Sensational Homemade Candies

Our family has some really great candies in our recipe files. Some include fudge, penuche, divinity, peanut brittle and many other varieties of fudge.

Making various kinds of candies was a big deal for our family. As I mentioned before, my grandmother taught her boys to cook when they were growing up, so my Dad was the master chef in our home.

My Dad always made a big production of making fudge, Divinity, penuche, peanut brittle to name a few. Besides myself I had 3 brothers and 2 sisters, so cooking with my Dad was a fun time for us. Of course eating them was better, so I will get to the recipes so you can enjoy them with your family.

Grandma's Excellent Penuche, is a wonderfully delicious fudge made with brown sugar and pecans. Many people make a similar type candy called pralines, and this is every bit as good. Try some for yourself today!

"How to make perfect homemade candy and fudge"

        The key to making any good candies is becoming an expert at the proper stage when it has cooked long enough. For example, when making Chocolate Fudge, it is the "soft ball" stage, which basically means that you have cooked the mixture long enough that when you drop some into a cup of cold water, you are able to work it between your fingers and form into a soft ball. It is critical for great Chocolate Fudge to meet the "soft ball" stage test. Other recipes may say "medium ball" or "hard ball" stage, so it does take some trial and error.

      However, making Penuche Fudge requires being cooked to "medium ball" stage...so it takes some practice. I remember us kids watching as Dad tested the candy, "is it ready yet?" we would beg. We were so glad when it formed correctly, because we knew it was nearing the eating stage. If it doesn't form into a ball, but dissipates into the water; it's not done cooking. Cook for a few more minutes and try again.

One special treat that is much easier to make and is a blast to do as a group is Caramel Popcorn or Popcorn Balls. You can really get creative with these recipes by adding nuts to the popcorn. When making Popcorn Balls, use food coloring to make them really colorful.

Some people remember 'Cracker Jacks', I have the secret ingredient!! Be sure to check out Grandma's 'Cracker Jacks'.

Another fun candy that kids can make with the proper supervision is Microwave Peanut Brittle. This is quick and easy and really good when the kiddos want a sweet treat in a hurry.