Valentines Fudge and Flowers

Valentine's Day is right around the corner and if you are like most of the country you are wondering exactly how to make the day special without spending the rent money! You can spend time with your loved one without breaking the bank. Be creative and shop around for less expensive and more valued choices. Price is not always the top indicator of value so put on your thinking cap and choose wisely!

You can find budget flowers at most grocery stores such as Kroger’s. Great buys can be found at clubs such as Sam’s Club or Costco. Guys, you can get tissue paper in red at Walgreen’s, CVS, or other department stores to wrap your finds. I know this is not really a Guy Thing, but it is foolish to spend a fortune when a little thought will get you the same (or nearly the same) result!

Candy making is not necessarily difficult and with the right recipe you will be armed not only to show your love but your cooking skills as well. This Fantasy Fudge recipe is easily adapted to the flavor of your choice and is something you will be proud to give to your loved one!

Here is your ingredients list with optional flavor choices:

• 3 cups sugar
• 1 1/2 stick butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 5 ounces evaporated milk
• 1 jar marshmallow cream about 7 ounces
• 13 X 9 pan or casserole
• 2 quart sauce pan
• long handle spoon
• sharp knife for cutting
• Extra butter
• optional ingredients:
• chopped pecans, walnuts

CHOOSE ONE
• 12 ounces semisweet chocolate chips
• 12 ounces milk chocolate chips
• 12 ounces white chocolate chips
• 12 ounces peanut butter chips
• 12 ounces crunchy peanut butter

To make things simple you should measure out and open all ingredients before you get started. This recipe can be completed in under thirty minutes so it will not take much time to prepare.

1. Place sauce pan on the burner and turn heat to medium high. Carefully melt the butter. Do not allow to burn. Keep heat low until the butter is melted. Add sugar and evaporated milk. Bring to a boil stirring constantly. This candy must be watched! You may need to adjust the temperature but do not boil too hard or fast. Your candy will be grainy! After the candy comes to a boil, boil five minutes. Remove from heat.
2. 
Add your chocolate chips or peanut butter chips. Stir until melted. Add vanilla. Stir well. Add marshmallow cream and nuts. When well mixed pour into prepared pan.
3. 
Allow to cool. Cut into 1 inch squares and place into containers. This makes a large batch so you can find a large tin or several small tins or boxes for gifts. Separate layers with waxed papers or place candy into decorative muffin cups.
4. 
To make candy with crunchy peanut butter, At step 2 bring ingredients to boil and add 12 ounces crunchy peanut butter. Bring back to boil stirring constantly and move on to step 3 leaving out the chips but adding the remaining ingredients. Follow remaining steps by number. You will love this candy and be proud of yourself!


Find a Valentine’s Day tin for the presentation and you will have a lovely and tasty gift. Your savings may help your budget enough for a night out with your Valentine at the restaurant or other outing of your choice.

I hope these suggestions help you think of other possibilities for your special day. Think creative and you will have a wonderful day!