Chunky Peanut Butter Fudge

Ingredients:

3 C Sugar

2/3 C Evaporated Milk

3/4 C Butter

7 -7.5 oz Marshmallow Creme

15-16 oz Chunky Peanut Butter

1 t Vanilla Extract

Directions:

Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. 

In a large pot, mix sugar, evaporated milk and butter. 

Stir constantly over medium heat until mixture begins to boil. Boil for about 4 minutes until a candy thermometer reads between 234-240 degrees F (soft ball). 

Remove from heat and stir in marshmallow creme, peanut butter and vanilla.

Scoop into prepared baking dish and spread evenly. 

Refrigerate until firm. 

Cut into squares and enjoy!

*Adapted from http://www.food.com/recipe/best-ever-peanut-butter-fudge-49596

16 Bean Ham and Kale Soup

Ingredients:

20 oz Bag of 16 Bean Soup Mix (or bean mix of your choice), discard flavor packet

5-6 oz Smoked Ham Steak, diced (with bone, if possible)

1 Large Onion, diced

4-5 Carrots, peeled and sliced

4 Garlic cloves, minced or pressed

1 Medium Green Pepper, diced

4 Celery Stalks, sliced

2 Green Onions, sliced

1 T Dried Cilantro

1 C Tomato Sauce

3/4 t Ground Cumin

1 T Kosher Salt

1 t Black Pepper

1 Sprig Fresh Rosemary

2 Sprigs Fresh Thyme

2 C Kale, coarsely chooped with stems removed (fresh or frozen)

Directions:

Rinse beans. In a large pot cover beans with water (according to package directions) and soak overnight. 

Discard the water and add 15 cups of fresh water to pot of beans. Cook uncovered for 1 hour on medium-heat. 

Add ham, onion, carrots, garlic, green pepper, celery, green onions, cilantro, tomato sauce, cumin, salt, pepper, rosemary, thyme and kale. 

Lower heat to low and simmer, covered for about one hour, stirring occasionally or until beans are cooked through. 

Add more salt, to taste, if needed. 

Yield: 8 Servings

* Adapted from http://www.skinnytaste.com/2016/01/16-bean-soup-with-ham-and-kale.html?m=1#more

Homemade Hot Cocoa

Ingredients:

1/2 C Sugar

1/3 C Unsweetened Cocoa Powder

1/8 t Ground Cinnamon

Pinch Salt

1/3 C Boiling Water

3 C Whole Milk

1 C Half-and-half

3/4 t Vanilla Extract

Whipped Cream or Marshmallows, optional

Directions:

In a large saucepan, whisk together sugar, cocoa, cinnamon and salt. 

Stir in boiling water. Whisk until sugar is dissolved. 

Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat, stirring constantly for about two minutes. 

Stir in milk and half. Cook and stir until just hot. 

Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract. 

Serve topped with whipped cream or marshmallows!

Yield: 3 Servings

* Adapted from http://allrecipes.com/recipe/234015/homestyle-hot-cocoa/