Eggnog Fudge
Eggnog Fudge Recipe - Deliciously Decadent Holiday Treat
Introduction
Eggnog fudge is a delicious and festive treat that combines the rich flavors of eggnog with the creamy texture of fudge. This recipe is perfect for the holiday season or any time you're craving a sweet and indulgent dessert.
History
Fudge has been a popular confection in the United States since the late 19th century. The addition of eggnog to fudge recipes adds a unique and seasonal twist to this classic treat. Eggnog itself has been enjoyed for centuries, with its origins dating back to medieval Europe.
Ingredients
- 0.5 cup of sugar
- 3 cups of miniature marshmallows
- 0.67 cup of purchased eggnog
- 3 tbsp of butter
- 1 tbsp of corn syrup
- 0.13 tsp of salt
- 1 cup (6 oz or 170 g) of semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup of chopped pecans
How to prepare
- Butter the sides of a heavy 3 qt (2.84 liter) saucepan.
- Add sugar, marshmallows, eggnog, butter, corn syrup, and salt to the saucepan; cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until sugar is dissolved.
- Turn the heat up to medium and cook until the mixture boils.
- Continue to cook, stirring constantly, until the temperature reaches about 232°F (111°C).
- Add chocolate chips and continue to cook for 5 minutes, or until the chocolate is melted.
- Stir in chopped nuts.
- Pour the mixture into a buttered 8-inch square pan.
- Allow it to cool to room temperature, then chill and cut into squares.
- This recipe makes about 3 dozen pieces of eggnog fudge.
- To Test for Soft Ball Stage:
- Drop a small amount of syrup into chilled water.
- The syrup should form a ball, but flatten when picked up with fingers (234 to 240°F (116°C)).
Variations
- Add a sprinkle of nutmeg or cinnamon on top of the fudge for extra holiday flavor.
- Swap out the pecans for walnuts or almonds for a different nutty twist.
- Use white chocolate chips instead of semisweet for a sweeter fudge.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Be sure to use a heavy saucepan to prevent scorching the fudge mixture.
- Stir constantly to ensure the sugar is fully dissolved and the fudge has a smooth texture.
- Use a candy thermometer to accurately gauge the temperature of the fudge mixture for the perfect consistency.
- Allow the fudge to cool completely before cutting into squares for the best results.
Serving Suggestions
Serve eggnog fudge as a dessert at holiday gatherings or package it up as a festive gift for friends and family.
Cooking Techniques
The key to making perfect eggnog fudge is to cook the mixture to the soft ball stage, which ensures a smooth and creamy texture.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you don't have eggnog on hand, you can substitute with heavy cream or milk mixed with a dash of nutmeg and vanilla extract.
Make Ahead Tips
Eggnog fudge can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Presentation Ideas
Cut the fudge into small squares and arrange on a festive platter for a beautiful presentation.
Pairing Recommendations
Serve eggnog fudge with a cup of hot cocoa or a glass of mulled wine for a cozy and comforting dessert experience.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store leftover eggnog fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To reheat, simply microwave for a few seconds until warm and gooey.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Each serving of eggnog fudge contains approximately 150 calories.
Carbohydrates
Each serving of eggnog fudge contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates.
Fats
Each serving of eggnog fudge contains approximately 8 grams of fat.
Proteins
Each serving of eggnog fudge contains approximately 1 gram of protein.
Vitamins and minerals
Eggnog fudge is not a significant source of essential vitamins and minerals.
Alergens
This recipe contains dairy (eggnog) and nuts (pecans), which may be allergens for some individuals.
Summary
Eggnog fudge is a sweet and indulgent treat that is relatively high in calories and fats. Enjoy in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Summary
Eggnog fudge is a decadent and delicious treat that is perfect for the holiday season. With its rich flavors and creamy texture, this fudge is sure to be a hit with friends and family. Enjoy in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
How did I get this recipe?
The first time I saw this recipe, I was captivated by its simplicity. Eggnog fudge. A rich and creamy treat that combined two of my favorite things - the warm, comforting flavors of eggnog and the sweet decadence of fudge. It was a recipe that seemed to encompass the holiday spirit in every bite.
I first learned to make this delectable treat many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small town nestled in the mountains. My grandmother, a talented cook and baker, was the one who introduced me to the magic of eggnog fudge. She had learned the recipe from a dear friend who had passed it down to her, just as I am passing it down to you now.
It was a crisp winter day when my grandmother first taught me how to make eggnog fudge. The snow was falling gently outside, coating the world in a blanket of white. The kitchen was warm and fragrant, filled with the aromas of cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla. My grandmother stood at the stove, stirring a pot of bubbling fudge, her eyes twinkling with excitement.
"Come here, my dear," she said, beckoning me over. "I want to teach you how to make something special today."
I eagerly joined her at the stove, watching as she added the eggnog, sugar, and butter to the pot. The mixture sizzled and bubbled as she stirred it slowly, the sweet scent of eggnog wafting through the air. I leaned in closer, inhaling deeply, my mouth watering in anticipation.
As the fudge began to thicken, my grandmother poured in the white chocolate chips, stirring until they melted and blended seamlessly with the eggnog mixture. The fudge turned a creamy ivory color, flecked with specks of cinnamon and nutmeg. My grandmother poured the mixture into a pan, smoothing it out with a spatula before placing it in the fridge to set.
"Patience, my dear," she said, placing a gentle hand on my shoulder. "Good things come to those who wait."
And wait we did. As the fudge cooled and hardened, my grandmother and I sat at the kitchen table, sipping mugs of steaming hot cocoa and chatting about old times. The snow fell gently outside, the world quiet and serene. It was a moment of pure contentment, of warmth and love that filled my heart to bursting.
Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, my grandmother declared that the fudge was ready. I eagerly followed her back to the stove, where she cut the fudge into squares and placed them on a plate. The fudge was smooth and creamy, with a rich eggnog flavor that danced on my tongue.
I bit into a piece of eggnog fudge, savoring the rich, creamy texture and the warm, comforting flavors. It was like a taste of the holidays, a little slice of magic that transported me back to that cozy kitchen on a snowy winter day. My grandmother smiled at me, her eyes sparkling with pride.
"There you go, my dear," she said. "You've learned how to make eggnog fudge. A recipe to treasure and pass down for generations to come."
And treasure it I did. Over the years, I made eggnog fudge for family gatherings, holiday parties, and special occasions. Each time I stirred the eggnog and sugar together, melted the white chocolate chips, and poured the mixture into the pan, I felt a connection to my grandmother, to the past, and to the traditions that we held dear.
Now, as I pass this recipe down to you, my dear, I hope that you will feel that same connection, that same sense of warmth and love that I felt all those years ago. May this eggnog fudge bring you joy and comfort, just as it has brought me. And may you cherish the memories that come with each bite, the stories and traditions that make this recipe so special.
So go ahead, my dear. Stir the eggnog and sugar together, melt the white chocolate chips, and pour the mixture into the pan. Let the fudge cool and set, then cut it into squares and savor the rich, creamy flavor. And as you do, remember this story, remember your grandmother, and remember the magic of eggnog fudge. Enjoy, my dear, and happy holidays.