There are certain things that are meant to be simple, pure, fresh ingredients, in other words, don’t mess with perfection: Mashed potatoes, onion soup, chocolate chip cookies, fudge. My husband’s cousin, Michael, makes the best, most simple, fudge in the world. He’s adapted the recipe to make all kinds: Chocolate-walnut, chocolate-mint, chocolate-raspberry, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, peanut butter, you name it, he makes it. I am a purest. I like his basic recipe best. Enjoy it with your loved ones this holiday.
Michael’s Fudge

4 c sugar
¼ lb butter
1 12 oz can evaporated milk
12 oz semisweet chocolate
16 oz milk chocolate
64 mini marshmallow (or 16 large marshmallows)
1 t vanilla

Line a 9"x13" pan with foil. Butter bottom and sides. Bring sugar, butter, and milk to a rolling boil. Lower heat to medium continue to stir about 5 minutes. Remove from heat, add chocolate and marshmallows. Stir until smooth, add vanilla. Pour into pan. Let mold overnight. Cut into 1-inch squares. (Michael uses a ruler to measure perfect 1-inch squares, really. And yes, I do make fun of him for that. But after tasting this fudge, you can’t help but forgive that character flaw.) Experiment with other fudge flavors once you've mastered this recipe.

There’s nothing like a homemade gift to say you really care about someone. At the holidays things are always busy, but it’s so nice to make someone feel extra special. When you’re baking your favorite cookie recipe, make an extra batch of dough, freeze it, and bake them for a special gift for someone—tie them in a pretty box, put them on a festive plate (look at yard sales and flea markets year-round for odd plates), or put them in a jar with a nice ribbon.

What could be better than a thoughtful gift that’s also easy? The following Amaretto recipe takes all of half and hour—even if you multiply it, then just pop it in a pretty bottle (pick these up through the year too, or save your wine bottles) with a stopper (also in abundance in kitchen stores) and a ribbon. It stores at room temperature, and you probably have all the ingredients in your house already! It’s perfect for a hostess gift or a special friend.

Amaretto
(from allrecipes.com)

1 c water
1 c white sugar
½ c brown sugar
2 c vodka
2 T almond extract
2 t vanilla extract

Combine water, white sugar and brown sugar in a saucepan over medium heat. Heat until boiling and all sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat and let mixture cool for about 10 minutes. Pour in vodka, almond extract, and vanilla. Mix well and store in a sealed bottle.