Baking Banquet: CANDY CANE PEPPERMINT FUDGE

Based on: From: http://sallysbakingaddiction.com/2012/10/20/andes-mint-chocolate-chip-fudge/

makes 42-48 small squares

INGREDIENTS:

3 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips, divided

1 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk, divided

1 ½ cups white chocolate baking chips

1 - 2 teaspoons peppermint extract (or more, go by your taste preference)

2 drops red food coloring

1 tsp shortening

½ cup crushed candy canes

DIRECTIONS:

Line an 8×8 baking pan with parchment paper. Spray paper with non-stick spray and set aside.

In a small saucepan over low heat, melt 1 ½ cups chocolate chips with 3/4 cup sweetened condensed milk, stirring occasionally. Spread melted chocolate mixture into pan and chill for 5-10 minutes.

In another saucepan, melt white baking chips and remaining condensed milk, stirring until completely smooth. Remove from the heat and add peppermint extract and food coloring. Spread mint layer over chilled chocolate layer. Chill for 5-10 minutes as you make the final layer.

Melt remaining 1 ½ cups of chocolate chips with 1 tsp shortening in the microwave in 30 second increments. Stir until completely smooth. Spread over chilled mint layer. Top with crushed candy canes. Refrigerate at least 2 hours or until fudge is completely set (could take up to 4 hours).

Cut into squares. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to two weeks. Fudge will freeze and thaw well.