Despite unusual ingredient, this fudge rules

Happy Holidays, we made it. With such a busy time of year upon us, thoughts turn to family, friends, and food for gatherings. It's just what we do, and are very blessed that we can.

One of my favorite things at this time of year is putting food out for people to snack on when they all drop in. Nothing fancy, just friendly and easy foods that inspire mingling and spreading that holiday cheer.

Most people I hang with have a similar taste to my own, being an incredible sweet tooth. Cookies, candy and fudge top that particular list. I have been a fudge junkie since I can remember. I have many fudge recipes, some easy, some hard, but this one I am sharing today is by far the easiest and most tasty of the lot.

You may not believe the main ingredient in this fudge recipe, and to be honest, when I was given a piece to sample, then the recipe, I was stunned. My good friend Rose made this fudge for me to sample, and is cool with my sharing it. I made it and it was gone within minutes.

This is called Saltine Fudge for a reason -- the main ingredient is Saltine crackers. Yes you read right, the familiar Saltines. Preparation is a breeze, and the results will bring awe. Even if you can't cook or make candy, I think you'll be able to do this.

This is a fun recipe to do last-minute if you find yourself short a gift, or better yet, having a New Year's gathering. Rose said this recipe is a requirement for her family at the holidays, and after making it myself, I do believe it is going to be a requirement for my family as well.

If you want to do a batch up as a gift for someone, putting it in a decorative box with colorful tissue paper makes a wonderful presentation. It's quick, easy and inexpensive, and what better way to someone's heart than through their sweet tooth?

Before I give you this amazing recipe, I would like to take this opportunity to wish all of our readers a wonderful, safe and happy holiday season. I greatly appreciate the positive response the Everyday Gourmet column has received, and I look forward to continuing to give you some of the best recipes I've complied over the years. One thing we all have in common is we have to eat, and I love the prospect of helping you all enlarge your own recipe file over another year.
Rose's Saltine Fudge
2 cups white sugar
24 Saltine crackers, crushed
1/2 cup whole milk
4 tablespoons peanut butter
1 small jar Marshmallow Fluff
1 cups nuts (optional)

Combine the sugar, crackers and milk, bring to a boil for five minutes only. Do not over boil. Remove from heat, add the peanut butter and Fluff and nuts if you choose to. Mix it all together then spread it into in a greased baking dish. Put in the fridge to set and cool. Once cooled all the way through, cut into pieces and serve.

If you have a question or comment about a recipe, or have a recipe suggestion for Everyday Gourmet writer Diane Beaudoin to try out, e-mail her at Domino147@ verizon.net.