How sweet it is!

Christmas candy contest results

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.

Toffee5---First-Place
1st place
Triple Nut Toffee
HoneyCaramel2
2nd Place
Honey Caramels
Snickers1
3rd Place
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