Blueberry Pie Fudge

Do you ever get an idea that you are really excited about; one that you really, really want to try out? One that you'll be so excited about it if it works (highlights, yay!) or really bummed if it doesn't (lace jacket? Not in any era, people.)

This recipe is one of those ideas.

Fudge, that tastes like blueberry, that looks like a pie. I have no idea where this idea came to me. Possibly when I was out running, because that's what I do to get through the torture. {I think about fabulous desserts so that by the time I get home I'm totally famished and scarf poptarts because, hey, I just went for a run.}

Then I got an email from a company called Lucky Leaf. Have you heard of them?

They make premium pie fillings for fruit and cream pies, as well as applesauce and apple juice. They make PIE FILLING, yo. I mean, could it have been a more perfect fit? I responded to the email so fast I think I got carpel tunnel.

~Read More~

Cookies 'n Birthday Cake Fudge

Last week at Walmart I was walking to the checker when I saw these:

It was like the sky opened up and the heavens glowed and angels sang.

I knew I had to make some thing with them. Otherwise I would eat the whole package at once.

So I made fudge. Because making fudge is the obvious way to avoid eating an entire package of cookies.

I've never made cooked fudge before. I've always been all "pshaw...why would I make boiled fudge and have to use my candy thermometer when I could just make it easy, those people who do all that work have way too much time on their hands." (Totally thought without judgement. I'm not that kind of person. No really, I'm not.)

And then I made this fudge. And I apologize. For the way I thought about cooked fudge. I am eating my humble pie now.

It's awesome. It's great. It's sweet and good and all that is right with the world.

And I can eat a ton of it. Because I made it with I Can't Believe It's Not Butter!, so it has less fat and calories and I can add a bag of Birthday Cake Oreos and eat 17 pieces and not feel sick.

**The giveaway is now closed**

Recently the people at I Can't Believe It's Not Butter! contacted me. They wanted to give away some cool stuff to my readers.

Of course I said yes. I love my readers. They deserve cool stuff.

The Acadamy Awards are on Sunday. Are you going to watch? I love award shows, all of them. I can get a little obsessed. It doesn't matter the only movie I saw was the Help.

I Can't Believe It's Not Butter! is throwing a Red Carpet Viewing Party on Facebook on the big day, this Sunday the 26th.  There's going to be a roundtable discussion with some of Hollywood's biggest stars and a food and wine expert "known for her delicious recipes."

I have no idea who the star is. I'm hoping for Bethanny. Or Rachael Ray. Or Martha. Who doesn't love Martha??

If you want to follow along with the party, be sure to check out the chatter on Twitter at #ToastRedCarpet.

**UPDATE: Don't miss the show! It's a red carpet event hosted by Brooke Burke, Carson Kressley, and Molly Sims and Katie Lee! It's from 3:00-4:30 PST this Sunday on the I Can't Believe It's Not Butter! Facebook page. Click here for the link.**

It's a really cool prize pack. A silver tray, four champagne flutes, some "toast" coasters (they really look like toast!) a cheese spreader, and a coupon for a free tub of I Can't Believe It's Not Butter! Pretty cool prizes, if you ask me. I hope you'll enter!


Contest runs through Monday, February 27th. Winner will be announced Tuesday the 28th. US entries only, please.


**The giveaway is now closed**


How to enter:

1. Leave a comment here. Something sweet and nice. 
2. Do you follow me? Leave me a separate comment and tell me how you follow (GFC? RSS? ABCD? Just kidding on that last one. LOL)
3. Follow me on Twitter (@crazyforcrust) and come back and leave a separate comment telling me you do.

This fudge would be a great addition to your Academy Awards party, if you're having one.  Or, you know, you could just be like me and eat handfuls of it while watching The Amazing Race or The Biggest Loser.

Just a suggestion.

(Oh, in case you missed it...**The giveaway is now closed**)

Cookies 'n Birthday Cake Fudge

by Crazy for Crust (Recipe adapted from Kraft)

Keywords: oreo white chocolate fudge

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Ingredients

• 3/4 cup I Can't Believe It's Not Butter! spread (or regular butter)
• 3 cups sugar
• 5 ounces (2/3 cup) evaporated milk
• 1 jar (7 ounces) marshmallow creme
• 1 package (12 ounces) white chocolate chips
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 package Birthday Cake Oreos

Instructions

1. Line a 9x9" pan with foil and spray with cooking spray. (If you like a thinner fudge, use a 9x13" pan.) Coarsely chop your Oreos.
2. Add sugar, evaporated milk, and butter to a large pot over medium heat. Bring to a rapid boil and cook for 4 minutes, stirring constantly (234 degrees on a candy thermometer).
3. Add marshmallow creme and white chocolate. Stir until melted. Add vanilla and chopped cookies. Pour into prepared pan. Chill until hardened and cut into squares.

