Peppermint Marbled Fudge

1 ½ tsp plus ¾ cup butter, divided

3 cups sugar

¾ cup heavy whipping cream

1 package (10-12 ounces) vanilla or white chips

1 jar (7 ounces) marshmallow crème

3 tsp peppermint extract

red paste coloring (I use about 1/2 tsp or until I get the rich red color I want) red food coloring will also work, but you have to use alot more to get that pretty red color you want!

 crushed peppermint candies for garnish

1-     Grease a 13x9 in. pan with 1 ½ tsp butter; set aside.

2-    In a heavy saucepan, combine sugar, heavy cream, & remaining butter, cook & stir over low heat until sugar is dissolved.

3-     Bring to a boil; cook & stir for 4 minutes. Remove from heat; stir in chips & marshmallow crème till smooth.

4-     Remove one cup & set aside. Add peppermint extract & coloring to remaining mixture; stir until blended.

5-     Pour into prepared pan. Drop reserved marshmallow mixture by tablespoonfuls over the top; cut through with a knife to swirl.

6- Sprinkle with crushed peppermint candies

7-  Cover & refrigerate until set. Cut into squares

Yield: 2 ½ pounds