Welcome to the Festival of Food Carnival. In celebration of Valentine's Day, we're sharing recipe ideas for "love foods" or foods to share with loved ones. Hosted by Diary of a First Child and Hybrid Rasta Mama, you're welcome to join us next time, or if you have a previously published recipe you'd like to share, add it to the linky below.
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I read somewhere that "Made with Love" means you licked the spoon while you were cooking. I like that. To me, "Made with Love" refers to something that isn't totally easy to make. It is a dish that can be a pain, but you make it... because you love the person that will eat it.
I know its not a spoon.
And no, it did not go back into the batter.
When I think of "Made with Love" dishes... one of my old specialties comes to mind. Despite this recipe coming from a name brand, I have not known anyone else that had it. Even the name brand offers a different version of this recipe now. I have refused to share it in the past because it was my special recipe. I don't make it so much these days and... I'm going to share it with you today. <gasp!>
Eagle Brand Fudge
- 3 Cups Chocolate Chips
- 1 Can Sweetened Condensed Milk
- 2 Tablespoons Butter
- 1½ teaspoons Vanilla
- dash of Salt
- 1 Cup Nuts (optional)
Melt chocolate chips, Eagle Brand Sweetened Condensed Milk, butter, vanilla and a dash of salt.
Remove from heat; stir in 1 Cup nuts (optional). Spread evenly into foil-lined 8 or 9 inch square pan.
Chill for 2+ hours or until firm. Turn onto cutting board. Cut into squares. Loose cover at room temperature.
Those big rocking pizza cutters are awesome for this! You will want to heat the knife under hot water (and dry completely) every few cuts. Sounds easy, right? Amusing side note, I actually have a measuring spoon marked "dash." Anyhoo... I have carpal tunnel syndrome, so the constant stirring on the stove kills. Cutting the chilled fudge is no walk in the park, either.However, this is a fun recipe base from which to get creative. I've tried sprinkling candy in he pan before spreading the fudge into it. I've tried making it with peanut butter chips (doesn't work quite right because they're more dense than chocolate chips), Ande's mints (yum!) and other varieties. Everyone has their favorite. I am, however, a firm believer that fudge should not contain nuts!
I guess by this account, love = pain. That doesn't sound very nice, but the ones we love are those same people for whom we're willing to go through pain. There are other recipes I equate with love, though. Mashed potatoes specifically made with Country Crock, because my making it reminded my mother of her mother's mashed potatoes.
What recipes do you hate to make, but make out of love?
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Please take a moment to visit the blogs of our other Festival of Food participants. The links in this list will be live by the end of the day, as participants are all in different time zones.
- Mercedes at Project Procrastinot shares Well-Traveled Muffins, A Family Recipe, which is the recipe that's followed her around the globe and won her husband over: banana-carrot muffins. You can also fine Mercedes on Facebook.
- Mari at Honey on the Bum shares Peek-a-boo, I love you!, a recipe she loves because her kids love it and love to help make it, and it can change as the seasons and holidays change with just the switch of a cookie cutter.
- Angela at EarthMamas World shares a delicious vegetable black bean soup recipe. She adds a special Valentines Day twist for her kids! You can also find Angela on Facebook.
- Jennifer at Hybrid Rasta Mama shares two super easy coconut themed Valentine's treats; No Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Truffles and Chocolate Coconut Macaroon Truffles. You can also find Jennifer on Facebook.
- Sarah at Why Food Works shares WFW: Know your numbers - the IMPORTANT ones!. Love your health first - heart disease is a big problem in America, and eating a higher fiber diet can improve our cardiovascular function: try Sarah's Nutty Quinoa Pilaf to show your loved ones you care about their hearts! You can also find Sarah on Facebook.
- Amy at Anktangle shares her recipe for simple and delicious coconut macaroons. They're sugar-free, gluten-free, and most importantly: free of any processed additives you'll find in many store-bought desserts. You can also find Amy on Facebook.
- Lindy at Poppy Soap Co. shares a cheeky recipe for Chocolate Love Waffles! These are sure to be a Valentine's Day hit! You can also find Lindy on Facebook.
- Jorje of Momma Jorje shares a painful recipe that required some love for her to make. You can also find Jorje on Facebook.
- Luschka at Diary of a First Child lists the ten foods commonly regarded as aphrodisiac foods, and shares three recipes that include eight of those foods, with a printable menu for your easy three course dinner. You can also find Luschka on Facebook.
- In a guest post at Hobo Mama, Crackerdog Sam shares his son's favorite soft pretzel recipe: half whole-wheat and a lovely upgrade to a mall treat.You can also find Hobo Mama on Facebook.
- Need a wholesome treat for your honey's sweet tooth? Dionna at Code Name: Mama shares her recipe for amazing homemade heart-shaped nut butter cups. With natural nut butter and coconut oil chocolates, these are two great tastes that will certainly taste great - and healthy - together. You can also find Code Name Mama on Facebook.
Stay connected! Be sure to "Like" the Festival of Food Carnival Facebook page.
