On the Fifth Day of Christmas. . .

Rob, the king of dessert, has undergone some major lifestyle changes this year.  Well, major in that he no longer whips up caramel corn and cookies then leaves town--and me with a plate full of sinful temptation.  He has also been running fairly religiously.  As a result he is sorely in need of an entire new wardrobe about four sizes smaller.

So holiday baking has been at an all time low around here.  But midweek last week Rob looked at me and said:  "I am feeling the urge to make Christmas candy.  I don't think I can resist--we might have to have our annual Christmas Candy Contest."

The girls were, of course, thrilled.  Every year Rob and I each bake a treat or two and then all the kids taste them (we always have extra kids over) and vote for the best one.  Rob ALWAYS wins.  But he also always makes Penuche, which is essentially caramelly sugar cubes.  How can I compete with that!?  But I try.  I always try something different. . . and hard.

So this year when I said I was going to attempt English toffee, Rob looked at me and said, "Why try something hard that only works a quarter of the time?"

Good point.  I made peppermint bark.  Easy and yummy.

Then to mix things up, Rob suggested Hannah enter the competition.  She debated between popcorn balls and peanut butter rice crispy squares--and chose the latter. . . slathered in a layer of chocolate peanut butter frosting.

She also recruited two assistants. . .

Rob and I finished first and let the crew have the kitchen.

Their teamwork was pretty impressive. . .

Their enthusiasm could have won them bonus points. . .

But in the end--they didn't need bonus points.

They won hands down.  Rob even admitted their squares were pretty darn yummy.

Maybe next year we won't invite her back. . . or maybe we will have her make ALL the candies!

What is your favorite Christmas candy?


***We caught up on DH and B&S and watched no Christmas movie--perhaps  not good considering the dozens on our DVR.