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Fine print: this giveaway is sponsored by I Can't Believe It's Not Butter! They sent me the gifts I am sharing with you. My idea for the fudge and opinions of it are all my own! Unfortunately I cannot ship international with this giveaway, so sorry about that. But you love me anyway, right?

Have a Linky Party you want me to join? Add it HERE.

These are the fabulous parties I link to each week:

Monday: Mingle Monday (Add a Pinch), Joy of Desserts, Creative Monday (Clairejustineoxox), Mix it Up Monday (Flour Me With Love), Things that make you say mmmm Monday (Cooking with Karyn), Mop it Up Mondays (I should be mopping the floors), Show me what you got (Our Delightful Home). Tuesday: 2 Maids a Baking (2 Maids a Milking), Tea Party Tuesdays (Sweetology), Mushki Loves My Stuff (Mushki Loves), Totally Tasty Tuesdays (Mandy's Recipe Box), Talent Show Tuesday (Chef in Training), Trick or Treat Tuesday (Inside BruCrew Life), Let's Do Brunch (My Sweet & Savory), One Stop Shop Linky (The Southern Product Queen). Wednesday: Mrs. Fox's Sweet Party (Mrs. Fox's Sweets) Made It On Monday (Lark's Country Heart), This Chick Cooks, Cast Party Wednesday (Lady Behind the Curtain), Famous Linkz Par-tay (Made-Famous-By), Bakes with Bizzy (Bizzy Bakes), Whip it Up Wednesday (Crockpot Ladies).  Thursday: Sweet Treats Thursday (Something Swanky), Chic-and-Crafty (Frugal Girls), Turning the Table Thursdays (Around My Family Table), Tasty Thursday (The How-To Mommy), Tastetastic Thursday (A little nosh), Sweet Temptations (Talking Dollars and Cents), Taking a Timeout Thursday (Mom on Timeout), Things I've Done Thursday (BearRabbitBear), (RHW Recipe Round-Up) The Real Housewives of Riverton, BFF Open House (The Answer is Chocolate), Recipe Round Up (Eat, Pray, Read, Love). Friday: Sweet Tooth Friday (Alli-n-son), I'm Lovin' it Fridays (TidyMom), Friday Favorites (Simply Sweet Home), Latest & Greatest Friday (Days of Chalk and Chocolate), Bacon Time, Fusion Friday (Jane Deere Blog), Foodie Friday (Not Your Ordinary Recipes), Dwell on Joy, Fun Finds Friday (Kitchen Fun with my 3 Sons). Saturday: Country Mom Cooks, Sweets for a Saturday (Sweet as Sugar Cookies), Seasonal Inspiration (Crumbs and Chaos), You inspire me (Polka Dot Pretties). Sunday: A Well-Seasoned Life,Sharing Sundays (Everyday Sisters), Strut your Stuff Saturday (Six Sisters' Stuff), Recipe Party (The Sweet Spot), Seasonal/Occasional Linkys: Moms Crazy Cooking, Southern Mom Cooks, Cheap Crafty Momma, Susie QT

100 Grand Fudge

I live in a fairly large town. There are about 50,000 people who live here, so it's not small, or anything.

So why is it that I always see people everywhere I go? The grocery store, Target, the gym. Usually I like running into people. But it seems like the universe is against me; whenever I run into someone I know I have no make-up on, my hair isn't brushed, or I'm half naked.

Let me explain.

A lot of people I know work out at my gym. It's a super-huge family-friendly one. I often see someone I know while I'm on the treadmill. More often, it's when I'm in the locker room.

Often I have to go somewhere after my workout: the store, bank, or to work in Jordan's class. Because I enjoy people and want them not to recoil in horror at my post-workout stench, I tend to wash up before I leave the gym.

It's always when I have my top off that I see someone I know. A neighbor, the mother of a kid in Jordan's class. When this happens we both try to avert our eyes while still greeting each other, lest lightning strike.

I know, I know. Why don't I change in a stall? Where's the fun in that?

The first time I ever showered at the gym (ew, gross, I know. It doesn't happen often and I always use shower shoes) I saw a neighbor I had just met while wearing only a towel wrapped around me (because I am not that woman who walks around completely nude). Needless to say, I now have a robe in my gym bag.

Yes, it's a large town. But it seems small in so many ways.

I was so excited when Jocelyn asked me to be part of a co-posting fudge day. Do you read her blog? You really should. Her stuff? Is amazing!

I immediately thought of 100 Grand bars when I thought of fudge. I don't know why. Possibly because I had a 10-pack in my cabinet for some reason. My mom ate these candy bars all the time when I was a kid but I hadn't thought of them again until recently when it turns out everyone I know loves them. Why not make a fudge mimicking the caramelley goodness?

