MRS. SANTA'S PEPPERMINT CREAM FUDGE

2 1/2 cups sugar
2/3 cup evaporated milk
1 stick (1/2 cup) butter or margarine
8 ounces vanilla milk morsels*
1 (7 ounce) jar marshmallow creme
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons crushed peppermint hard candies, divided use
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract

Grease a 9-inch square pan.

Bring first 3 ingredients to a boil in a heavy saucepan; stirring constantly. Boil stirring constantly until mixture reaches 238 degrees F; about 5 minutes. Remove from heat.

Stir in all remaining ingredients except the 2 tablespoons crushed candy. Stir until blended.

Pour in to prepared pan. Sprinkle with remaining crushed candy. Cool and cut.

*vanilla candy coating discs or white chocolate may be substituted

Makes 2 1/2 pounds
Source: Southern Living magazine