It's getting close—

I'm sorry for the hiatus. Two factors are at fault. First, term papers were due December 4; final grades due December 14. Since I had the largest number of students I've ever had in ENG 101, that was a ten day marathon of grading, averaging, posting, and then answering many emails from students requesting grade information. Secondly, my Apple iBook G4 notebook computer had a hinge blow out the back. I took it to the Apple Store at the Mall of Georgia, which was a huge mistake. It seems their "genius" is an idiot. The next day, I took it to Peachmac, in Athens, and it is still there. I purchased Applecare for this machine, and it is still under warranty, but both service departments state that it doesn't cover hinges! I'm doing this on a G4 desktop which was manufactured in 1999. Unlike the iBook, it just plugs along with few problems.

Having declared this month a time to share recipes, especially easy ones, here is one my children call "Judge Fudge." When hubby and I married, he wanted sweets, regularly, so my mom tried to teach him to cook some of his favorites. Alas, he was a lousy student of culinary arts. He does make this one confection, and it is done in the microwave. There are far better fudge recipes around, but I really don't think any are quicker or easier than this:

• 2 packages (16 oz. each) confectioners sugar
• 1 cup unsweetened cocoa
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 cup butter or margarine
• 1 and 1/2 cups of chopped nuts, optional
• 2 tablespoons vanilla

Mix the sugar and cocoa, making sure there are no lumps in the sugar, in a 4-qt mixing bowl. Add milk and butter, but do not stir. Cook on High 7-8 minutes, or until butter is melted; add nuts and vanilla; stir until smooth. Spread into a well greased 8 inch square dish. Chill until firm and cut into squares. (His honor usually does half batches, with a couple of extra tablespoons of cocoa. The cooking time for that is about 3 minutes.)

For favorite recipes with a real southern history, our local electrical service, JEMC, sells a cookbook known as "Watt's Cookin'." I have my grandmother's copy, which has pages which are golden with age, but I still consult it for many items, including homemade Brunswick stew, which I made last week. Living Jackson reviewed it a while back, so I will include a link to that gem. If you look at the link, my copy has the green cover.

Do try the fudge, if you like quick and easy recipes. If you have an old copy of Watt's Cookin' drag it out and look for something southern. And do not go to the Apple Store at the Mall of Georgia in Buford!