Giving holiday gifts to friends, family and people we love is a great feeling. It's even better when you add a little sweet something you've made yourself. For the past few years, my wife Jana and I have made countless batches of fudge in many flavours. We lovingly wrap the precious squares of sweet fudge in parchment paper, seal them in pretty tins and dress them up with ribbon and a handwritten note before adding them to our gift. We've received so many thank you cards for the great fudge. It's a tradition our friends and family insist we continue.
This year we'll try our hand at something new. Of course, there will still be fudge - everyone's favourite - but I want to mix it up a little with some good old-fashioned sweets with a modern twist. Honey and macadamia nut brittle, dark English toffee, and handmade chocolate truffles should be more than enough to make up for less fudge than in past years!
The recipes are deliciously tempting and simple. They also allow for experimenting with your favourite holiday flavours and ingredients. Before you get started, make sure you have a candy thermometer and a pastry brush. When making candy like the brittle, toffee and fudge, the cooking temperature will determine the final texture and quality. The pastry brush is essential for occasionally washing down the sides of your pot with water, which helps prevent crystallization of the sugar, which is the end of any good candy.
There is nothing more satisfying than making your own gifts. Even though they may last but a few moments, I feel they are much more appreciated than anything bought in a store. Friends and family will enjoy them as much as you do!