Saving a Holiday Tradition in a Gluten-Free World

Although the holidays came and went, this is definitely the time of year when it is easy to feel deprived. It is the time of year when our diets or ‘food plans’ fail us because we simply cannot fight the urge to splurge on that ‘treat’ that we are afraid we are never going to see again.

This is the time of year when I go over the top to make lots of treats for my family, not only because it is winter and a great time to stay inside and bake, but because there is not a day that goes by when one of us does not run into an event where there is going to be sweet baked goods that we cannot indulge in.

When I was growing up, the holidays meant sweet homemade chocolate fudge. My mom made it every year, in bulk. Fresh or frozen, it was to die for! Our friends and relatives would look forward to the holidays all year, knowing they were going to get a ‘tin of Linda’s fudge.’

Well, now that we are off gluten, soy, oh and chocolate, the fudge dilemma was an obstacle I was determined to overcome. This fudge, a recipe I printed in one of my Newsletters, is sweet, creamy and amazing. I love this recipe because I can ‘play with it’ every time I make it.

Here is the original recipe, but I like to add things to it or sometimes, subtract things from it. Trust yourself, modify it to your taste buds, add some chocolate chips or carob chips like I do. Use another kind of nut butter. Use less powdered sugar, for a softer, creamier fudge. But whatever you do, do not feel deprived. There are plenty of gluten-free treats out there to make up for all the treats you are missing. Hopefully, it is comforting to know that these treats will not make you sick and will allow you to enjoy the holidays standing up, not doubled over in pain.

Peanut Butter Fudge

Ingredients:
½ cup butter
2 ¼ cups light brown sugar
½ cup sweetened condensed milk
¾ cup creamy organic peanut butter
1 ½ t vanilla
3 cups powdered sugar

Directions:
Melt butter over medium heat.
Stir in brown sugar and milk.
Boil for 2 minutes, with constant stirring.
Remove from heat.
Add vanilla and peanut butter.
Add 3 cups powdered sugar into mixture.
Beat until smooth.
Pour into a 9 X 11 baking dish.
Chill until ready to eat.
Cut into squares.
A great ‘mix in’ for vanilla ice cream!