Creamy Fudge

4 cups* miniature marshmallows
1 small can (or 2/3 cup) evaporated milk
1/4 cup butter
1 1/2 cup sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 12 oz package semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup nuts and/or raisins (optional)

Mix marshmallows, butter, sugar, milk and the salt in a large sauce pan. Cook, stirring occasionally, until mixture comes to a full boil. Stirring constantly, boil for 5 minutes over medium heat. Remove from heat, add chocolate chips and stir until chips are melted. Add vanilla and nuts, stirring until blended. Pour into a buttered 9 in square baking dish. Chill and cut into squares.

* or 32 large marshmellows OR one 10 oz jar of marshmallow cream

Chunky Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge

1 cup peanut butter
1 small can (or 2/3 cup) evaporated milk
1/4 cup butter
1 1/2 cup sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 12 oz package semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup chopped nuts* (optional)

Mix peanut butter, butter, sugar, milk and the salt in a large sauce pan. Cook and stir until mixture comes to a full boil. Stirring constantly, boil for 5 minutes over medium heat. Remove from heat, add chocolate chips and stir until chips are melted. Add vanilla and nuts, stirring until blended. Pour into a buttered 9 in square baking dish. Chill and cut into squares.

* or use chunky peanut butter

Chocolate Waffles

Want an elegant yet easy dessert for company? These can be made ahead then reheated in the oven or toaster.

1/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate pieces
3 tbsp unsweetened cocoa
1/3 cup chopped walnuts
1 - 3/4 cups pancake mix
2 tbsp sugar
3 tbsp vegetable oil
1 - 1/3 cups water

In a medium-sized mixing bowl, sift together the pancake mix, walnuts, chocolate chips, cocoa and sugar. Add water and oil. Hand mix until large lumps disappear. Do not over beat. Let batter rest for at least 5 minutes.

Pour desired amount of batter into pre-heated, well greased (or non-stick) waffle iron. Bake according to your machine's directions -- usually until an indicator light goes off or the steam stops rising.

Top with ice cream and garnish with chopped nuts and a mint sprig or, perhaps a luscious, ripe strawberry.

Nestle Toll House Chocolate Chip Cookies

This has to be my all time favorite cookie.

1 cup unsalted butter
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup brown sugar
1 tsp. vanilla extract
2 large eggs
2-3/4 cup flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. table salt
2 cups chocolate chips
1 cup chopped nuts (optional)

Cream together first 5 ingredients. In large bowl mix flour, baking soda and salt. Slowly add dry mix to sugar mix. Beat in chips and nuts.

Bake on greased cookie sheet at 375F for 10 minutes. Cookies will continue to bake for a bit when removed from the oven, so if they still look a touch undercooked don't fret. These cookies should be moist and chewy. DO NOT over bake.