Homemade candy has been a holiday tradition for hundreds of years. Readers submitted almost 300 candy entries of their family holiday favorites, making it a difficult decision narrowing down entries.
Ultimately, winners emerged as judges sampled from 14 different selections including a variety of caramels, fudge, toffee, hard candies and chewy favorites.
First place went to the winning combination of toasted nuts, toffee and chocolate in Linda Pittman’s Triple Nut Toffee. The Honey Caramels, submitted by Jerry Daugherty, were a close second place for their smooth luscious texture and Carol Walk’s Snickers Fudge placed third for its chocolate, peanut, caramel combo that tastes just like its namesake.
The five honorable mentions are: Chocolate Amaretto Snowballs, submitted by Nancy H. Peterson; Rock Candy, submitted by Diane Sherman; Pecan Espresso Bark, submitted by Barbara Wiesen; Nougat, submitted by Mary H. Hammann; and Maple Bacon Fudge, submitted by Dorothy Billington.
Triple Nut Toffee
Honey Caramels
Snickers Fudge
View all submissions below. There will be something to entice the sweet tooth in every family.
Recipe submissions
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Holiday candy
Kris Doersam, Norris Electric Cooperative
Carlene’s Peanut Brittle
Deb Rodgers, Corn Belt Energy Corporation
Peanut Butter Fudge
Barbara Gilhaus, Corn Belt Energy Corporation
Everyone’s Favorite Soft Caramels
Sandra Hurrelbrink, Illinois Rural Electric Cooperative
Potato Chip Clusters
Linda Brown, Rural Electric Convenience Cooperative Co.
Peanut Clusters
Julie Kern Morrison, Menard Electric Cooperative
Easy ‘Never Fail’ Milk Chocolate Fudge – 5lbs.
Judy Haley Clay, Monroe County Electric Co-Operative, Inc.
Chocolate Balls
Geralyn Thacker, Clinton County Electric Cooperative, Inc.
my great grandma’s divinity
Gabriella Harshbarger, Corn Belt Energy Corporation
Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls
Sherry Reuter, Egyptian Electric Cooperative Association
Hyla’s Marshmallow Carmel Balls
Cathy L Conder, Illinois Rural Electric Cooperative
Hyla’s Marshmallow Carmel Balls
Cathy L Conder, Illinois Rural Electric Cooperative
Red Velvet Cake Balls
Carol Stepp, EnerStar Electric Cooperative
Radio Candy
Christina M. Fairchild, Rock Energy Cooperative
Fannie Mae Fudge
Shirley McCandless, Menard Electric Cooperative
Pecan Candy
Joyce Lutz, Southern Illinois Electric Cooperative
Oreo Balls
TAMMY MURRAY, Southern Illinois Electric Cooperative
turtlettes
Cheryl Sands, SouthEastern Illinois Electric Cooperative, Inc.
Holiday Fruitcake Cookies
Vicki L Colombo, Egyptian Electric Cooperative Association
Sweet and Saltines
jean becherer, Monroe County Electric Co-Operative, Inc.
Marla’s Fudge
PENNY ROCH, Menard Electric Cooperative
Never Fail Creamy Fudge
Debbie Dixon, McDonough Power Cooperative
Graham Cracker Candy
JUDY WELLS, Norris Electric Cooperative
Granddad’s Chocolate Roll
Christina Block Terrell, Coles-Moultrie Electric Cooperative
Snickers Fudge
Carol Walk, Coles-Moultrie Electric Cooperative
Fool Proof, Yummy, Microwave Caramels
Karen D Agnoletti, Spoon River Electric Cooperative
Oreo Truffles
Jean Kaufmann, Eastern Illini Electric Cooperative
Pecan Divinity Rolls
Marjorie Bates, SouthEastern Illinois Electric Cooperative, Inc.
Fudge
Bonnie Meyer, Monroe County Electric Co-Operative, Inc.
