Quick and Easy Peppermint Fudge
 a la the pioneer woman

3 c semisweet chocolate chips
1 can sweetend condensed milk
crush candy canes, for topping

Line an 8-by-8-inch square baking pan with aluminum foil. Spray the foil with cooking spray.

In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine the chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk and stir until it's all melted and smooth. Pour it into the prepared pan and spread to even out the surface. Sprinkle on the crushed candies. Refrigerate for 2 hours.

Lift the foil out of the pan and peel off the fudge. Cut into small squares.

Homemade Applesauce
a la the pioneer woman

6 pounds apples, any variety, peeled, cored and cut into 8 slices
1 c apple cider, or apple juice, or just water
juice of 1 lemon
1/2 c brown sugar, packed
1 t cinnamon, more or less to taste
optional ingredients: nutmeg, allspice, maple syrup, butter

Combine all ingredients in a large pot and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for 25 minutes.
Carefully puree in a food processor or blender (don't fill too full; split into two portions if needed) until smooth.
Store in the fridge and serve by itself, over pork chops, over ice cream, over pancakes...or any place where applesauce is needed!