Vanilla Christmas Fudge

Now that Thankgsiving is over, it's time to begin all the holiday baking! Here's my first of hopefully many!

Vanilla Christmas Fudge

1 bag white vanilla chips
1/4 heavy whipping cream
1 TBL honey
3/4 cup chopped cashews or other nuts (opt)
3/4 cup red and green M&M's

Line the bottom of a 8X8 pan with foil, overhanging the edges by a few inches. Spray with pam.

In a large bowl, mix the vanilla chips, heavy whipping cream, and honey. Melt in microwave for 30 seconds and stir. Place in microwave for another 30 seconds and stir. It should be melted and smooth (if not, add for another few seconds!). Stir in the nuts, if using, and allow to sit in bowl for 30 minutes.

Quickly add M&M's (just 1/2 cup), and spread into pan. Sprinkle with a few more M&M's, and press down into mixture a little. Place in refrigerator for 30 minutes.

Remove fudge and foil from pan and place on cutting board. The fudge should easily slip off the foil, and just the fudge should remain on cutting board. Slice in desired sized pieces!

This post is linked to Tasty Tuesday and Tempt my Tummy Tuesday

Chunky Beef Stew

Yes; I'm blogging! Finally! So I just began my 13th week of pregnancy, and even though I have had my fair share of sick days, I think I've been slightly lucky compared to other people I know! I've been sick once the past 2 weeks, and I have some friends that get sick every day. Yesterday was actually a bad day for me though; I got sick the previous night and yesterday at work. The first time EVER that I got sick in the morning or at work! okay; enough of that. 

I made a chunky beef stew for dinner, and thought I would share..since it was a hit at our house! I wasn't planning on posting this, so I didnt take pictures while I made it.

Prep time- 30-45 minutes (chopping potatoes and veggies)

Chunky Beef Stew

1 can diced tomatoes (don't drain. I blend it in a food processor)

1 cup water

3 TB quick cooking tapioca (stick with me here!)

2 ts. Sugar

1 ½ ts. Salt

½ ts. Pepper

2 pounds lean beef stew meat (I bought a package of pre cut beef stew meat. Cut yours in chunks if not already cut up)

4 medium carrots (cut into chunks)

3 medium potatoes; chunks

2 celery ribs; chunks (optional)

1 medium;  onion

1 slice bread; cubed

½ can chicken broth

In a large bowl; combine tomates, water, tapioca, sugar, salt and pepper. Stir in the remaining ingredients. Pour into a greased baking pan. Cover and bake at 375 for 1 ½-2 hours (2 hours for more tender meat and veggies). Serve in bowls. 

This is my daughter's bowl; that's why its not filled up much!

This post is linked to Tempt my Tummy Tuesday 

and Tasty Tuesday