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How to Make Homemade Candy

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Carefully test for temperature; the mixture should be cool enough to handle. With slightly buttered hands, form mixture into tight balls using approximately 1/4 cup mixture per ball. Make indentation in center of each ball to resemble a bird's nest. Place on waxed paper and allow to cool completely.

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Place 2 or 3 jelly beans or other egg-shaped candies into each nest. Bird's nests should be stored in airtight containers and do best when chilled, as the coating can melt in warmer temperatures. They will last up to 2 weeks when properly stored, but do not ship well because of the ease of melting.

Fudge

It wouldn't be a homemade candy list without fudge! Quick and easy fudge recipes usually involve cream cheese, which results in a nice sweet but slightly bitter flavor. You can mix in any kind of extras (nuts, fruit, marshmallows) for additional flavor.

Cream Cheese Fudge

(recipe adapted from HillbillyHousewife.com)

  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 4 cups powdered sugar

Place the cream cheese in a bowl and add the oil and vanilla, stirring until smooth (an electric mixer works best). Stir in the cocoa and powdered sugar at low speed. Once incorporated, mix well until the fudge is smooth and no lumps appear. Stir in any additional ingredients, then pour into a greased or wax paper-lined 8-inch square pan. Chill for at least 4 hours until firm. Cut into squares.

The next time you're getting ready to make someone's day with a candy surprise, don't head to the candy shop. Great candy confections can come straight from your own kitchen!