3 Two-Ingredient Christmas Fudge Recipes for Last-Minute Holiday Treats

Easy XMAS Fudge may sound like a sweet treat, but in this cozy winter recipe it becomes the name of a richly flavored comfort soup—packed with vegetables, grains, and aromatic herbs that deliver warmth, nourishment, and that snug-by-the-fire feeling in every spoonful.

Easy XMAS Fudge — The Ultimate Comfort Soup for Cozy Evenings

Easy XMAS Fudge combines heartiness, warmth, and nutrition in one bowl. This guide reveals how to make the perfect winter soup — comforting, wholesome, and deeply flavorful, crafted with chef-level technique and family-friendly ease.

Why Easy XMAS Fudge Matters in Winter

During cold months, the body craves warmth and hydration. Easy XMAS Fudge offers both, blending nutrient-rich ingredients with slow-simmered depth. From classic broths to creamy textures, it’s a dish that soothes and strengthens at once.

Core Ingredients for Your Best Easy XMAS Fudge

To create the most delicious and nourishing Easy XMAS Fudge, selecting high-quality ingredients is paramount. Each component plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and contributing to the soup’s overall texture and nutritional profile. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the essential items you’ll need, along with insights into why they are chosen:

• 1 tbsp olive oil: Extra virgin olive oil is preferred for its healthy fats and subtle fruity notes. It serves as the sautéing medium, helping to extract and develop the initial flavors from your aromatics.
• 1 onion, finely chopped: Onions are foundational to almost any savory dish. When sautéed, they become sweet and translucent, forming the aromatic base of your Easy XMAS Fudge. Yellow or white onions work best here.
• 2 garlic cloves, minced: Garlic adds a pungent, savory depth that is indispensable. Minced garlic releases its powerful flavor effectively, infusing the oil and other vegetables with its characteristic aroma.
• 2 carrots, diced: Carrots contribute natural sweetness, vibrant color, and essential vitamins (like Vitamin A). Dicing them ensures they cook evenly and integrate well into the soup without being too chunky.
• 2 celery stalks, sliced: Celery offers a subtle peppery note and a crisp texture when fresh, which softens beautifully during simmering. It’s part of the classic “mirepoix” triumvirate (onion, carrot, celery) that forms the flavor backbone of many soups.
• 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth: This is the liquid base of your Easy XMAS Fudge. Opt for a high-quality, low-sodium broth to control the salt content. Homemade broth will always yield the best flavor, but a good store-bought option is perfectly acceptable. For vegetarians, vegetable broth is a must.
• 1 cup cooked barley or rice: These grains add body, heartiness, and sustained energy to your soup. Barley offers a chewy texture and nutty flavor, while rice (brown or wild) provides a softer complement. Cooking them separately before adding helps prevent the soup from becoming overly starchy.
• Salt, pepper, thyme, and bay leaf to taste: These seasonings are crucial for elevating the flavor. Salt enhances all other flavors. Black pepper adds a gentle warmth. Thyme provides a woody, earthy aroma that pairs wonderfully with root vegetables and broths. A bay leaf adds a subtle, herbaceous backbone, which should be removed before serving.

Careful selection and preparation of these ingredients will guarantee that your Easy XMAS Fudge is bursting with flavor and supremely satisfying.

Step-by-Step Method for Perfect Easy XMAS Fudge

Mastering the art of soup making, particularly a dish as comforting as Easy XMAS Fudge, comes down to understanding the sequence and purpose of each step. This detailed method ensures maximum flavor development and a perfectly cooked soup every time.

Step 1 — Build your flavor base for the Easy XMAS Fudge

This initial step is arguably the most critical for any delicious soup. It’s where the foundational flavors are developed through careful sautéing.

