peanut butter fudge

A platter of perfectly executed peanut butter fudge is a great way to show your loved one just how much you care. And best of all, it is very easy to make. (File photo)

(bn)

It's not yet time to panic about Valentine's Day, but it is close.

If by this point, just a few short days out, you don't have some shell of a plan for feting your significant other with something special on the most romantic day in the year then you are getting close to being in trouble.

If you're going to dinner then reservations ought to be made and if you're planning on some extravagant bit of jewelry you should have an idea what that might be. It's not time to start sweating just yet but we are close.

And the suggestions that I'm offering don't require much effort or planning. Throughout the week I have offered a couple of ideas for giving the perfect St. Valentine's Day gift that won't break your budget or require a rider to your homeowner's policy.

Quite naturally these ideas have been centered on food because, let's face, food is my beat. If I wrote about sports I would probably offer suggestions from the competitive realm but I toil in the culinary world and that's what I know.

I firmly believe that it sometimes is the effort that is appreciated more than the gift. The simple act of making something with your own hands is often enough to take an ordinary gift and transform it into something really special.

And when that something that you prepare yourself is absolutely delicious, well that's just icing on the Valentine's cake.

I also hear your cries about a bout challenged when it comes to the culinary arts. If the thought of cooking anything more difficult than microwave popcorn frightens you, you are not alone.

Relax. Here is a very easy, very good recipe that I guarantee you that home cooks of even the most minimal skill level can do. It's so easy that anybody can do it.

I realize that chocolate is the undisputed and reigning champion of the Valentine's Day gift retinue. And like I said, you simply can't go wrong with buying anything chocolate.

But there are a few folks who like a little variety and that is where this recipe comes in right handy. The hardest thing about this recipe is resisting the urge to eat it all before you can get it wrapped up for your significant other.

Peanut Butter Fudge

Makes 3-4 dozen

Ingredients:

2 cups sugar

1/2 cup milk

1-1/3 cups peanut butter

1 jar (7 ounces) marshmallow creme

Instructions:

In a saucepan, bring sugar and milk to a boil; boil for 3 minutes. Add peanut butter and marshmallow creme; mix well. Quickly pour into a buttered 8-in. square pan; chill until set. Cut into squares.