This weekend means that December is officially here and that means … FUDGE. I double-batched this last night while we decorated the Christmas tree and the fudge is already half gone. Gave some to a few friends this morning and it’s a great little hostess gift for 2 parties this weekend. I don’t remember where I got this recipe years ago, but I altered the recipe and this is how I make it.

[ peppermint fudge ]

FUDGE LAYER

3 tsp. butter, softened
4 oz. cream cheese, softened
4 c. powdered sugar
6 Tbsp. baking cocoa
1 tsp. milk
1 tsp. vanilla extract

PEPPERMINT LAYER

2 oz. cream cheese, softened
2 c. powdered sugar
1/2 tsp. milk
1/2 tsp. peppermint extract
1/4 c. crushed peppermint candy (about 10-12 candies)

Line the bottom and sides of a square baking dish with foil. Grease foil with butter; set aside. In a small mixing bowl, beat cream cheese. Gradually beat in powdered sugar, cocoa, milk and vanilla. Spread into prepared pan. Chill for an hour until firm. For peppermint layer, beat cream cheese in a small mixing bowl. Gradually beat in powdered sugar, milk and extract. Stir in peppermint candy. Spread evenly over chocolate layer. Chill for an hour or until firm. Using foil, lift fudge from pan. Gently peel off foil and cut into squares.

Notes: A double batch fits well in a 9″ x 13″ pan and makes about 7-8 dozen little squares of fudge. Also, to crush the peppermint candies, I place them in a thick zip lock bag and use a rubber mallet (soft hammer). This is where my kids like to help!

[ Note added a few days after original post: I just realized I posted this recipe back in May. I must REALLY like this. A LOT. : ) ]