I took a "moment of silence" away from my blog over the weekend in order to pay my respects to the victims and families affected by the tragedy in Newtown, Connecticut and also due to a family emergency. The tragedy in Connecticut really affected me and I can't imagine what those families are going through. I know that this weekend I hugged my son a little harder and remembered to appreciate the little moments.
On December 21, 2012 I will be participating with a group of bloggers and posting Cookies and Crafts for Sandy Hook. It is our way of honoring those involved in the tragedy and showing our support to the people in Newtown, Connecticut.
You can participate by writing a post sharing a cookie or a craft and a tribute to Sandy Hook Elementary School, especially a cookie or craft you can make with your children. If you don't have a blog feel free to share your support on Facebook or other social media.
You can help the effort in Newtown by donating
to Newtown Youth and Family Services. According to their website, Newtown Youth and Family Services, Inc. is a “licensed, non-profit, mental health clinic and youth services bureau dedicated to helping children and families achieve their highest potential. NYFS provides programs, services, activities, counseling, support groups and education throughout the Greater Newtown area.” All donations made to them are going to go back to those affected by the school shooting.
While these shootings have really affected me, it really hit home for me this weekend on how it is important to spend as much time with your family as you can. This weekend my father had a stroke. My dad has lost all movement in his left arm and leg. At least he still has his speech and is in stable condition. Even though it will take a lot of time and a lot of rehabilitation, my dad should hopefully be okay. While I know this is not the same as what happened at Sandy Hook, I am talking about them together because they are both events that affected me this past weekend and helped me to realize just how important family is.
I think that this fudge is a great idea for a fun treat to make as a family. It is a fun Christmas treat and your children can help you decorate the fudge to look like Santa Hats. Plus, the fudge is candy cane flavored and is delicious. I hope that you make this fun treat with your family to enjoy this Christmas!
Santa Hat Fudge (Candy Cane Flavored)
1 1/2 cups sugar
3/4 cup heavy cream
3/4 cup butter
2 cups white chocolate chips
1 jar (7 ounces) Marshmallow creme
1 package (3.4 ounces) Candy Cane instant pudding, dry
1/2 cup crushed candy cane
30 drops red food coloring
Decorations
1/4 cup white chocolate chips, melted
White Chocolate Chips
Mini Marshmallows
1. In a large saucepan, melt the butter, sugar, and heavy cream together. Cook over medium-high heat until mixture starts boiling. Boil for 5 minutes, stirring constantly. Then remove from heat.
2. Quickly whisk in the white chocolate chips, Candy Cane pudding mix and marshmallow creme. Whisk until fully blended (one to two minutes). Stir in the red food coloring to make the fudge more of a red color. Pour into a 13x9 inch baking dish lined with parchment paper. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
3. Remove from the pan and cut into triangles. To decorate use the melted white chocolate as glue. Dipping the bottom of a mini marshmallow in the white chocolate, glue to the top of the triangle. On the bottom glue the white chocolate chips to create a Santa Hat.
*Alyssa*
