Manic Monday and fudge

Fleur-de-Lisa hosts the original Manic Monday here.


For the holidays, are you a last-minute shopper or do you shop well ahead of time?
Ahead of time...and a little Tommie-tip: If you find the perfect gift in August and hide it somewhere....most likely you will forget where you hid it....So, make a note on your calendar on Dec 1 of where it is hidden. Come time for the holidays, you will remember, "Oh yeah, it is on the top shelf under the blankets in the linen closet."

If you had to pick a new first name for yourself, what name would you choose?
I do like my name, I have only met a handful of girl-Tommies in my life. I went through a phase in junior high that I spelled it 'Tomi' ....I also, wanted to change my name to Connie around the same time. What is funny is the other day I heard Livi playing in her with her imaginary friends....one is named Connie! We don't even know anyone named Connie either.

What’s worse, having expectations that are too high, or having no expectations at all?

I would have to say having no expectations at all. When I was a teacher and kids asked me to sign their yearbooks, I always wrote, "Reach for the moon, if you miss, you will land among the stars." Kind of cheesy...but definitely my point of view.

We ventured out of muffin territory and made fudge this afternoon for Muffin Monday. This is my aunt RoseMary's recipe. The recipe calls for Milnot. The first time made it, I had to call my mom from the grocery store to see what Milnot was. Who knew it was a brand of evaporated milk? I sure didn't. They didn't have that brand, but it turned out well.

This really is a super easy recipe. I would even say that it is a tried and true, not grainy fudge. You don't even have to use a candy thermometer. She even has on the recipe card, "For a delightful change, use butterscotch chips."

Here is the recipe if you want to try it. It would be great for a cookie exchange because you can easily double the recipe.

3 c. sugar
1 c. Milnot (evaporated milk)
3/4 stick margarine *I use butter*
1 7oz. jar of marshmallow cream
1 12 oz package of chocolate chips
1 c. chopped nuts (pecans)

I give you this wonderful recipe, but only if you promise to pronounce the word "pecan....like this: pea-can...Pinky swear...okay!

Mix sugar, evaporated milk, and margarine in a huge pot. Boil for five minutes, stirring continuously. Remove from heat, stir in marshmallow cream and chocolate chips. Stir until smooth. Stir in PEA-CANS...(Did you say pecans or pea-cans?

Pour into a buttered 9x9 pan. Makes 2.5 pounds.

Note: do not try to make this when there is 90% humidity....it takes forever to set.