Fudge à la Louise

Fudge à la Louise Recipe: Sweet Chocolate and Nutty Delight

Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 24

Introduction

Fudge à la Louise is a classic and decadent dessert that is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. This rich and creamy fudge is made with simple ingredients and is sure to be a hit with friends and family.

History

Fudge à la Louise has been a beloved dessert for generations. This recipe has been passed down through families and is a staple at holiday gatherings and special occasions. The combination of sugar, chocolate, milk, and nuts creates a delicious treat that is hard to resist.

Ingredients

4 cups sugar
3 oz (85 g) dark sweet chocolate
1.33 cups milk
2 tbsp butter
1 cup nuts
1.33 tsp vanilla

How to prepare

In a heavy saucepan, combine the sugar, chocolate, and milk.
Place the pan over high heat and stir constantly until the chocolate is melted and the sugar is dissolved.
Bring the mixture to a full boil, then reduce the heat to maintain a gentle boil.
Do not stir the mixture anymore.
Insert a candy thermometer into the center of the mixture and cook until it reaches a temperature of exactly 232°F (111°C).
Meanwhile, grease a large platter (turkey size) and a flat pan measuring about 11 by 13 inches with butter.
Once the fudge reaches 232°F (111°C), pour it into the prepared platter without scraping the pan, allowing it to drip out.
Dot the surface of the fudge with 2 tbsp of butter and let it cool until the platter feels cool underneath.
Add vanilla to the fudge.
Using a large slotted spoon, begin stirring the liquidy mixture. This process will take approximately 15 to 20 minutes.
You will notice a gradual change in color from dark to light, from glossy to dull, and from liquid to solid.
When the fudge starts to become dull, add the nuts and mix them in thoroughly.
Transfer the fudge into the large buttered pan and press it into shape using the flat of your palms.
Cut the fudge into squares and store any leftovers in an airtight container.

Variations

Add dried fruit or coconut for a different flavor and texture.
Use white chocolate instead of dark chocolate for a sweeter fudge.
Experiment with different types of nuts, such as almonds or pecans.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to use a candy thermometer to ensure that the fudge reaches the correct temperature.

- Do not stir the fudge once it reaches a full boil, as this can cause the sugar to crystallize.

- Grease the platter and pan well to prevent the fudge from sticking.

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

Serving Suggestions

Serve Fudge à la Louise as a sweet treat after dinner or as a special dessert for a holiday gathering. Pair with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee for a delicious combination.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making perfect Fudge à la Louise is to cook the mixture to the correct temperature and to stir it until it reaches the desired consistency. Be patient and follow the instructions carefully for the best results.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you are allergic to nuts, you can omit them from the recipe or substitute with dried fruit or seeds. You can also use dairy-free milk and butter for a vegan version of the fudge.

Make Ahead Tips

Fudge à la Louise can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. This makes it a great dessert to prepare in advance for parties or gatherings.

Presentation Ideas

Cut the fudge into small squares and arrange them on a decorative platter for a beautiful presentation. You can also wrap individual pieces in wax paper for a cute and portable treat.

Pairing Recommendations

Fudge à la Louise pairs well with a variety of beverages, such as coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. You can also serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Fudge à la Louise in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To reheat, simply microwave a piece for a few seconds until warm and gooey.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Fudge à la Louise contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Fudge à la Louise contains approximately 40 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Fudge à la Louise contains approximately 10 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Fudge à la Louise contains approximately 2 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Fudge à la Louise is not a significant source of vitamins and minerals.

Alergens

Fudge à la Louise contains nuts and dairy.

Summary

Fudge à la Louise is a high-calorie treat that is best enjoyed in moderation due to its high sugar and fat content.

Summary

Fudge à la Louise is a classic and indulgent dessert that is perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings. With its rich and creamy texture and delicious combination of flavors, this fudge is sure to be a hit with everyone who tries it. Enjoy this decadent treat as a special dessert or gift it to friends and family for a sweet surprise.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still remember the exact moment I discovered this recipe for Fudge à la Louise. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Louise for our weekly afternoon tea. Louise was known for her exquisite baking skills, and on that particular day, she surprised me with a plate of the most decadent fudge I had ever tasted.

As I took my first bite, I was instantly transported to a state of pure bliss. The fudge was rich and creamy, with a perfect balance of sweetness and chocolatey goodness. I couldn't help but ask Louise for the recipe, and to my delight, she graciously agreed to share it with me.

Louise explained that the recipe had been passed down through her family for generations, and that she had perfected it over the years through trial and error. She handed me a handwritten card with the ingredients and instructions, and I knew that from that moment on, Fudge à la Louise would become a staple in my own recipe collection.

I couldn't wait to try making the fudge at home, and the next day, I gathered all of the necessary ingredients. The recipe called for butter, sugar, condensed milk, chocolate chips, and vanilla extract. It seemed simple enough, but I knew that the key to achieving that perfect creamy texture would lie in the technique.

I followed Louise's instructions diligently, melting the butter and sugar together in a saucepan until it was smooth and bubbling. I then added the condensed milk and chocolate chips, stirring constantly until everything was melted and combined. Finally, I added the vanilla extract for that extra touch of flavor.

As I poured the mixture into a lined baking dish and let it set in the fridge, I couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation. Would my fudge turn out as delicious as Louise's? I had my doubts, but I remained hopeful.

A few hours later, it was time to cut into the fudge and see the results of my labor. I carefully sliced into the creamy confection, and to my delight, it was perfect. The fudge was smooth and velvety, with just the right amount of sweetness. I couldn't believe that I had managed to recreate Louise's masterpiece in my own kitchen.

From that day on, Fudge à la Louise became a beloved treat in my home. I would make it for special occasions, like birthdays and holidays, or simply when I was craving something sweet and indulgent. Each time I made the fudge, I would think of Louise and the special bond we shared over our love of baking.

Years passed, and Louise and I grew older, but our friendship remained as strong as ever. We would still meet for afternoon tea, and she would always have a fresh batch of fudge waiting for me. It was our little tradition, a sweet reminder of the memories we had created together.

Sadly, Louise passed away last year, leaving behind a legacy of love and laughter. But she also left me with something more tangible - her recipe for Fudge à la Louise. It was a gift that I would always cherish, a reminder of the special bond we had shared and the joy that baking had brought into our lives.

As I make the fudge now, I can't help but think of Louise and the many happy moments we had spent together. Her recipe will always hold a special place in my heart, a testament to the enduring power of friendship and the simple pleasures of good food. And as I enjoy a piece of Fudge à la Louise, I know that her spirit will always be with me, guiding me in the kitchen and filling my life with sweetness and love.