The holidays can be a bit of a mixed bag of emotions. So much of the season is wonderful. We very often see friends and family, spending time with the people we love most. We’ll forget about the tension that sometimes arises, and the issues that can come from all of the traveling. That feeling of togetherness makes the season really special.
I love buying presents for people. It’s so fun selecting the perfect gifts, mostly for Mom and Dad. The look on their faces when the wrapping has been torn away and the perfect something or other is revealed is a special moment. It brings me such joy. I have to admit I rather like receiving presents too. But really, who doesn’t? We all turn into kids on Christmas morning.
The decorations are so beautiful. All of the trees and the village set up in our house. The singing snowmen and women animated decorations from Hallmark and a staircase full of stuffed animals. It’s safe to say our house has been turned into a winter wonderland. All those decorations make me happy, but at the same time a little nostalgic or even sad.
I wish I could remember the story behind every decoration. Ornaments that were purchased at all kinds of fun events. Stuffed animals that comforted me on sleepless nights. Nicknacks that were ordered on a whim watching QVC on a quiet day at home with Mom. A stocking that reminds me of the cat we once had. Many gifts from my Granny who would love to see the decorations one more time, I know. Dad bought cheesy singing mice stuffed animals knowing I’d love them. And I do. I love all of these things and I often cry thinking of those fond memories, wishing sometimes I could go back to those moments instead of growing up and everything changing.
The holidays also remind me of the people who have passed. I find myself missing them more this time of year than any other. I especially miss Granny, wishing for just one more Christmas with her. And don’t get me started on Christmas music. One note of “Holy Night” and I’m lost in a sea of tears. Plus, here in Michigan the weather is also freezing cold and gloomy. Day after day of clouds can get anyone a little down.
I’m not saying I don’t like the holidays. In fact, I love them. I just think it can be a difficult time of year. What are your favorite and least favorite things about the holidays? Do you think they can be sad?
Baking is a great thing about the holidays. Or in this case no baking. This Easy Almond Butter Fudge is crazy easy to make. It has only four ingredients, is made in the microwave, happens to be gluten free, and is rich and creamy. The almond flavor comes through with a hint of vanilla. This will become your new favorite candy and is perfect to serve at a party or give as a gift. You’ll be making this year round!
If you love almond butter as much as I do, please check out this video Mom and I made demonstrating how to make Almond Butter Cookies 🙂 They are also very easy to make and gluten free. It would really make my day if you’d take a look!
Easy Almond Butter Fudge
- Total Time: 12 minutes
- Yield: 64 pieces 1x
Ingredients
- 2 sticks unsalted butter
- 1 cup almond butter (I like Justin’s Maple Almond)
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 1 pound box confectioners’ sugar
Instructions
- Line an 8 inch square pan with parchment paper.
- In a medium microwave safe bowl, place butter and almond butter. Cover with a paper plate and microwave on high for two minutes. Remove from the microwave and stir. Microwave for an additional two minutes.
- Carefully remove from the microwave, as the mixture will be incredibly hot. Stir in vanilla. Add the confectioners’ sugar and stir until the mixture is thick and no longer glossy, about five minutes. The mixture may look like it is separating. That is okay.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared pan. Dab any excess butter on the top. Cover with parchment paper and place in the refrigerator for 2-3 hours, until solidified and cold. Remove the fudge from the refrigerator and cut into pieces. Fudge may be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
- Cook Time: 2 minutes
Nut butter fudge??! OMG how amazing. It looks delicious and reminds me I need to get to makin’ some fudge this holiday season 🙂
Yes! And while this isn’t exactly healthy, at least it’s not full of marshmallow fluff and junk!
aw love the video! So cute! Great job!
and mmmm I love almond butterr and Christmas! 🙂
((and btw, once again, THANK YOU so much for my gifts! Seriously it was SUCH a sweet surprise! And perfect timing, it felt like they were engagement prezzies lol)
I’m really glad you liked them 🙂 Yeah, you had like a huge day. I saw you Instagrammed some other packages you received too. Thanks for watching the video. Another step in my endless quest to get noticed 😉
Oh, I love fudge and this recipe sounds too good!! 😉
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Love the video!
So cute!
I love almond butter too!
Thanks, Dawn!
You are super adorable!! Love the video!
So many uses for almond butter. I am amazed this fudge is so easy to make!
Thanks for watching the video, Joanne!
As much as I love the holidays, I do think they can sometimes be sad. My grandma passed away last year a few days before Christmas so I’ve been thinking about her a lot – wishing she was still here. But, then I remember all the good things about this time of the year and everything that I am thankful for!
And this fudge sounds delicious! I made peanut butter fudge last Christmas – thinking I need to make almond butter fudge this year!
I’m so sorry to hear about your grandmother. I am missing my grandmother a lot lately too.
Wow! SO easy…and I bet it tastes amazing!!!
Enjoyed your first video… I think it was very well done. I would love to see more of these clips. It makes it look so easy, so we’re going to try it during the Holiday season. Merry Christmas to you, Mom and Dad!
Thanks, Stan! We will definitely keep making videos. I really appreciate your feedback! Merry Christmas 🙂
The video is a great idea, you two are just wonderful together. It looks like so much fun, I wish I could join you in the kitchen. Happy Holidays!
Happy holidays to you too, Carol! Thanks for stopping by and watching the video!
I totally agree on the holiday thing! I love this season so much and it’s so fun and exciting…yet I end up sad and nostalgic and wistful all at the same time. Growing up isn’t as fun as they made it seem, is it. Love the video with your mom though, super cute! 🙂
Thanks, Stephanie, and thanks for visiting 🙂 Growing up is definitely not as fun as I thought it would be!
Yes holidays are bittersweet! There are so many reminders of our losses and almost everyone has some type of family drama/history that resurfaces without resolution. Life is not perfect but we can find new joys each holiday season! BTW: Great video and scrumptious and easy fudge recipe!
Thanks, Deb! I totally agree that we can find new joys each holiday season. Thanks for your insightful comment 🙂
The holiday season always stirs up emotions for me and makes me nostalgic. There are definitely a few carols that make me misty eyed. That being said, fudge always brings a smile to my face and I love this almond butter version of yours!
Almond butter is good stuff! I totally love it, and this fudge looks amazing. Holidays are always a good time to stop and reflect – which does tend to make one nostalgic. That’s OK – it’s good to feel that from time to time! Good post – thanks.
Great, quick recipe! Our holidays will be quiet this year. Usually we visit my folks but they are travelling this year. The kids are doing their thing, so this year will be ours. Not sure what that means, but I guess we’ll find out!
Fudge always wins the keys to my heart, this easy recipe looks like it would hit the perfect spot!
That does look so easy….Love it.
I agree 100% with you about the holidays. There’s a lot of happy but a lot of sad too.. I miss my dad the most around this time.
Anyway, loved your video! It was very fun to watch you two! 🙂
Thanks, Ruby!
I really need to learn how to make videos. Love yours! This fudge is calling my name; I’ll take a handful to go, please.
Thanks, Jennie!
This fudge looks awesome! It’s totally loaded with goodness!
Thanks, Sarah and Arkadi, and thanks for visiting 🙂
I adore the flavor of almond in just about anything sweet. Great recipe! And yes, I get down at the holidays too. This is the 4th Christmas without my mom so certain things will just trigger a wash of sadness, but it is soon followed by the joy of those around me! Hope your holidays are great!
Thanks, Robin! I hope you enjoy the holiday season as well 🙂