1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup chopped nuts
1/2 cup dried cherries or chopped dried apricots
1/4 cup white baking chips, melted, if desired

1. Grease bottom and sides of square pan, 9 x 9 x 2 inches, with butter, or line with aluminum foil.

2. Heat chocolate chips, marshmallows and milk in 2-quart saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly, until chips and marshmallows are melted and mixture is smooth.

3. Stir in vanilla extract, nuts and cherries. Immediately pour into pan. Drizzle with melted white baking chips. Cover and refrigerate about 2 hours or until firm. Cut into 1-inch squares.

Microwave Directions: Place chocolate chips, marshmallows and milk in 8-cup microwavable measure. Microwave uncovered on High 3 to 5 minutes, stirring every minute, until chips and marshmallows are melted and mixture can be stirred smooth. Continue as directed in step 3.

Nutrition Information: 1 Serving: Calories 80 (Calories from Fat 35 ); Total Fat 4 g (Saturated Fat 2 g); Cholesterol 5 mg; Sodium 10 mg; Total Carbohydrate 11 g (Dietary Fiber 1 g); Protein 1 g

Percent Daily Value*: Vitamin A 2 %; Vitamin C 0%; Calcium 2 %; Iron 2 %

Exchanges: 1 Fruit; 1/2 Fat

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Substitution
For extra chocolate flavor, use creamy chocolate sweetened condensed milk instead of the regular.

Variation
If you're a lover of lusciously smooth and creamy chocolate fudge, just leave out the nuts and cherries.

Recipe and photograph provided courtesy of Betty Crocker 2007/TM General Mills All Rights Reserved halved.