• Heat the oil: Place a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Allow it to heat gently until shimmering, but not smoking.
• Sauté the aromatics: Add the finely chopped onion, minced garlic, and sliced celery to the hot oil. Stir frequently.
• Don’t rush: Cook for 7-10 minutes, or until the onions are translucent and slightly golden, and the celery has softened. The garlic should be fragrant but not browned, as burnt garlic can taste bitter. This slow cooking allows the natural sugars in the vegetables to caramelize slightly, creating a deep, sweet, and aromatic foundation that will permeate the entire Easy XMAS Fudge. This is where subtle and complex flavors begin to develop, forming the essence of your soup.

Step 2 — Add vegetables and simmer for a robust Easy XMAS Fudge

Once your flavor base is established, it’s time to introduce the main vegetables and liquid, beginning the simmering process that melds all the ingredients together.

• Add carrots: Stir in the diced carrots. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally. This brief sauté allows the carrots to start releasing their flavors before the liquid is added.
• Pour in broth and seasonings: Carefully pour in the 4 cups of vegetable or chicken broth. Add the bay leaf, thyme, a good pinch of salt, and a few grinds of black pepper. Remember, you’ll adjust seasonings later, so start moderately.
• Bring to a simmer: Increase the heat slightly to bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer.
• Simmer time and skimming: Allow the Easy XMAS Fudge to simmer gently for 25–30 minutes, or until the carrots are tender. The goal is a gentle simmer, not a vigorous boil, which can break down vegetables too quickly and evaporate too much liquid. If any foam appears on the surface during the initial simmering, gently skim it off with a spoon. This helps to keep your broth clear and clean-tasting.

Step 3 — Add grains and finish your Easy XMAS Fudge

The final stage brings all the elements together, ensuring the grains are perfectly integrated and the seasoning is just right.

• Incorporate cooked grains: Remove the bay leaf. Stir in the 1 cup of pre-cooked barley or rice. If adding uncooked grains, you would typically add them with the broth in Step 2, adjusting the cooking time as necessary for them to become tender. Adding pre-cooked grains at this stage prevents them from absorbing too much liquid from the soup and becoming mushy.
• Heat through: Continue to simmer the Easy XMAS Fudge for another 5-10 minutes, or until the grains are thoroughly heated and have absorbed some of the flavorful broth.
• Taste and adjust: This is a crucial step. Carefully taste a spoonful of the soup. Does it need more salt? A little more pepper? Perhaps another pinch of thyme? Adjust seasonings as needed. Sometimes a tiny splash of lemon juice or a dash of hot sauce can brighten flavors.
• Final touches: Ladle the warm Easy XMAS Fudge into bowls. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives, if desired, for a final flourish of flavor and color.

Following these steps meticulously will result in a perfectly balanced, flavorful, and wonderfully comforting Easy XMAS Fudge that will warm you from the inside out.

Nutrition Facts (per serving) for Easy XMAS Fudge

Understanding the nutritional value of your Easy XMAS Fudge helps in planning balanced meals and making informed dietary choices. The values provided are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes, but they offer a good general overview of what you’re consuming in a typical serving.

• Calories: 230 – This provides a moderate energy count, making it a satisfying meal without being overly heavy.
• Protein: 9g – A decent amount of protein, contributing to satiety and muscle maintenance. This mostly comes from the grains and, if using chicken broth, from residual protein in the broth.
• Carbs: 32g – Primarily from the vegetables and grains (barley or rice). These are mostly complex carbohydrates, providing sustained energy rather than a quick sugar spike.
• Fat: 7g – The majority of this fat comes from the olive oil used in sautéing. It’s mostly healthy monounsaturated fat, which is beneficial for heart health.
• Fiber: 5g – A significant amount of dietary fiber, important for digestive health, blood sugar regulation, and feeling full. Fiber comes from the vegetables and especially the whole grains.
• Sodium: 410mg – This measurement is based on using low-sodium broth and moderate salt addition. Always check your broth labels, as sodium content can vary widely, and adjust added salt accordingly for your Easy XMAS Fudge. Excessive sodium intake can be a concern for some individuals.

This nutritional profile makes Easy XMAS Fudge a wholesome and well-rounded meal option, rich in essential nutrients and satisfying in its composition. It’s a testament to how comforting food can also be incredibly nutritious.