Chocolate Peanut Clusters
sandra paulek, Shelby Electric Cooperative
Coconut Bombs
Aletha Jerome, Menard Electric Cooperative
Penuche Fudge
Michele Miller, Rock Energy Cooperative
Nana’s Old Fashioied Peanut Butter Fudge
Diane Dean, Corn Belt Energy Corporation
Chocolate Balls
Margaret Bormet, Eastern Illini Electric Cooperative
Holiday Cranberry Candy
Jan Vaccarello, Rock Energy Cooperative
Honey Carmel’s
Jerry Daugherty, Corn Belt Energy Corporation
microwave peanut brittle
louise butterick, Eastern Illini Electric Cooperative
Blessing Candy
Mary Jane LaFond, Eastern Illini Electric Cooperative
Holiday Candy Crunch
Frank Iskra, Corn Belt Energy Corporation
Grandma Flossie’s Coconut Balls
Linda M Mumm, Eastern Illini Electric Cooperative
Sour Cream Fudge
Nancy Rumsey, Norris Electric Cooperative
PANOCHA
Janice Sneeden, Illinois Rural Electric Cooperative
Butterscotch candy
Jo Ann Lunk, Monroe County Electric Co-Operative, Inc.
Butter Pecan Turtle Bars
Allinson Hermes, Rural Electric Convenience Cooperative Co.
Best Caramels
Sharolyn Griesheim, Menard Electric Cooperative
Toffee
Mary Albsmeyer, McDonough Power Cooperative
Crockpot Peanut Clusters
Linda Hauser, Coles-Moultrie Electric Cooperative
Chocolate Peanut Raisin Clusters
Brenda Woolridge, Coles-Moultrie Electric Cooperative
Crockpot Christmas Crack
Connie Dahmer, SouthEastern Illinois Electric Cooperative, Inc.
Almond Bark Fudge
Sheila King, Norris Electric Cooperative
Amy’s World Famous Peanut Brittle
Amy Wibben, Rock Energy Cooperative
Mom’s Peanut Butter Balls
Michelle Rush, Corn Belt Energy Corporation
Down The Chimney Fudgies
Al Benedick, Monroe County Electric Co-Operative, Inc.
Peppermint Oreo Bark Candy
Kathy Tolson, Southern Illinois Electric Cooperative
4 Chip Fudge
Susie Brauns, SouthEastern Illinois Electric Cooperative, Inc.
Chocolate Amaretto Snowballs
Nancy H Peterson, Corn Belt Energy Corporation
Rocky Road Fudge
Patricia L Brandt, Monroe County Electric Co-Operative, Inc.
Crock Pot Candy
peggy holmes, Corn Belt Energy Corporation
MICROWAVE FANTASY FUDGE
JEANNE SCHNEIDER, Jo-Carroll Energy, Inc. (NFP)
Christmas Love Turtle Doves
Donna M Nadig, Jo-Carroll Energy, Inc. (NFP)
Grandma’s Divinity
Cheryl Rich, Corn Belt Energy Corporation
Christmas Creams Divinity
Darlene LEIBOLD, Jo-Carroll Energy, Inc. (NFP)
Dreamy Melting Moments
Cathy L Conder, Clinton County Electric Cooperative, Inc.
Rocky Road Fudge (Rocks, Optional)
Rhonda Branum, Egyptian Electric Cooperative Association
Peanut Butter Candy
Debbie rah Middleton, Illinois Rural Electric Cooperative
No-fail Carmels
Sherri Tammen, Eastern Illini Electric Cooperative
Anise Candy
Steven Ochs, Jo-Carroll Energy, Inc. (NFP)
Sugarplum Christmas Candy
Carla Mueting, Corn Belt Energy Corporation
Sugarplum Christmas Candy
Carla Mueting, Corn Belt Energy Corporation
Peppermint Patties – Christmas Candy Contest
Karen Ballance, Southern Illinois Electric Cooperative
Homemade Marshmallows
Lori Cooley, Adams Electric Cooperative
Pink Divinity
Sheri Arellano, EnerStar Electric Cooperative
Mom’s Divinity
Bob Lilienthal, Corn Belt Energy Corporation
Special Vanilla Carmels
Loida Breedlove, Menard Electric Cooperative
Christmas Coconut Bars
Kim Hallbeck, Norris Electric Cooperative
Easy Caramel Corn
Patty Meyer, Eastern Illini Electric Cooperative
Peanut Butter Bonbons
Kathy Ascone, McDonough Power Cooperative
Christmas Coconut Bars
Kim Hallbeck, Norris Electric Cooperative
Divinity
Patricia Tandy, Corn Belt Energy Corporation
Aunt Frances’ Peanut Butter Balls
Nancy Hurliman, Eastern Illini Electric Cooperative
Fern’s Fudge
ROSEMARY K. LAESCH, Corn Belt Energy Corporation
Coconut Pecan Balls
Shirley Wittenauer, Monroe County Electric Co-Operative, Inc.
