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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!