cheese ball, brie, and fudge

All of our visitors are gone now. We so love having everyone around at the holidays, but it is good to get back into our normal routine. We lucked out both this year and last since family came to us and we didn't have to travel. I could understand last year since we were living in Florida and could promise manatee and dolphin watching, kayaking, shelling, bike rides along the bay and otherwise sunny warm weather. Here in southern Indiana this year, I guess we know the truth, our family just loves us- because they came anyway. With two sick kids, we were pretty much house bound. The sick kids were an excuse- there wasn't a lot to go do anyway.

Being stuck at home did make for some good eating. Cheese ball, brie and fudge were grazing items at our house last week (to name a few). Oh yummy goodness. Here are three recipes that we love and usually only get at Christmas time.



Fudge: (also pictured are lemon squares -my favorites- and Mexican wedding cookies)

1 can evaporated milk
1 t vanilla
4 1/2 c sugar
2 sticks butter
18 oz chocolate chips

mix milk and sugar in saucepan. bring to full boil. boil 6 minutes. Pour over butter, vanilla, and chocolate chips. Stir until well blended. Let set up in fridge or in tins in the garage as we usually have to do.

Baked Brie with apples

brie
brown sugar
butter
apples

Place brie in an oven safe glass dish. Cover with brown sugar. Add a couple pats of butter to top. Bake until brie is soft and a little melty. (about 300 degrees for 20-30 minutes) Serve with apple slices. If the apples are going to sit out awhile- soak the apples in a little salt water and rinse.


Cheese Ball with ham

2 packages cream cheese (16 oz) room temp
1 package sliced chip beef- sliced and diced
1/8 c mayo
1-2 t Worcester sauce

Combine all ingredients. Form into ball. Chill. Serve with crackers or vegetables.


What's your favorite holiday grazing treat?