Traditions

Do you have some? Every year since Mark and I, Lucia, Casey and Brian became a family in 1984, we shopped for blown glass ornaments. Each one of us taking care to pick the best one, coming home, dating and initialing them and hanging them on the tree. There are many good memories of that time.

I find many memories are food related. My mother was an excellent cook and loved to entertain. Her peanut butter marshmallow fudge was an annual treat, made only at Christmas time. Daughter Casey is especially fond of it, and so I've picked up the tradition of 'Nanny's fudge'. It really is wonderful and totally easy, almost to the point of fool proof, although it helps immensely to have a candy thermometer to accurately measure the soft ball stage. And it does take some close attention for the ten or so minutes it is on the stove. It would be a very messy thing if it were to boil over the pot.

Nanny's Peanut Butter Fudge (international measures included!)

2 c. (400 g) sugar
2/3 c. (1 1/2 dL) milk ( I only had 1% on hand and it worked out fine)
1 c. (1/4 L) marshmallow cream
1 c. (1/4 L) peanut butter
2 tsp. vanilla

Oil (I used soft butter) a jelly-roll pan or a 9 x 9 inch pan. Combine the sugar and milk in a 3- quart heavy pot. Stir to mix well and place over moderate heat. Bring to a boil, stirring until the sugar dissolves, and bring to a boil. Continue to boil over medium heat, without stirring, to the soft ball stage (235 degrees). Remove from the heat and stir in the marshmallow cream, peanut butter and vanilla. Mix well and spread in the oiled pan. Cool and cut into squares. Store airtight. 2 pounds.

Next up are the famed Aunt Holly's cookies. I have no idea who Aunt Holly is, but these came from Mark's side of the family and have become another tradition. These are daughter Lucia's favorites. I'll share a photo later, they're quite festive.