Coconut Pecan Balls
Shirley Wittenauer, Monroe County Electric Co-Operative, Inc.
Best Ever Caramels
Tamara List, Menard Electric Cooperative
Bourbon Balls
Kathy Anderson, Jo-Carroll Energy, Inc. (NFP)
Best Ever Carmels
Laura Randecker, Jo-Carroll Energy, Inc. (NFP)
Peanut Brittle
Mary Connors, Jo-Carroll Energy, Inc. (NFP)
Christmas Coconut Bars
Kim Hallbeck, Norris Electric Cooperative
Mary’s Divinity
Mary Payne, Norris Electric Cooperative
Grandma Arlene’s Mississippi Mud Bars
Paula Morhardt, Jo-Carroll Energy, Inc. (NFP)
Napoleon Creams
Marie Thornton, Corn Belt Energy Corporation
White Chocolate Caramel Cashew Clusters
Dee Winterland, Corn Belt Energy Corporation
Pralines (Microwave)
Janice Roenicke, Monroe County Electric Co-Operative, Inc.
Almond Bark Cookies
JoAnn Koerkenmeier, Clinton County Electric Cooperative, Inc.
Best Ever Caramels
Marie McCrillis, Norris Electric Cooperative
Toffee Bars
JUSTINE BREWER, Coles-Moultrie Electric Cooperative
Golden Fudge
Penny Moore-Garner, Illinois Rural Electric Cooperative
Peanut Butter Balls
Marilyn Brown, EnerStar Electric Cooperative
Easy Saltine Pecan Toffee
Pamela Damm, Rock Energy Cooperative
Silo Cookies
Dalton Hoch, Egyptian Electric Cooperative Association
Grandma Bess’ Christmas Peanut Brittle
Cameron Moore Lockhart, Corn Belt Energy Corporation
English Toffee
Lisa Johnson, Norris Electric Cooperative
Caramels
Nancy Newell, Jo-Carroll Energy, Inc. (NFP)
Chocolate Peanut Clusters
Paula Overturf, SouthEastern Illinois Electric Cooperative, Inc.
Aunt Dorie’s Fudge
Kay Foster, Menard Electric Cooperative
Carmels
Darla Anderson, Jo-Carroll Energy, Inc. (NFP)
Toffee
Vicki S. Hefel, Jo-Carroll Energy, Inc. (NFP)
Aunt Mary Ann Turtles
Vickie Buhrmester, Shelby Electric Cooperative
Homemade Caramels
Jill Lynn Cassady, McDonough Power Cooperative
Magic Bars
Bobbi Jo Smith, Illinois Rural Electric Cooperative
Cappuccino-Walnut Toffee
Cora Holt, Monroe County Electric Co-Operative, Inc.
Mac’s Carmels
Wendi Cramer, Norris Electric Cooperative
French Creme Tarts
Julie A Doerr, Monroe County Electric Co-Operative, Inc.
Hello Dollies
Cathy Raufer, Corn Belt Energy Corporation
Candy Pizza
Gloria Redell, Jo-Carroll Energy, Inc. (NFP)
Quick and Easy Peanut Clusters
Joe M Gray, Southern Illinois Electric Cooperative
Pumpkin Snickerdoodles
Kathy Jackson, Egyptian Electric Cooperative Association
Carter’s Crunch
Pamela Guthrie, Illinois Rural Electric Cooperative
Tiger Butter
Rose Myers-Bradley, Coles-Moultrie Electric Cooperative
Jalapeno-Pecan Brittle
Diana L Oakley, Coles-Moultrie Electric Cooperative
Forget Your Diet Walnut Caramels
Yvonne Larsen, Jo-Carroll Energy, Inc. (NFP)
Candy Bar Fudge
Fran Hamann, Menard Electric Cooperative
Peanut Crunch Candy
Rosey Middendorf, Corn Belt Energy Corporation
Two Ingredient No-Fail Peanut Butter Fudge
Pamela K Terry, Corn Belt Energy Corporation
Nutty Good
Mrs. Steven Bailey, SouthEastern Illinois Electric Cooperative, Inc.
