Extravagant Old-fashioned Fudge

Extravagant Old-fashioned Fudge Recipe - USA

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 12

Introduction

Indulge in the rich and decadent flavors of Extravagant Old-fashioned Fudge with this classic recipe. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth cravings, this fudge is sure to be a hit with family and friends.

History

Old-fashioned fudge has been a beloved treat for generations, with its origins dating back to the late 19th century. Originally made with simple ingredients like sugar, milk, and chocolate, this recipe has stood the test of time and continues to be a favorite among dessert lovers.

Ingredients

2 cups of granulated sugar
1 cup of milk
0.5 tsp of salt
2 squares of unsweetened chocolate
2 tbsp of white corn syrup
2 tbsp of butter
0.5 tsp of vanilla extract
0.5 cup of chopped pecans

How to prepare

In a saucepan, combine sugar, milk, salt, chocolate, and corn syrup. Stir over low heat until the sugar dissolves.
Cook gently, stirring occasionally, until a little mixture dropped into cold water forms a soft ball.
Remove from heat and drop in the butter. Do not stir.
Allow the mixture to cool without stirring.
Add vanilla and beat with a spoon until the candy loses its gloss and a small amount dropped from the spoon holds its shape.
Add nuts and mix well.
Turn the mixture into a greased loaf pan.
Allow it to cool and then cut into squares.

Variations

Add in different nuts like walnuts or almonds for a unique flavor.
Stir in some dried fruit like cherries or cranberries for a pop of color and sweetness.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to use a candy thermometer to ensure the fudge reaches the correct temperature for the perfect texture.

- Stir the mixture gently to prevent sugar crystals from forming.

- Allow the fudge to cool completely before cutting into squares for the best results.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this fudge as a sweet treat after dinner or package it up as a homemade gift for friends and family.

Cooking Techniques

This recipe requires careful attention to temperature and stirring to achieve the perfect fudge consistency.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use dark chocolate instead of unsweetened chocolate for a richer flavor.

- Swap out the pecans for your favorite nuts like almonds or hazelnuts.

Make Ahead Tips

This fudge can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for up to a week.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the fudge squares on a decorative platter or wrap them in colorful cellophane for a festive touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Enjoy this fudge with a cup of hot coffee or a glass of cold milk for a delightful treat.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover fudge in the refrigerator to maintain its freshness. Reheat in the microwave for a few seconds to soften before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Extravagant Old-fashioned Fudge contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Extravagant Old-fashioned Fudge contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Extravagant Old-fashioned Fudge contains approximately 8 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Extravagant Old-fashioned Fudge contains approximately 1 gram of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

This fudge recipe is not a significant source of vitamins and minerals.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy and nuts. Please be cautious if you have allergies to these ingredients.

Summary

Extravagant Old-fashioned Fudge is a rich and indulgent treat that is best enjoyed in moderation due to its high sugar and fat content.

Summary

Extravagant Old-fashioned Fudge is a timeless dessert that is sure to satisfy your sweet cravings. With its rich chocolate flavor and crunchy pecans, this fudge is a decadent treat that is perfect for any occasion.

How did I get this recipe?

I vividly recall the moment I first laid eyes on this recipe for Extravagant Old-fashioned Fudge. It was a chilly winter afternoon, and I was visiting my dear friend, Mrs. Jenkins. She was known in our small town for her delectable treats, and I was always eager to learn from her.

As we sat in her cozy kitchen, sipping tea and chatting about life, Mrs. Jenkins suddenly got up and rummaged through her old recipe box. She pulled out a yellowed piece of paper and handed it to me with a twinkle in her eye.

"Here, dear, this is my secret recipe for the most extravagant old-fashioned fudge you'll ever taste," she said with a smile.

I eagerly scanned the recipe, taking in the simple ingredients and detailed instructions. Mrs. Jenkins had acquired this recipe from her own grandmother, who had passed it down through the generations. It was a treasured family secret, and I felt honored that she was sharing it with me.

With Mrs. Jenkins by my side, I set to work making the fudge. The rich aroma of chocolate filled the air as I melted butter, sugar, and cream together in a heavy-bottomed pot. I stirred in the cocoa powder and vanilla extract, watching as the mixture transformed into a smooth, glossy mass.

Once the fudge reached the perfect temperature, Mrs. Jenkins showed me the trick to achieving the perfect texture. She taught me how to test the fudge by dropping a small amount into a glass of cold water and watching for the soft ball stage. It was a skill that took practice, but with Mrs. Jenkins' guidance, I soon mastered it.

As we poured the fudge into a buttered pan and let it cool, Mrs. Jenkins regaled me with stories of her own experiences making this recipe. She told me about the time she had made a batch for a church bake sale and how it had sold out within minutes. She shared with me the joy she felt when her grandchildren begged her to make it for them on special occasions.

I listened intently, soaking up every word and savoring the time spent with Mrs. Jenkins. She was not just teaching me how to make fudge; she was passing down a piece of her family's history, a tradition that had brought joy to countless people over the years.

When the fudge had cooled and set, Mrs. Jenkins cut it into squares and handed me a piece to taste. The rich, velvety texture melted in my mouth, and I knew that I had just experienced something truly special.

As I left Mrs. Jenkins' house that day, armed with her recipe and a tin of fudge to share with my own family, I felt a sense of gratitude for the gift she had given me. Not just the recipe for Extravagant Old-fashioned Fudge, but the memories and stories that came with it.

From that day forward, I made the fudge for every special occasion, just like Mrs. Jenkins had done. Each time I stirred the pot and tested the fudge, I thought of her and the bond we shared over this beloved recipe.

And so, the tradition continued, passed down from one generation to the next, creating a legacy of love and sweetness that would endure for years to come. For that, I will always be grateful to Mrs. Jenkins and the extravagant old-fashioned fudge that brought us together.