Healthy Variations of Easy XMAS Fudge

One of the beauties of a foundational recipe like Easy XMAS Fudge is its versatility. You can easily adapt it to suit different dietary needs, enhance its nutritional value, or simply experiment with new flavors. Here are several healthy variations to keep your soup exciting and nourishing:

• Enhance with Extra Proteins:
  • Lentils: Red, green, or brown lentils can be added (usually simmered with the broth) to boost protein and fiber content significantly. They also contribute an earthy flavor and creamy texture. Red lentils will break down and thicken the soup, while green or brown will mostly retain their shape, creating a more robust Easy XMAS Fudge.
  • Tofu: Firm or extra-firm tofu, pressed and cubed, can be added during the last 10-15 minutes of simmering. Tofu is an excellent plant-based protein source and will absorb the flavors of the broth beautifully.
  • Chicken or Turkey: For non-vegetarian options, shredded cooked chicken or turkey breast can be stirred in at the end to warm through, adding lean animal protein.
  • Beans: Canned cannellini, kidney, or black beans (rinsed and drained) can be a quick and easy protein boost. Add them towards the end of cooking to just heat through.
• Boost Plant-Based Nutrition:
  • Kale or Spinach: Stir in a few handfuls of chopped kale or spinach during the last 5 minutes of cooking. These leafy greens wilt quickly, adding vitamins, minerals, and a lovely green hue to your Easy XMAS Fudge.
  • Mushrooms: Sliced mushrooms (cremini, shiitake, or even a mixed variety) can be sautéed with the initial aromatics or added with the broth. They offer an umami depth and additional nutrients.
  • Sweet Potatoes or Butternut Squash: For extra sweetness, fiber, and vitamins, diced sweet potatoes or butternut squash can be added with the carrots and simmered until tender. This will make your Easy XMAS Fudge even more hearty and nutrient-dense.
  • Chickpeas: As with other beans, canned chickpeas (garbanzo beans) are a fantastic source of plant-based protein and fiber. Add them along with the pre-cooked grains to heat through.
• Creamy (or Dairy-Free Creamy) Version:
  • Blend Half for Texture: For a thicker, more luxurious Easy XMAS Fudge without adding cream, once the soup has cooked, carefully scoop out about one-third to one-half of the soup (ensure you get some solids and broth). Blend it until smooth using an immersion blender or a regular blender (be very careful with hot liquids). Return the blended portion to the pot and stir to combine. This method adds body and creaminess while retaining some texture from the unblended vegetables.
  • Dairy Cream: For a richer, traditional creamy soup, stir in a quarter to a half cup of heavy cream, half-and-half, or full-fat coconut milk (for dairy-free) during the last few minutes of cooking. Heat gently, but do not boil after adding cream, as it can curdle. This transformation makes your Easy XMAS Fudge incredibly indulgent.
• Spice It Up:
  • Herbs and Spices: Beyond thyme and bay leaf, consider adding dried rosemary, marjoram, or a pinch of smoked paprika for a different flavor profile. A tiny pinch of red pepper flakes can add a subtle kick.
  • Fresh Herbs at the End: Always finish with fresh herbs like parsley, chives, cilantro, or dill for a burst of fresh flavor and aroma just before serving.

By experimenting with these healthy variations, you can keep your Easy XMAS Fudge fresh and exciting while tailoring it perfectly to your taste preferences and nutritional goals. Each addition not only changes the flavor but also enhances the overall health benefits of this already wholesome dish.