Graham Cracker Toffee
Nicolette Woodrum, Clinton County Electric Cooperative, Inc.
White Christmas Fudge
Susan Creasey, McDonough Power Cooperative
Chocolate Toffee Cookie Crunch Bars
Linda M Nobis, Jo-Carroll Energy, Inc. (NFP)
Top Hats
Julie Douglas, Shelby Electric Cooperative
Peanut Butter Balls
Margaret Tanner, SouthEastern Illinois Electric Cooperative, Inc.
Nestle Toll House Famous Fudge
Cyndi Draper, SouthEastern Illinois Electric Cooperative, Inc.
Chocolate Bon Bon
Rosalind O’Malley, Shelby Electric Cooperative
Carob Fudge
Marie Judd, SouthEastern Illinois Electric Cooperative, Inc.
German Elf Nuggets
Jennifer Wilken, Eastern Illini Electric Cooperative
Triple Nut Toffee
Linda Pittman, Spoon River Electric Cooperative
Boston Cream Candy
Richard Nicolas, Corn Belt Energy Corporation
Buttery Peanut Brittle
Marilyn Unger, Eastern Illini Electric Cooperative
Dark Chocolate Raspberry Fudge
Twila Yoder, Norris Electric Cooperative
Coconut Joy Candy
Mildred Ringhausen, Illinois Rural Electric Cooperative
Nougat
Mary Hammann, Rural Electric Convenience Cooperative Co.
Coconut Bon-bon
Janet Willenborg, Norris Electric Cooperative
Sugarfree spice cookies
LaVerne Krebel, Egyptian Electric Cooperative Association
Peanut Brittle
Joan Schroeder, Corn Belt Energy Corporation
Old Fashion Divinity
Ann Miller, Norris Electric Cooperative
Aunt Lilly’s Fudge
Betty Naab, Norris Electric Cooperative
Rock Candy
Diane Sherman, Coles-Moultrie Electric Cooperative
Triple Threat Choco Peppermint Crunch Bars (Vegan, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)
Judy Limper, Egyptian Electric Cooperative Association
Best Caramels
Mary Ratliff, Menard Electric Cooperative
Priscilla’s Spiced Pecans
Betty Dean, Corn Belt Energy Corporation
Goober Blobs
Lucille Rich, Southern Illinois Electric Cooperative
Caramels
Susan Hollenberg, McDonough Power Cooperative
Cornflake Candy
Mary Farney, Corn Belt Energy Corporation
Yummys
Jill Slifer, Shelby Electric Cooperative
Mija Candy
Vickie E. Begley, Egyptian Electric Cooperative Association
Crock Pot Christmas Candy
Shirley Steele, Shelby Electric Cooperative
Pretzel Treats
Donna Toms, SouthEastern Illinois Electric Cooperative, Inc.
Peanut Brittle
Linda Hillis, Western Illinois Electrical Coop.
Pineapple Cream Squares
Marvelle Cole, Coles-Moultrie Electric Cooperative
Divinity
Betty Gray, Western Illinois Electrical Coop.
White Chocolate Christmas Fudge
David H. Ray, Southern Illinois Electric Cooperative
Never Fail Fudge
Dorothy Post, Spoon River Electric Cooperative
Mamie Eisenhower Fudge
Norma Miller, Spoon River Electric Cooperative
Peanut Butter Fudge
Lynn Burroughs, Clay Electric Co-operative, Inc.
Million Dollar Fudge
Cynthia Middleton, Southern Illinois Electric Cooperative
Fast Festive Fudge
Helen Smith, SouthEastern Illinois Electric Cooperative, Inc.
Peanut Butter Fudge
Susan Bergbeuer, Norris Electric Cooperative
Peanut Butter Fudge
Sarah Ann Yoder, Egyptian Electric Cooperative Association
Fanny Mae Chocolate Fudge
Becky Kocher, Norris Electric Cooperative
Fanny May Fudge
Ellen Speletich, SouthEastern Illinois Electric Cooperative, Inc.
