Candy Bar Fudge

This is a favorite of ours to pass out on Christmas as a gift. My mother gave this recipe to me and I am hooked. (Tastes a lot like a snickers bar!)

1/2 c. butter
1/3 c. unsweetened baking cocoa (the good stuff)
1/4 c. packed brown sugar
1/4 c. milk
3 1/2 c. confectioners sugar
1 tsp van extract
30 caramel candies, unwrapped
1 Tbsp water
2 c. salted peanuts
1/2 c. semi sweet chocolate chips
1/2 c. milk chocolate chips

In microwave bowl put butter, cocoa, brown sugar and milk- put on high for 3 mins.
Stir in confectioners sugar and vanilla.
Pour into greased square baking pan.
In another bowl, heat caramels on high until melted with the 1Tbsp water.
Stir in peanuts and spread over chocolate layer.
Put chocolate chips (both semi and milk) in bowl and microwave with 1 Tbsp butter, until melted.
Spread over caramel layer.
Chill until firm.
Makes about 2 3/4 pounds of fudge!

Sorry I forgot to take a photo of the finished product but it is good! Merry Christmas!