When I was growing up, my mother’s holiday gift of choice was homemade fudge.

By Karen Schulz

When I was growing up, my mother’s holiday gift of choice was homemade fudge. I always looked forward to “fudge-making day” when it was just Mom and me in the kitchen baking for teachers and friends, surrounded by chocolate. What’s not to love?

I realize now, that there was a lot more going on in that kitchen than simply making fudge. We were chatting, laughing, I was learning, and, most importantly, we were baking with love and sharing it with teachers and friends. We took special care to wrap the fudge in shiny aluminum foil and Mom tied the most beautiful bows around each parcel. I could hardly wait to make my deliveries. Holiday spirit was brewing.

The holiday spirit of giving and taking time to think of others is something we can easily rush through if we are not careful. I still think the best holiday gifts are homemade and personal, but I also know that spending a full day in the kitchen is not realistic either. The easy recipe below is my solution. Now you can have your toffee and eat it too. Saltine Toffee Chocolate Brittle is so quick and easy, and you probably have all four ingredients in your pantry. Moms, dads and kids of all ages can bake together, everyone on your list will feel special, and it’s absolutely delicious.  

We like to package it in clear bags tied with large festive ribbons or bows. I might even suggest a warning label, “Caution: highly addictive!”

Happy Holidays!