Holiday Goodies: Quick and Easy Candies

If you would like to make some homemade candies for the holidays this year, but you are short on time, here are some great quick and easy recipes. The recipients of your lovely gifts will think you spent hours in the kitchen, but I won't tell.

Turtles
Pecan halves
Caramels
Melted chocolate (chocolate chips or chocolate coating squares)

Heat oven to 325 and grease a baking sheet. Place pecan halves on the sheet in groups of four. Place an unwrapped caramel on the top center of each pecan half group. Heat in the oven for 4 to 8 minutes until caramels soften. Watch carefully - you don't want the caramel to melt completely - just get soft enough to smoosh. Remove from the oven. Flatten the caramels over the pecans with a buttered spatula. Cool slightly. Remove from pan and cool completely on waxed paper. Spread melted chocolate over the top of each candy.

Scotch Crunchies
1 cup butterscotch chips
1 cup chocolate chips
2 cups chow mein noodles
1 cup salted cashews

Melt chips over low heat stirring constantly or in microwave, stirring often until smooth and blended. Stir in noodles and nuts. Drop onto waxed paper. Refrigerate until set.

Super Easy Truffles
1 12 oz package semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/4 cup liqueur or 1 teaspoon flavoring extract*
1 16 oz can chocolate fudge frosting
Coconut, ground nuts, chocolate sprinkles or cocoa powder

Melt chocolate chips in a saucepan over low heat stirring constantly until smooth (can also be done in microwave - stir often until melted). Add liqueur or extract and frosting; blend well. Refrigerate for 1 - 2 hours or until firm. Scoop mixture into 1-inch balls (will be sticky). Roll in coconut, nuts, sprinkles or cocoa powder. Place in small candy cups and store in refrigerator.

*Use any flavor of liqueur or extract that you would like - Amaretto, coffee (e.g. Kahlua), Irish cream, orange, cherry, raspberry, vanilla, hazelnut, almond, etc.

S'Wonderful Candy
2 pounds confectioner's
12 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup finely chopped candied cherries (red and/or green)
1/2 cup finely chopped nuts
2 teaspoons vanilla or almond extract (or to taste)

Blend all ingredients until well mixed and pack into a baking pan. Freeze until firm. Cut into small pieces.