Spiced Cranberry Party Fudge

This recipe is so wonderfully easy, it makes for a perfect last-minute Christmas-y party snack.

Or just an indulgent treat to nibble with hot chocolate in front of a roaring fire.

Whilst a cat purrs contentedly on your lap, and the logs crackle and spark.

Ahem.

Inspired by Steph (Misplaced Brit)'s recent fudge recipes, and a Nigella Lawson recipe, this recipe requires less than 10 minutes of prep time, plus a couple of hours in the fridge, and makes a smooth, yummy fudge, with very little effort.

Iingredients:
1 (397g) can of sweetened condensed milik
400g dark chocolate, broken into small chunks
50g butter
1 to 2 tsp ground ginger (I used 1 tsp, but could hardly taste it, I advise more)
1/2 tsp mixed spice
1/2 tsp cinnamon
50g dried cranberries, plus extra to decorate (optional)
gold balls, silver balls, sprinkles, mini marshmallows, cacao nibs, etc to decorate (optional)

1. Line a 7x10 inch deep baking tin with foil (I like Mary Berry's method - mould the foil over the outside of the upside down tin, gently remove, turn the tin over, and pop the moulded foil in)
2. Put the chocolate, condensed milk, butter and spices into a large microwavable bowl. Heat on full power for one to three minutes, stirring every 30 seconds or so, until the butter and chocolate have completely melted (mine took 2+1/2 minutes).
3. Stir in the cranberries, and stir until just smooth. (Don't panic if it looks a bit split/curdled, it will come out fine)
4. Acting quickly, scrape the fudge into the tin (it starts to solidify quite quickly) and sprinkle over the decorations to your heart's content.
5. Refridgerate for 1-2 hours until set, then slice into small squares.

Other treats for a Christmas party table: Mint Humbug Cupcakes, Parmesan Shortbreads, Linzer Cookies, Queen of Hearts Jam Tarts, Apple and Tomato Chutney (which would also make a nice Christmas present.)

Edited to add: I'm entering this in#CookBlogShare

Edited (again) to add: I'm also entering this into Treat Petite December (Cakeyboi and The Baking Explorer (hosting this month)) - the theme this month is Christmas!