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Making Christmas Candy | How to Make Speculaas, Peanut Butter Fudge, Toffee, & Marshmallows

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Heritage Homestead
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Originating from the Netherlands, Speculaas cookies are traditionally baked for St. Nicholas' feast on December 5th. These spiced cookies, often shaped into figures, reflect the rich baking heritage of the region. Today, they are enjoyed year-round and have gained popularity beyond Dutch borders, often found in European Christmas markets.

Ingredients

  • flour
  • brown sugar
  • butter
  • brown sugar
  • baking powder
  • ground cinnamon
  • ground nutmeg
  • ground cloves
  • ground ginger
  • salt
  • milk
  • vanilla extract
  • almonds

Instructions

  1. 1Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. 2In a mixing bowl, cream together butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
  3. 3Add milk and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
  4. 4In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and spices.
  5. 5Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a dough forms.
  6. 6Fold in chopped almonds until evenly distributed.
  7. 7Chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
  8. 8Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick.
  9. 9Cut into desired shapes using cookie cutters.
  10. 10Place cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  11. 11Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until lightly golden.
  12. 12Remove from the oven and let cool on a wire rack.

Ingredient Alternatives

butter

Healthier: coconut oil

Cheaper: margarine

Coconut oil offers a dairy-free option with similar texture.

brown sugar

Healthier: coconut sugar

Cheaper: granulated sugar

Coconut sugar is less processed and retains some nutrients.

almonds

Healthier: walnuts

Cheaper: sunflower seeds

Walnuts provide healthy fats while being more affordable.

flour

Healthier: whole wheat flour

Cheaper: all-purpose flour

Whole wheat flour adds fiber and nutrients.

Techniques

creamingmixingrollingbaking

Equipment

mixing bowlwhiskbaking sheetparchment papercookie cuttersrolling pin
🌶️🌶️🌶️Lowglutennutsdairy

Also Known As

SpeculaasDutch Spice Cookies

Peanut butter fudge has its roots in American home cooking, particularly in the Southern United States, where it has been a cherished treat for generations. This simple yet indulgent dessert showcases the beloved flavor of peanut butter, often made during holidays and family gatherings. Today, variations abound, with many incorporating chocolate or other flavors, making it a popular choice for dessert lovers everywhere.

Ingredients

  • peanut butter
  • sweetened condensed milk
  • vanilla extract
  • butter
  • powdered sugar
  • chocolate chips
  • salt
  • nuts

Instructions

  1. 1Line a baking dish with parchment paper.
  2. 2In a mixing bowl, combine peanut butter and sweetened condensed milk until smooth.
  3. 3Add vanilla extract and mix until fully incorporated.
  4. 4Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing until the mixture is thick.
  5. 5Melt chocolate chips in a microwave or double boiler until smooth.
  6. 6Stir in a pinch of salt to the chocolate mixture.
  7. 7Spread the peanut butter mixture evenly in the lined baking dish.
  8. 8Drizzle melted chocolate over the top of the peanut butter layer.
  9. 9Sprinkle chopped nuts on top if desired.
  10. 10Refrigerate for at least 2 hours until set.
  11. 11Cut into squares and serve.

Ingredient Alternatives

sweetened condensed milk

Healthier: coconut milk

Cheaper: evaporated milk

Coconut milk is lower in sugar and fat.

butter

Healthier: coconut oil

Cheaper: margarine

Coconut oil provides a dairy-free option.

chocolate chips

Healthier: dark chocolate

Cheaper: chocolate bar

Dark chocolate has less sugar and is richer in flavor.

powdered sugar

Healthier: stevia

Cheaper: granulated sugar

Stevia reduces sugar content without sacrificing sweetness.

Techniques

mixingmeltingspreadingrefrigerating

Equipment

mixing bowlbaking dishspatulamicrowave or double boiler
peanutsdairy

Also Known As

Peanut Butter SquaresPeanut Butter Candy

Toffee is a traditional British confectionery made by caramelizing sugar and butter. It has been enjoyed for centuries and is often associated with festive occasions, particularly during the holidays. The texture can range from chewy to hard, depending on the cooking time and temperature. Variations include adding chocolate or nuts, making it a versatile treat for various celebrations.

Ingredients

  • sugar
  • butter
  • water
  • vanilla extract
  • salt
  • chocolate
  • nuts

Instructions

  1. 1Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper.
  2. 2In a saucepan, combine sugar, butter, and water over medium heat.
  3. 3Stir continuously until the mixture reaches a boil.
  4. 4Continue boiling without stirring until it reaches the hard crack stage.
  5. 5Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and salt.
  6. 6Pour the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet and spread evenly.
  7. 7Allow to cool slightly before sprinkling with chocolate and nuts.
  8. 8Let it set completely before breaking into pieces.

Ingredient Alternatives

sugar

Healthier: coconut sugar

Cheaper: brown sugar

Coconut sugar has a lower glycemic index.

butter

Healthier: coconut oil

Cheaper: margarine

Coconut oil is a healthier fat option.

chocolate

Healthier: dark chocolate

Cheaper: chocolate chips

Dark chocolate has more antioxidants.

Techniques

boilingmixing

Equipment

saucepanbaking sheetspatulathermometer
🌶️🌶️🌶️Lownutsdairy

Also Known As

English ToffeeButter Toffee
vegandairy-freeegg-freegluten-freenut-free

Ingredients

  • 1 cup shredded coconut
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup corn syrup
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1 cup mini marshmallows
  • 1 cup dark chocolate chips
  • 1 tbsp coconut oil

Instructions

  1. 1In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, corn syrup, water, and salt. Cook over medium heat until the sugar dissolves and the mixture comes to a boil.
  2. 2Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and shredded coconut until well combined.
  3. 3Let the mixture cool slightly, then fold in the mini marshmallows until evenly coated.
  4. 4Line a baking dish with parchment paper and spread the coconut-marshmallow mixture evenly in the dish. Press down firmly to compact it.
  5. 5Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until set.
  6. 6Once set, cut into squares or rectangles.
  7. 7In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the dark chocolate chips and coconut oil. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until melted and smooth.
  8. 8Dip each coconut marshmallow piece into the melted chocolate, allowing excess chocolate to drip off.
  9. 9Place the chocolate-dipped marshmallows back on the parchment paper and let them set at room temperature or refrigerate until the chocolate hardens.
  10. 10Serve and enjoy your chocolate-dipped coconut marshmallows!

Equipment

medium saucepanbaking dishparchment papermicrowave-safe bowlspatulaknife

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