Classic Christmas Treats (at my house at least)

I was at the store the other day looking at cookbooks and found a recipe for traditional Sweedish Rosette Cookies.  A wave of happy Christmas eating washed over me.  What sweet memories are born in the making and and eating and talking over Christmas goodies.  Here are a few classics from my childhood.

In no way are any of these recipes to be deemed healthy!!!

Faux Almond Roca
Almond Roca was a treat we enjoyed at Christmas.  I remember Grandmother Charlotte always had a bowl of Almond Roca on the table when we visited.  YUM  This recipe replicates the taste, not the shape.

40 saltine square crackers
1 cup butter (no substitutions)
1 cup brown sugar
6 oz semi sweet chocolate chips
1/4 cup finely chopped almonds

Pre-Heat oven to 350
Place the saltines on a cookie sheet in a single layer, covering at much of the pan as possible.
Cook the butter and brown sugar together over medium high heat.  Boil until foamy.  Pour over the saltine crackers and spread out.
Bake saltines for 4-5 minutes or until the butter mixture foams again.
Sprinkle chocolate chips over the hot crackers.  Allow to sit for 2 minutes.  Spread the now melted chocolate chips to form an even layer.  Sprinkle chopped nuts over the soft chocolate.  Allow to cool.  Enjoy!

Velveeta Fudge
Yes I meant Velveeta the meltable cheese.  The richness and smoothness of the Velveeta make this fudge always smooth and creamy.... never grainy.  I promise you can't taste the cheese!

1 pound block of Velveeta cheese
1 pound butter
4 pounds powdered sugar
1 cup cocoa powder
1 Tablespoon vanilla extract

Melt the butter and Velveeta cheese in a large stock pan over medium-low heat.  Meanwhile, sift together the powdered sugar and cocoa powder.  Stir in the vanilla.  Stir the sugar mixutre into the butter mixture 2 cups at a time.  Full incorporate the sugar.  Add nuts to taste.
Press the fudge into a large pan and let rest overnight.  Tasting is believing!

Orange Balls
The sweet citrus flavor of these balls mates is a perfect contrast to the richness of Christmas Chocolate....  If you detest coconut, try coating the balls in crushed cookies.
1/2 cup butter
6 oz frozen orange juice concentrate (1/2 a container)
1 pound powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 box (11 oz) Vanilla Wafer cookies, crushed
1 cup sweetened flaked coconut

In a stand mixer, soften the butter.  Add the powdered sugar and mix together on medium speed.  (Like making frosting.)  Add in the frozen orange juice concentrate and the vanilla.  (mixture will now be a little runny.)  Mix in the crushed vanilla wafer cookies.  Refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Scoop 1 inch balls and roll in coconut.  Refrigerate.