Serving Suggestions for Easy XMAS Fudge

Elevating a bowl of Easy XMAS Fudge from a simple meal to a delightful culinary experience often comes down to what you serve alongside it. The right accompaniments can complement its flavors, add textural contrast, and make the meal even more satisfying and complete. Here are some thoughtful serving suggestions:

• Crusty Whole-Grain Bread: A classic pairing. The crusty exterior and soft interior of a good whole-grain baguette, sourdough, or artisan loaf are perfect for soaking up the flavorful broth of your Easy XMAS Fudge. Toasting the bread lightly can add an extra layer of crunch and warmth. You could also serve it with a side of toasted sourdough slices brushed with garlic olive oil for a simple, yet irresistible side.
• Garlic Herb Flatbread: For something a little more special than plain bread, consider a homemade or store-bought flatbread infused with garlic and herbs. The aromatic flavors of the flatbread would beautifully echo and enhance the herbaceous notes already present in your Easy XMAS Fudge. The soft, slightly chewy texture of flatbread offers a lovely contrast to a spoonful of soup. Find a great recipe for this at Garlic Herb Flatbread on HomeCookLegacy.com.
• Simple Green Salad with Light Vinaigrette: A crisp, refreshing green salad can provide a wonderful counterpoint to the warm, hearty Easy XMAS Fudge. Use mixed greens, cucumber, and cherry tomatoes, tossed in a light, tangy vinaigrette (lemon-herb or a simple apple cider vinegar dressing). This adds freshness, lightness, and a burst of color, preventing the meal from feeling too heavy.
• Cheese Toast or Grilled Cheese Sandwich: For those who love dipping, a grilled cheese sandwich or a simple slice of cheese toast makes a fantastic companion. The melty cheese and toasted bread are deeply comforting and pair naturally with almost any soup. A sharp cheddar, Gruyere, or even a well-aged provolone would be excellent choices.
• Focaccia Bread with Rosemary and Sea Salt: A thick slice of fragrant focaccia, perhaps lightly warmed, offers a rich, olive-oil infused bread option that is wonderfully satisfying with Easy XMAS Fudge. The rosemary and sea salt add a sophisticated touch.
• Cornbread or Corn Muffins: Especially if your Easy XMAS Fudge leans towards a more rustic or Southern-inspired flavor profile (perhaps with a touch of smoked paprika or black beans), cornbread or corn muffins can be a delightful accompaniment. Their slightly sweet and crumbly texture offers a lovely contrast.
• Side of Roasted Vegetables: While the soup already contains vegetables, a small side of simply roasted broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts can add another layer of nutrition and different textures. A light drizzle of olive oil, salt, and pepper is all that’s needed.
• Honey Oat Energy Bites for Dessert: After a warm and satisfying bowl of Easy XMAS Fudge, a lighter, wholesome dessert is often preferred. Honey Oat Energy Bites are perfect for this – they are naturally sweet, full of good-for-you ingredients, and provide a gentle, guilt-free end to your meal. They’re a fantastic, balanced dessert option found on HomeCookLegacy.com.

By thoughtfully choosing your accompaniments, you can enhance the overall dining experience and turn your Easy XMAS Fudge into a truly memorable meal, whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a cozy gathering with loved ones.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Easy XMAS Fudge

Even a seemingly straightforward dish like Easy XMAS Fudge can be ruined by a few common errors. Being aware of these pitfalls can significantly improve the quality of your soup, ensuring it’s consistently delicious and well-textured.

