Really Good Easy Fudge!

ever had one of those weeks that felt like it was neverending? and that it was filled with things that you dreaded doing? and that those things all went terribly, horribly wrong?

i did. but this easy fudge that i made this morning ALMOST made up for it! it is so good - and simple to make - that i had to post about it... mostly so that i wouldn't lose the recipe!

all you need is:

3 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

1 300 ml can condensed milk

1/4 cup unsalted butter

heat a burner on the stove on low. not the lowest temperature, but pretty low so that nothing will burn. put all the ingredients in a heavy pot. heat slowly, stir often so that everything is incorporated. it will be a little lumpy as the chocolate chips melt, but keep going. eventually everything will melt together and after about 15 minutes, the mixture will "ball" up and start to pull away from the sides of the pot. (i know that there is a term for that, but seeing as i have no candy thermometer and most of my cooking is done renegade-style, i'm not using the lingo, LOL)

lightly butter, or line a dish or pan large enough to hold the whole mixture with parchment or waxed paper. if you're adding nuts or marshmallows or candied fruit, sprinkle on the bottom of the pan, then spoon the chocolate mixture on top. spread out evenly and smooth the top. cover with saran wrap and put in the fridge for at least two hours.

this fudge had the most AMAZING texture and is rich and creamy. totally comforting and a sweet ending to a horrible week!

maybe it will motivate me to start getting organized today... MAYBE... :)

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Insomniac Reflections on the Year Ahead...

it's 3:13am here and for some reason, i'm awake. so is the mini-muffin. i've been surfing the internet and etsy looking for cool things, downloading music for my ipod for my walk on the treadmill later this morning, and listening to the hum of our ancient furnace... and also thinking about what the new year is going to bring! seriously, i'm quite proud of the fact that i completed my last year's crafting resolutions, have a fabulous consignment agreement with the wonderful Paula over at The Cat's Meow in Illinois, participated in my first craft show, and that this year is going to be the year that our little daughter is born!

like any good small business owner though, it is important to reflect on how one would like their business to develop in the future (hence the picture of my rustic reflecting pool earrings above, LOL) , and i'd really like to set some goals for myself again this year. so, in the spirit of insomnia, here goes...

- i'd really like to think about revamping my "corporate identity" (to borrow a term from Marketing 101). new cards, new banner, new website perhaps?
- i'd like to be more organized with my business paperwork. who else keeps all their receipts in a kitchen drawer/grocery bag? my accountant is going to kill me come 2008 tax time.
- i am super excited about the metalsmithing class that i start next week. i wonder which creative direction that will take me?
- i'd like to look at smaller craft shows this year and see what happens. (the husband has already offered to take care of the mini - i love you, beb!)
- i'd like to be more organized in regards to my space. i can't even find the photo that i took to post here because even my computer files are disorganized. sigh.

not too much to ask for the next 12 months? we'll see... :)

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