There are two layers of fudge/Rice Krispie with a caramel layer in between. Sweet goodness, if you ask me. I made it in a loaf pan instead of an 8x8" so it would be easier to spread each layer. I wanted to get some photos of the assembly process, but my assistant was out sick. (Just kidding. I don't have an assistant. But wouldn't that be cool??)

You have to work fast before your layers harden, so it's a little tricky (hence the lack of "process" photos). But who cares?

It's totally worth it!

100 Grand Fudge

by Crazy for Crust

Keywords: chocolate caramel fudge

Ingredients

• 1 can sweetened condensed milk (I use fat-free, you know, ‘cuz that makes sense)
• 3 cups milk chocolate chips
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• ¾ cup Rice Krispies
• 1 cup Caramel Bits (from an 11 ounce package)
• 2 tablespoons + 2 teaspoons heavy cream

Instructions

1. First, grow yourself some extra arms. (Just kidding, just be prepared to work fast.)
2. Line a loaf pan with foil and spray with cooking spray. Set aside.
3. Add caramel bits and heavy cream to a small, microwaveable bowl. Heat for 1 1/2 minutes on HIGH, stirring every 30 seconds until melted and smooth. (It may take up to 2 minutes.)
4. While your caramel is melting, add your chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk to a medium saucepan. Heat over low heat, stirring until melted together. Add vanilla and Rice Krispies and stir to combine.
5. Here’s where it gets tricky. Leave the heat on very low. Add half the chocolate fudge mixture to the loaf pan (and then return the rest to the stovetop). Spread the mixture in the loaf pan and spread the melted caramel on the top. Give the fudge mixture that’s left in the pan a quick stir, then pour and spread over the top of the caramel. Don’t forget to turn off your burner (not that I forgot that or anything…)
6. Let sit for a few minutes on the counter; then transfer to the refrigerator to cool completely before cutting. Devour responsibly.

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Want some other great fudge recipes? Be sure to check out these great recipes:


Cherry Fudge by Shugary Sweets
Red Velvet Fudge by Something Swanky
Smooth as Silk Fudge by Mandy's Recipe Box
Snickers Fudge by Life As A Lofthouse
Red Hot Oreo Fudge by Inside BruCrew Life

Have a Linky Party you want me to join? Add it HERE.

These are the fabulous parties I link to each week:

Monday: Mingle Monday (Add a Pinch), Joy of Desserts, Creative Monday (Clairejustineoxox), Mix it Up Monday (Flour Me With Love), Things that make you say mmmm Monday (Cooking with Karyn), Mop it Up Mondays (I should be mopping the floors), Show me what you got (Our Delightful Home). Tuesday: 2 Maids a Baking (2 Maids a Milking), Tea Party Tuesdays (Sweetology), Mushki Loves My Stuff (Mushki Loves), Totally Tasty Tuesdays (Mandy's Recipe Box), Talent Show Tuesday (Chef in Training), Trick or Treat Tuesday (Inside BruCrew Life), Let's Do Brunch (My Sweet & Savory), One Stop Shop Linky (The Southern Product Queen). Wednesday: Mrs. Fox's Sweet Party (Mrs. Fox's Sweets) Made It On Monday (Lark's Country Heart), This Chick Cooks, Cast Party Wednesday (Lady Behind the Curtain), Famous Linkz Par-tay (Made-Famous-By), Bakes with Bizzy (Bizzy Bakes), Whip it Up Wednesday (Crockpot Ladies).  Thursday: Sweet Treats Thursday (Something Swanky), Chic-and-Crafty (Frugal Girls), Turning the Table Thursdays (Around My Family Table), Tasty Thursday (The How-To Mommy), Tastetastic Thursday (A little nosh), Sweet Temptations (Talking Dollars and Cents), Taking a Timeout Thursday (Mom on Timeout), Things I've Done Thursday (BearRabbitBear), (RHW Recipe Round-Up) The Real Housewives of Riverton, BFF Open House (The Answer is Chocolate), Recipe Round Up (Eat, Pray, Read, Love). Friday: Sweet Tooth Friday (Alli-n-son), I'm Lovin' it Fridays (TidyMom), Friday Favorites (Simply Sweet Home), Latest & Greatest Friday (Days of Chalk and Chocolate), Bacon Time, Fusion Friday (Jane Deere Blog), Foodie Friday (Not Your Ordinary Recipes), Dwell on Joy, Fun Finds Friday (Kitchen Fun with my 3 Sons). Saturday: Country Mom Cooks, Sweets for a Saturday (Sweet as Sugar Cookies), Seasonal Inspiration (Crumbs and Chaos). Sunday: A Well-Seasoned Life,Sharing Sundays (Everyday Sisters), Strut your Stuff Saturday (Six Sisters' Stuff), Seasonal/Occasional Linkys: Moms Crazy Cooking, Southern Mom Cooks, Cheap Crafty Momma, Susie QT

Chocolate Fudge with Nutter Butter Crust

I don't make New Year's Resolutions. Do you?