• Boiling Instead of Simmering:
  • Mistake: Allowing your soup to boil vigorously for extended periods.
  • Why it’s a problem: A hard boil can aggressively break down delicate vegetables, leaving them mushy and devoid of texture. It also causes excessive evaporation, leading to a concentrated, potentially overly salty, or unbalanced flavor. More importantly, vigorous boiling can denature proteins and destroy some heat-sensitive nutrients.
  • Solution: After bringing the soup to a boil, immediately reduce the heat to low. The goal is a gentle simmer, where only small bubbles occasionally break the surface. This allows flavors to meld slowly and vegetables to cook gently until tender-crisp.
• Overcrowding the Pot:
  • Mistake: Using a pot that is too small for the amount of ingredients, especially when sautéing the aromatics.
  • Why it’s a problem: When vegetables are crowded, they steam instead of sauté. This prevents the maillard reaction (browning), which is crucial for developing deep, complex flavors. Steamed vegetables will taste flat and watery.
  • Solution: Always use a large, wide-bottomed pot or Dutch oven. Ensure there’s enough space for the aromatics to have direct contact with the hot surface. If making a very large batch of Easy XMAS Fudge, consider sautéing aromatics in two batches if necessary.
• Skipping Salt Layering:
  • Mistake: Adding all the salt at the very end of cooking, or forgetting to season at different stages.
  • Why it’s a problem: Salt doesn’t just make food taste “salty”; it enhances and brings out the natural flavors of other ingredients. If you only add it at the end, the flavors won’t have fully permeated the components, and the soup might taste flat or just “salty” rather than “seasoned.”
  • Solution: Add small pinches of salt at key stages: a pinch to the sweating aromatics, another when adding the broth, and a final adjustment at the very end after tasting. This layering method builds flavor depth. Remember to taste frequently (especially if using store-bought broth which can vary in sodium).
• Using Low-Quality Broth:
  • Mistake: Opting for a cheap, flavorless, or overly salty and artificial-tasting broth.
  • Why it’s a problem: The broth is the backbone of your Easy XMAS Fudge. If the broth lacks flavor, your entire soup will suffer from it. A poor-quality broth can make the soup taste weak, overly processed, or simply unappetizing.
  • Solution: Invest in a good quality, low-sodium broth, or better yet, make your own chicken or vegetable stock. Homemade stock provides richness, depth, and control over ingredients. If using store-bought, read labels carefully for ingredients and sodium content. Opt for brands that list real vegetables and herbs.
• Not Tasting and Adjusting Seasoning:
  • Mistake: Following a recipe precisely without tasting and adjusting for personal preference.
  • Why it’s a problem: Every batch of ingredients is different, and everyone’s palate varies. What’s perfectly seasoned for one person might be bland or too salty for another.
  • Solution: Always taste your Easy XMAS Fudge before serving. This is your last chance to add a dash more salt, pepper, a squeeze of lemon juice (which brightens flavors), or a sprinkle of fresh herbs. Trust your judgment!
• Overcooking Grains or Pasta in the Soup:
  • Mistake: Adding pasta or grains directly to the soup too early or cooking them too long.
  • Why it’s a problem: Pasta or grains (like barley or rice) can absorb a lot of liquid and swell, turning mushy and starchy, and making the soup overly thick and cloudy. If kept too long in the soup, they will continue to absorb liquid even after cooling and become pasty.
  • Solution: If using pasta, cook it separately to al dente and add it to individual bowls before ladling in the hot soup. For grains such as barley or rice used in this Easy XMAS Fudge recipe, it’s best to cook them separately and add them at the very end, just to heat through, as instructed, or add them with the broth if you want them to cook directly in the soup, but be mindful of timing. If it’s for meal prep, store grains/pasta separately and add to each serving upon reheating.

By diligently avoiding these common mistakes, you’ll ensure that your Easy XMAS Fudge is consistently a highlight on your dinner table – flavorful, perfectly textured, and truly comforting.

Storage Tips for Your Easy XMAS Fudge

Proper storage is essential to maintain the quality, flavor, and safety of your Easy XMAS Fudge, allowing you to enjoy its comforting warmth for days to come or save it for a future meal. Here’s how to store it effectively:

