Pumpkin Spice Fudge

It's Fall and that means that it's pumpkin season. Woohoo! I don't know about you guys but I get really excited when Trader Joe's begins to sell all things pumpkin.

 At my latest Trader Joe's trip I went a little pumpkin crazy. I picked up pumpkin tea's, pumpkin coffee, breakfast bars, pumpkin cream cheese spread, pumpkin pancake mix, pumpkin butter, and of course pumpkin puree. Last night I decided to try an amazingly easy recipe for Pumpkin Spice Fudge and it turned out great. In the spirit of sharing and not overindulging I shared my home made treats with co-workers today and they all loved it. Here's a quick recipe that satisfies your love for sweets and pumpkin. Happy Fall. =)

Ingredients

3 cups brown sugar

3/4 c. butter (no substitutions)

2/3 c. evaporated milk

1/2 c. pumpkin puree

1 1/2 tsp. Pumpkin Pie Spice

1 (12 oz.) pkg. white chocolate chips

1 (7 oz.) jar Marshmallow creme or melt marshmallows

1 c. chopped pecans or macadamia nuts (optional)

1 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract

Directions

Butter a 9 x 13 baking dish. Combine the first 6 ingredients in a heavy saucepan: cook over medium heat until the sugars dissolve, then continue cooking until the mixture begins to boil, stirring constantly.

Boil until a candy thermometer reaches the the soft-ball stage (234 ~ 243 degrees). Remove from heat, stir in the white chips until they are all melted and mixture is smooth. Add the remaining ingredients, mix well.

Pour into prepared pan, and cool to room temperature. Cut into squares, store refrigerated in an air tight container. Makes approx. 60 pieces.

Note: The total boiling time is around 30 minutes.