Reposted from December 2012 because Christmas is almost upon us, and I don’t know about you, but I need something to be ridiculously simple right now.

Do you already know about this fudge recipe? Do you? Because, if so, you should not have been keeping it to yourself all these years. I cannot even believe the amount of time I spent standing over a stove waiting for marshmallows to melt, you guys. That’s time I’ll never get back.

OK, here’s the deal. This recipe was originally created by Eagle Brand or Kraft or some company like that. I don’t know for sure; the internet’s a murky pit of unconfirmed rumors. All I can tell you is that my mom-in-law let me in on the Great Fudge Secret after I told her I didn’t believe she made her fudge in less than 10 minutes of hands-on time.

“Impossible!” I said. “Everyone knows the major ingredients in fudge are time and danger, stirring pots of bubbling fat and boiling sugar over fire while dozens of tiny children play with balls and Legos and Hot Wheels underfoot. It’s tradition, Judy. Practically one of the doctrines of the Christian faith.”

And Judy said, “Nuh uh.” (Which is a total lie. My mom-in-law has never, to my knowledge, said “nuh uh” because she’s classy. But she meant “nuh uh” in her heart.)

And I said, “Prove it.”

And then she did.

Now, I’ve looked online for this recipe because I was just going to link you to it on Facebook — you know, a quick “hey, check this out” — but every one I found makes this harder on you than necessary. And can I just say? We’re moms. We do not always have time for double boilers or myriad ingredients. We need some things, sometimes, to just be easy, and since that easy thing apparently can’t be communication with our husbands or acquiring self-raising children, I give you:

Easy Peasy 2-Ingredient Fudge

Here’s what you need:

• 3 cups (510 g) chocolate chips
• 14 oz (396 g) sweetened condensed milk

And here are some optional ingredients (select some or none but not all ’cause ew) :

• 1 T. vanilla
• Nuts
• Crushed candy canes
• 1 T. booze, like bourbon or rum or peppermint schnapps
• Whatever sounds delicious

Step 1: Combine chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk into a microwave-safe bowl.

Step 2: Microwave until chocolate chips are melted. I microwave on high for one minute, stir, microwave on high for 30 seconds, and stir. When it all stirs smoothly together, it’s done.

If you want to add other ingredients, now’s your chance. Feel free to throw in vanilla, peppermint oil (see below), nuts, candy cane bits, sprinkles or booze. Check your cupboards and add whatever looks yummy. One note on liquids, though… don’t add more than 1 tablespoon of those, ’cause you don’t want to change the consistency of the fudge too much and prevent it from setting. Serve the fudge with a sidecar of bourbon, is what I’m saying.

Step 3: Pour into a greased 9×9 pan. Embellish if you must.

What do you want me to say about this? I was feeling very Better Homes and Gardens today. Or Family Fun magazine. It happens sometimes, and then I try to love myself and not feel ashamed. Kind of like when I secretly think that Snuggies look awesome.

Let it set in the fridge for one hour.

Step 4:

Cut and serve.

And that’s it, folks. The easiest peasiest fudge on the planet.

Enjoy!

……….

Easy Peasy 2-Ingredient Fudge:
the faster, more boring directions

1. Combine 3 cups (510 g) chocolate chips and 14 oz (396 g) sweetened condensed milk in a microwave-safe bowl.
2. Microwave ’til melty (1-2 minutes) and stir ’til smooth. Add other ingredients if you insist on making this complicated.
3. Pour into a greased 9×9 dish. Let it set for 1 hour in the fridge.
4. Cut and serve.

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Today is Day 3 of 7(+) Giveaways!

I invited the 5 Kids Blog advertisers (see the column to your right) to join me for 7 (or more!) days of giveaways. CHECK BACK for a NEW GIVEAWAY EVERY DAY.

Today, Aliesha of Aliesha’s Oils is giving away a bottle of doTerra Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade Essential Peppermint Oil.

Peppermint oil is used for headache, fever, heartburn, varicose veins, bad breath, and nausea, and it’s completely safe to take while pregnant.

It’s also ideal for cooking; just add a couple drops to your favorite fudge recipe and VOILA! Mint fudge! 

This giveaway is now closed. Congratulations, Tina!

TO ENTER: Leave a comment on this blog post by 11:59pm (Pacific Time) on Tuesday, December 17th. One entry per person, please. A winner will be selected using a random number generator and posted on Wednesday.

This giveaway is open to international participants. International shipping provided by me.

Note: The 5 Kids Blog advertisers provided no additional compensation for these giveaways. Aliesha is paying for the cost of the giveaway and U.S. shipping. She paid me for her ad only, and this just seemed like a fun way to work together for your benefit. OK? OK.

……….

Do tell, friends: what’s your go-to recipe during the holidays? The food you always make because you can count on it. Or the food your family insists on having. Is it an elaborate Beef Wellington? Or Kraft Mac & Cheese? Your grandma’s famous apple strudel? Or Breyer’s ice cream straight from the carton? We’re not judgers. You can tell us. And you can link us up to recipes, too!

If you’re in the market for other simple, delicious recipes, check these out:

1. Easy Peasy FAST Homemade Cinnamon Rolls — yep, from scratch to table in 1 hour and 15 minutes. Like a Christmas miracle.
2. Easy Peasy FAST Homemade Bread
3. Super Duper Uber Cheater Pants Cookies
4. Easy Peasy Apple Cake – or substitute other fruit. A fun, quick holiday treat.
5. Or, for the full list of Five Kids Blog Recipes, click here.