{If you just said "cut sugar out of my diet," you may want to steer clear. Or just live vicariously through me.}

My husband thinks of January as a new start. He roars into the year with lists and motivational reminders to eat better, exercise better, be better.

For me, January means cold, rain, and less parking at the gym for us regulars because of all those people who made resolutions. Sure, I try to eat better, but come on. I write a dessert blog. My life is about sugar; using it, dreaming about it, and thinking up ways to torture you all with it.

I don't make resolutions, but this year I decided to make goals. A few simple, obtainable goals that I can accomplish on my own timeline, instead of something life-changing that I'll give up in a few weeks, much like those parking-space and treadmill hoarders in January (by February it's all back to normal, thank goodness).

Here are my four goals for 2012:

1. Run another 5k. (It's been awhile since I ran my first and only. I'm not a huge running fan, but I like how I feel when I actually do it.)

2. Swim. With my head under water. (I have ear issues and haven't gone under in over 10 years. Ear plugs work...but I can't use them when swimming alone with my kid. So I want to get over the fear of infection. And if I get one? Well, at least I tried.)

3. Climb the rock wall at the gym. (Preferably with my husband there to cheer me on and take photographic evidence, but during the day on a weekday at the less-used gym several miles away so no one I know will see me.)

4. Host another bake sale for charity, but bigger and better. Organized.

I'll keep you posted on my progress. If you're lucky you'll get to see me clinging to the side of a rock wall, terrified for my life because I'm 10 feet off the soft floor and fearful I'll plunge to my death.

Another goal I set for myself in a post last week? Adding crust to my favorite sweets.

Fudge can now be checked off that list.

Idea for crust on fudge? Comes from Family Bites.

But it won't be because ohmygod this fudge was so good I'm totally making it so many other flavors.

Thus ruining all of your resolutions to eat better.

Bwhahahahahahaha...

I live to serve.

Chocolate Fudge with Nutter Butter Crust

Fudge recipe from Eagle Brand

Ingredients:

20 Nutter Butter Cookies

6 tablespoons butter, melted

1 bag semi-sweet chocolate chips

1 can sweetened condensed milk

1 teaspoon vanilla

½ cup peanut butter chips

Directions:

1.       Line a 9x9 inch pan with foil and sprat with cooking spray. Finely crush the Nutter Butters in a food processor. Mix with melted butter in a small bowl and press into bottom of pan. Set aside.

2.       Melt chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk over in a saucepan over medium-low heat until melted. While this is melting, melt peanut butter chips in the microwave (be careful not to burn them). When chocolate mixture is melted, remove from heat, stir in vanilla extract, and immediately pour and spread over crust. Immediately spoon melted peanut butter chips over fudge, swirling with a knife.

3.       Chill fudge until hardened. Cut into squares and serve.

Yield: approximately 36 pieces of fudge, depending on size

This recipe may be linked with:

Monday: Mingle Monday (Add a Pinch), Joy of Desserts, Creative Monday (Clairejustineoxox). Tuesday: 2 Maids a Baking (2 Maids a Milking), Tea Party Tuesdays (Sweetology), Mushki Loves My Stuff (Mushki Loves), Totally Tasty Tuesdays (Mandy's Recipe Box), Talent Show Tuesday (Chef in Training), Trick or Treat Tuesday (Inside BruCrew Life). Wednesday: Mrs. Fox's Sweet Party (Mrs. Fox's Sweets) Made It On Monday (Lark's Country Heart), This Chick Cooks, Cast Party Wednesday (Lady Behind the Curtain).  Thursday: Sweet Treats Thursday (Something Swanky), Chic-and-Crafty (Frugal Girls), Turning the Table Thursdays (Around My Family Table), Tasty Thursday (The How-To Mommy), Tastetastic Thursday (A little nosh), Sweet Temptations (Talking Dollars and Cents). Friday: Sweet Tooth Friday (Alli-n-son), I'm Lovin' it Fridays (TidyMom), Friday Favorites (Simply Sweet Home), Latest & Greatest Friday (Days of Chalk and Chocolate), Fusion Friday (Jane Deere Blog). Saturday: Sweets for a Saturday (Sweet as Sugar Cookies), Seasonal Inspiration (Crumbs and Chaos). Sunday: A Well-Seasoned Life,Sharing Sundays (Everyday Sisters), Strut your Stuff Saturday (Six Sisters' Stuff), Moms Crazy Cooking