• Cool Down Rapidly:
  • Method: After cooking, avoid leaving the soup out at room temperature for extended periods. It’s crucial to cool it down as quickly as possible to prevent bacterial growth. You can speed up the cooling process by transferring the soup to a shallower container, or by placing the pot in an ice bath (a larger container filled with ice and a little water). Stirring occasionally helps.
  • Why it matters: The “danger zone” for bacterial growth is between 40°F (4°C) and 140°F (60°C). Aim to get your Easy XMAS Fudge out of this range within two hours.
• Refrigeration:
  • Containers: Once completely cooled (it should be cool to the touch), transfer your Easy XMAS Fudge to airtight containers. Glass containers with tightly sealing lids are ideal, as they don’t stain or absorb odors.
  • Duration: Stored correctly in the refrigerator, your Easy XMAS Fudge will remain fresh and delicious for up to 4 days. Beyond this, flavors can start to diminish, and spoilage risk increases.
  • Note on grains: If your Easy XMAS Fudge contains grains or pasta, they will continue to soak up liquid in the fridge, making the soup thicker. You might need to add a splash of extra broth or water when reheating.
• Freezing:
  • Preparation: Easy XMAS Fudge freezes beautifully. Ensure the soup is completely cool before freezing. Divide it into individual portions or family-sized servings in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. If using bags, lay them flat on a baking sheet until frozen solid, then stack them to save space.
  • Duration: Properly frozen, your Easy XMAS Fudge can be stored for up to 3 months without significant loss of quality. Label containers with the date to keep track.
  • Grains in frozen Easy XMAS Fudge: Again, the grains will soften further upon thawing and reheating. If you plan to freeze a large batch, you might consider cooking and adding the grains *after* thawing and reheating the broth base for the freshest texture.
• Reheating:
  • From refrigerator: Gently reheat chilled Easy XMAS Fudge on the stovetop over medium heat. Stir frequently to ensure even heating and prevent sticking. Avoid bringing it to a vigorous boil; a gentle simmer is best to warm it through.
  • From freezer: For frozen soup, you can often reheat it directly from frozen in a pot on low heat, stirring occasionally, until it thaws and warms through. Alternatively, transfer it to the refrigerator to thaw overnight before reheating on the stovetop.
  • Adjust Consistency: As mentioned, your Easy XMAS Fudge may thicken during storage due to the absorption of liquid by vegetables and grains. Add a little extra broth or water when reheating to achieve your desired consistency.
  • Taste and Adjust: Always taste your reheated soup and adjust seasonings (salt, pepper, herbs) as needed, as flavors can sometimes mellow during storage. A fresh sprinkle of herbs can also revive the taste.

By following these storage and reheating guidelines, you can ensure that every bowl of your homemade Easy XMAS Fudge is as delightful and safe as the first, making meal prep and future cozy dinners a breeze.

Conclusion

Easy XMAS Fudge proves that healthy food can be both rich and comforting. This comprehensive guide has walked you through every detail, from selecting the finest ingredients to mastering the cooking process, understanding nutrition, exploring healthy variations, and perfecting storage. We’ve uncovered the secrets to building deep flavors, avoiding common pitfalls, and ensuring every spoonful is utterly delicious.

Whether you’re looking for a wholesome meal prep staple, a deeply satisfying dinner for a chilly evening, or a nourishing dish to share with loved ones, this Easy XMAS Fudge recipe is designed for success. It’s a testament to the power of simple, fresh ingredients expertly combined to create something truly extraordinary. With its blend of fiber-rich vegetables, hearty grains, and aromatic herbs, this soup isn’t just food; it’s warmth, comfort, and nourishment in a bowl.

Embrace the joy of cooking with confidence, knowing that each step outlined herein contributes to a perfectly balanced and flavorful Easy XMAS Fudge. This 2000+ word guide ensures perfect results every time — warmth in every spoonful, and a truly wholesome culinary experience that will leave you feeling both satisfied and invigorated.

Don’t just make soup; craft an experience. Make your Easy XMAS Fudge a regular on your menu, adapting it to your tastes and enjoying the endless possibilities of this classic comfort food. It’s more than just a recipe; it’s a legacy of home cooking designed for health, flavor, and happiness.

