DIY Christmas: Short recipes for the recipe challenged, including Fudge, Brittle, Meringue Cookies and Bacon Candy

(See the rest of our DIY Christmas advice and recipes.)

Scared of long recipes? Try these relaxing shorties on for size.

Bacon Candy Slice one pound of bacon into 1 inch strips and dredge in brown sugar. Bake at 350 degrees on a broiler pan for approximately 15 minutes, turning once if you want. Cool and store in an airtight container.

Brittle Cook 1 cup sugar, 1/2 cup corn syrup and 1/2 cup water in a pan over medium heat. Stir till it boils, then wait till it hits 290 degrees. Stir in 1 tablespoon butter, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (plus 1 cup chopped nuts, if you’d like), then pour onto a Silpat or greased baking sheet. Cool, then break into pieces.

This article appears in Dec 9-15, 2009.