Pumpkin Fudge
Jan Allen, Egyptian Electric Cooperative Association
Delectable Maple Nut Chocolates
Donna LaMar, Corn Belt Energy Corporation
Fiesta Fudge
Randa Stewart, Jo-Carroll Energy, Inc. (NFP)
Fudge
Cheryl Marshall, Corn Belt Energy Corporation
Santa’s Favorite Fudge
Jeanine Ilg, Jo-Carroll Energy, Inc. (NFP)
Almond Bark Candy
Nancy Antrim, Shelby Electric Cooperative
Grandma’s Garbage
Gaye Long, Rural Electric Convenience Cooperative Co.
Bon Bons
Gayle Dykstra, Jo-Carroll Energy, Inc. (NFP)
Good Stuff
Lucretia Weck, Norris Electric Cooperative
Swedish Caramels
Angie Gabriel, Jo-Carroll Energy, Inc. (NFP)
Dad’s Caramels
Laura Becher, Corn Belt Energy Corporation
Dad’s Fondant
Joanna Quinley, Corn Belt Energy Corporation
Date Balls
Sandy Wilson, Eastern Illini Electric Cooperative
Microwave Peanut Brittle
Amy Dykstra, Jo-Carroll Energy, Inc. (NFP)
Aunt Leah’s No Bake Cookies
Leah Lampton, Eastern Illini Electric Cooperative
Hunter’s favorite peppermint fudge
Amber Cushman, Egyptian Electric Cooperative Association
Easy Peanut Butter Fudge
Heidi Windle, Shelby Electric Cooperative
Maple Bacon Fudge
Dorothy Billington, Norris Electric Cooperative
Honey Taffy
Sandra J Amenta, Jo-Carroll Energy, Inc. (NFP)
Pound Candy
melissa Cox, Rural Electric Convenience Cooperative Co.
Pecan Espresso Bark
Barbara Wiesen, Jo-Carroll Energy, Inc. (NFP)
Haystacks
Brenda Epplin, Egyptian Electric Cooperative Association
Almond Crunch Candy
Christina Goolsby, SouthEastern Illinois Electric Cooperative, Inc.
Shirley’s Carmel Corn
Shirley Travis, Southern Illinois Electric Cooperative
Peanut Butter Candy
Debbie Rah Middleton, Illinois Rural Electric Cooperative
Special chocolate, peanut butter, potato chip·candy
Cheryl Canon, Coles-Moultrie Electric Cooperative
NUTTY CHOCOLATE GOODIES
Sharon Weaver, Southern Illinois Electric Cooperative
Dreamy Melting Moments
Cathy Conder, Clinton County Electric Cooperative, Inc.
Strawberry Fruit Balls
Vivian Hallett, Norris Electric Cooperative
Peanut Butter Texas Millionaires
Christine Billeter, McDonough Power Cooperative
DIVINITY CANDY
Carol Sue Carnes, Illinois Rural Electric Cooperative
Easy Nut Crunch
Norma Hofmeister, Western Illinois Electrical Coop.
No-fail Carmels
Sherri Tammen, Eastern Illini Electric Cooperative
Caramels
Betty Krause, Egyptian Electric Cooperative Association
CARAMELS
Marsha Shafer, Spoon River Electric Cooperative
Homemade Caramel
Carol Brown, Corn Belt Energy Corporation
ENGLISH TOFFEE BARK
Janet Ward, Eastern Illini Electric Cooperative
Divinity
Mary Robbins, Corn Belt Energy Corporation
CRANBERRY WHITE FUDGE
Karen Weisenstein, Egyptian Electric Cooperative Association
ENGLISH FUDGE
Frances Cobb, SouthEastern Illinois Electric Cooperative, Inc.
Butterscotch Fudge
Dee Bower, Norris Electric Cooperative
MARSHMALLOW CREME FUDGE
William David Oliver, Southern Illinois Electric Cooperative
Butterscotch Haystacks
Susan Leverton, Menard Electric Cooperative
Grandma Fern Wernz’s Sour Cream Fudge
Barbara Wernz Webster, Norris Electric Cooperative
Rocky Road Fudge (Rocks, Optional)
Rhonda Branum, Egyptian Electric Cooperative Association
Mom’s Easy Pralines
Hannah Eads, Coles-Moultrie Electric Cooperative
HOMEMADE CARAMELS WITH PECANS
Janet Mangalavite, Menard Electric Cooperative