FAQ

• Can I use frozen vegetables for Easy XMAS Fudge? Yes, you absolutely can use frozen mixed vegetables. They are often picked at their peak freshness and flash-frozen, preserving many nutrients. Just be mindful that frozen vegetables release more water as they cook. You might need to reduce the amount of broth slightly, or simply let the soup simmer a bit longer (uncovered) to achieve your desired consistency. Add them directly from the freezer to the pot during Step 2.
• How can I make my Easy XMAS Fudge creamier? There are a couple of excellent ways to achieve a creamier texture without sacrificing flavor.
  1. Blend One-Third: Once the soup is cooked and the vegetables are tender, carefully use an immersion blender to blend about one-third to one-half of the soup directly in the pot. Alternatively, scoop out a portion of the soup, blend it in a regular blender (use caution with hot liquids), and then return it to the pot. This pureed portion will naturally thicken the soup and give it a velvety texture while still leaving enough whole pieces for texture.
  2. Add Light Cream or Coconut Milk: For a richer creaminess, stir in a quarter to a half cup of light cream, half-and-half, or for a dairy-free option, full-fat coconut milk during the last 5 minutes of cooking. Heat gently, but avoid boiling after adding cream, as it can curdle. This will make your Easy XMAS Fudge incredibly smooth and luxurious.
• What’s the best broth to use for Easy XMAS Fudge? The quality of your broth significantly impacts the final flavor of your Easy XMAS Fudge.
  1. Homemade Broth/Stock: This is unequivocally the best option. Homemade vegetable or chicken stock offers the purest, most robust flavor and allows you to control the sodium content and specific ingredients. It typically has a richer body and deeper taste.
  2. High-Quality Store-Bought: If homemade isn’t an option, opt for a high-quality, low-sodium, and organic store-bought broth or stock. Look for brands that list real ingredients (vegetables, herbs, spices) and avoid those with excessive artificial flavors or high sodium. Always taste your broth before adding it to avoid over-salting your soup.
  3. Avoid Bouillon Cubes/Powders: While convenient, these often contain very high levels of sodium, artificial flavors, and less authentic taste, which can detract from the fresh flavors of your Easy XMAS Fudge.
• How long does Easy XMAS Fudge last? With proper storage, your Easy XMAS Fudge has a good shelf life, making it excellent for meal prepping.
  • Refrigerated: It will last for up to 4 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Ensure it is cooled quickly before refrigeration.
  • Frozen: For longer storage, Easy XMAS Fudge freezes very well. Stored in freezer-safe airtight containers or bags, it will keep for up to 3 months. Remember to label with the date.

  Just be aware that if your soup contains grains or pasta, they might absorb more liquid and become softer during storage, especially after freezing and thawing. You might need to add a splash of extra liquid when reheating to restore the desired consistency.
• Can I add meat to this Easy XMAS Fudge recipe? Absolutely! This recipe is incredibly adaptable. If you wish to add meat, consider lean proteins:
  • Cooked Chicken/Turkey: Shredded cooked chicken breast or turkey breast can be added during the last 10-15 minutes of simmering, just to heat through. It will absorb the flavors of the broth beautifully.
  • Ground Meat: Brown ground chicken, turkey, or lean beef separately before you start Step 1 (sautéing aromatics). Drain any excess fat, then add it back to the pot along with the broth in Step 2, allowing it to simmer and meld its flavors with the soup.
  • Sausage: Cooked and crumbled Italian sausage (mild or spicy, depending on preference) can also be added at the end for a hearty, flavorful boost.

  Adding meat will increase the protein content and make your Easy XMAS Fudge even more substantial and filling.

• Is Easy XMAS Fudge suitable for vegetarians or vegans? Yes, this specific Easy XMAS Fudge recipe, as written, is inherently vegetarian and can be easily made vegan.
  • Vegetarian: The recipe uses vegetable broth, and the core ingredients are plant-based.
  • Vegan: To make it fully vegan, ensure you use vegetable broth (which is specified) and that any optional additions like coconut milk (if making it creamy) are plant-based. All other core ingredients are naturally vegan.

  It’s a fantastic and versatile base for plant-based diets, offering plenty of nutrients and flavor.

Healthline — Soup Health Benefits,
Harvard Nutrition Source,
Medical News Today — Soup Nutrition

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Jake Miller

passionate about high-protein, easy meal-prep recipes for busy lifestyles.