Perfect Fudge

You know that old family recipe you have that no matter how many times you make it, everyone raves about it?  The recipe that you're almost embarrassed to share with anyone because of how simple it is to make yet the reaction it elicits causes you to think it should be more complicated than it actually is?  Well, this is that recipe for me.  My Mom made this fudge for years but passed the spatula to me (quite literally) when she could no longer physically stir the mixture.  And now it's one of my traditions.  This fudge isn't like the recipes you see on the back of a label.  It's the easiest recipe you'll ever come across and the texture is the creamiest, melt-in-your-mouthiest chocolatey fudge ever.  From the mom and pop homemade fudge shops in Maine to the nation-wide brand name candy makers, I have never had anything quite like this fudge.  I'm not making this up--it's that good.  Cindy goes absolutely bananas for this fudge, forgoing all other treats for a chance at this stuff.  And she doesn't even like chocolate.  She thinks this fudge tastes like solid frosting (I don't think it's quite that sweet, but I get where she's going.)

So this is my Mom's recipe passed to me and I have no idea where she got it.   But you'll want to make this for two reasons.  It's easy.  And it's delicious.  So even the newest person to the kitchen can whip this up for their Valentine and surprise him or her with homemade chocolates (which will probably be loads cheaper than the stuff in a box wrapped in cellophane from the drug store).  Using the microwave melting method, be sure to pay attention to the power level on your microwave because you don't want to burn the chocolate.  The mix gets very thick and the key is to keep stirring to incorporate all the ingredients.  It's a labor of love but totally worth it.  If you make this for your sweetie, your best friend or just yourself, you won't be sorry.



Creamy Fudge

Ingredients

2 pounds good quality milk chocolate candy melts (I use Merckens)
14 ounces sweetened condensed milk (I use Borden's brand because my mom says it's best.  I'm afraid to try anything else.)
7 1/2 ounces marshmallow creme

Place all the chocolate candy melts in a large glass bowl.

Cover with plastic wrap and microwave at 40% power for 2 1/2 minutes.  Remove from microwave and stir.  Return to microwave and melt at 40% power for another 1 1/2 minutes.  Stir again and if necessary, return to microwave and melt at 40% power for another 1 minute.  Stir until smooth (if you really need to, you can microwave again for 30 seconds at 30% power).



Once the chocolate is smooth, add the sweetened condensed milk, constantly stirring with a large, sturdy silicone spatula or metal spoon to combine.  Note: If using a metal spoon be sure it's thick and study.  I may or may not have bent a serving spoon making this once before.

When the sweetened condensed milk is incorporated, gradually add the marshmallow creme and continue stirring until fully combined and the fudge has a consistent texture.

Turn fudge out into a silicone pan, disposable aluminum pan or plastic container.  Note: It can be any shape or size. My mom used to use a 9 x 13 inch plastic container, but I like the my silicone pie pan because I can peel it off the set fudge.  Smooth fudge into container and cover with plastic wrap.  Place in fridge to set overnight.

Remove fudge from fridge and turn out onto a cutting mat. If using a silicone or disposable aluminum pan, just peel the pan away from the fudge. If using a plastic container, gently work the fudge away from the edge with a small knife or metal spatula. Then invert and gently tap the bottom, working from the edges to the middle, so the fudge falls out in one piece.

Allow to sit for 5 minutes before cutting.  Note: I like to cut it using a dough blade and pressing through in one consistent move rather than sawing through with a knife. This fudge will crumb and the less you work it when cutting, the better the results.

Store in an airtight container in the fridge.

Makes about 3 pounds of fudge.

Happy Baking,
The Cookie Princess

Printer Friendly Recipe
Pin It