Lemon Butter Fudge

Vegetarian Lemon Butter Fudge Recipe with Nuts and Food Coloring

Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 12 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Lemon Butter Fudge is a delightful and tangy treat that is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. This creamy fudge is bursting with lemon flavor and has a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture that will leave you craving for more.

History

The origins of Lemon Butter Fudge are not well-documented, but fudge itself has been a popular confection in the United States since the late 19th century. Fudge is typically made by mixing sugar, butter, and milk and then heating the mixture to a specific temperature to create a smooth and creamy texture. The addition of lemon juice and zest in this recipe gives the fudge a refreshing and citrusy twist.

Ingredients

2 cups granulated sugar
0.5 cup unsweetened evaporated whole milk
1.5 tbsp lemon juice
0.25 tsp salt
1 (2-inch) piece lemon zest
4 tbsp butter (not margarine)
0.5 to 1 tsp lemon extract (optional)
0.5 cup chopped nuts (optional)
4 drops yellow food coloring (optional)

How to prepare

Butter the upper sides of a 2 qt (1.89 liter) saucepan.
Put all ingredients except butter and the optional ingredients into the saucepan.
Grease and line a 10 x 5 inches pan.
Freeze all the butter.
Fill the kitchen sink with 0.5 inch of water.
Dissolve the sugar. The mixture may look curdled, but it will turn out fine.
Stir constantly with a wooden spoon over low heat until the spoon glides smoothly over the bottom of the pan.
Increase heat to medium and bring to a boil.
Wash down any crystals that may have formed with a pastry brush dipped in hot water, using as little water as possible.
Clip a candy thermometer to the side of the saucepan.
Reduce heat while retaining boil.
Stir no more than necessary.
Test in ice water when mixture thickens and bubbles become noisy.
A ball, formed in ice water, should hold its shape until heat from your hand begins to flatten it, and it should be slightly chewy.
The temperature will be approximately 236°F (113°C) to 244°F.
Remove saucepan from heat and place it in the sink.
Add frozen butter without stirring, then allow the fudge to cool.
Stir when lukewarm and skin forms on top (110°F (43°C)).
Add food coloring and check flavoring.
Add optional lemon extract if desired.
Remove zest, then agitate in a food processor or with an electric mixer and not by hand.
Pause frequently to allow fudge to react.
Watch for fudge to thicken, lose its sheen, become light in color or streaked with lighter shades, give off some heat, and suddenly stiffen.
If mixing by hand, fudge will "snap" with each stroke; by mixer, mixer waves will become very distinct; by food processor, fudge will flow sluggishly back to center when processor is stopped.
Add optional chopped nuts just before you pour.
Pour, score and store when cool in an airtight container in the refrigerator or at room temperature.
Yields 1 lb (454 g). This recipe is not easily doubled, but it can be frozen.

Variations

For a more intense lemon flavor, add more lemon juice and zest to the fudge mixture.
You can also add different mix-ins such as dried fruit, coconut, or white chocolate chips to customize the fudge to your liking.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to use a candy thermometer to accurately measure the temperature of the fudge mixture. This will ensure that the fudge sets properly and has the right consistency.

- Stir the fudge mixture constantly over low heat to prevent it from burning or sticking to the bottom of the pan.

- Adding frozen butter to the fudge mixture helps to cool it down quickly and gives the fudge a smooth and creamy texture.

- Test the fudge mixture in ice water to determine if it has reached the desired consistency. The fudge should form a ball that is slightly chewy and holds its shape until heat from your hand begins to flatten it.

Serving Suggestions

Lemon Butter Fudge can be enjoyed on its own as a sweet treat or served with a cup of tea or coffee. It also makes a great gift for friends and family during the holidays.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making perfect Lemon Butter Fudge is to carefully monitor the temperature of the fudge mixture and to stir it constantly to prevent burning. Be patient and follow the instructions closely for best results.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have unsweetened evaporated whole milk, you can use regular whole milk or cream as a substitute. You can also use butter instead of margarine for a richer flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

Lemon Butter Fudge can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. It can also be frozen for longer storage.

Presentation Ideas

Cut the Lemon Butter Fudge into small squares and arrange them on a decorative platter for a beautiful presentation. You can also dust the fudge with powdered sugar or garnish with lemon zest for an extra touch of elegance.

Pairing Recommendations

Lemon Butter Fudge pairs well with a cup of hot tea or coffee. It also goes well with a glass of sparkling wine or champagne for a special occasion.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store Lemon Butter Fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. To reheat, simply microwave the fudge for a few seconds until it is soft and creamy again.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Lemon Butter Fudge contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Lemon Butter Fudge contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Lemon Butter Fudge contains approximately 8 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Lemon Butter Fudge contains approximately 1 gram of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Lemon Butter Fudge is not a significant source of vitamins and minerals.

Alergens

Lemon Butter Fudge contains dairy (milk) and nuts. It may also contain traces of gluten depending on the ingredients used.

Summary

Lemon Butter Fudge is a sweet and indulgent treat that is high in carbohydrates and fats. It is best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Summary

Lemon Butter Fudge is a delicious and tangy treat that is perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings. With its creamy texture and refreshing lemon flavor, this fudge is sure to be a hit with friends and family. Enjoy this indulgent dessert in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the excitement that washed over me when I first saw this recipe for Lemon Butter Fudge. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Margaret, who lived in a charming little cottage just outside of town. As soon as I stepped through the door, I was enveloped in the delightful aroma of freshly baked goods.

Margaret greeted me with a warm hug and a mischievous twinkle in her eye. "I have a special treat for you today, my dear," she said, leading me into her cozy kitchen. On the counter sat a plate of the most tempting fudge I had ever seen, a bright yellow hue with a swirl of lemon zest on top.

"I learned this recipe from my grandmother, who learned it from her grandmother before her," Margaret explained, pouring us each a cup of tea. "It's a family secret, but I think you'll appreciate it as much as I do."

I eagerly watched as Margaret began to mix together the ingredients for the fudge, her hands moving with practiced ease. She explained each step to me, from melting the butter and sugar to adding the lemon juice and zest for that perfect tangy flavor.

As the fudge cooled in the pan, Margaret cut us each a generous piece to enjoy. The texture was smooth and creamy, with just the right amount of sweetness and a burst of citrusy goodness from the lemon. I couldn't believe how easy it was to make something so delicious.

From that day on, I was hooked on Lemon Butter Fudge. I made it for every special occasion, from family gatherings to church bake sales. It became my signature dish, and everyone who tried it raved about the unique flavor and creamy texture.

Over the years, I continued to make Lemon Butter Fudge, tweaking the recipe here and there to suit my taste. I added a pinch of sea salt for balance, and sometimes I sprinkled crushed pistachios on top for a bit of crunch. Each batch was a new experiment, a labor of love that brought joy to all who tasted it.

One day, I decided to enter my Lemon Butter Fudge in the county fair. I spent hours perfecting the recipe, making sure every ingredient was just right. When the day of the fair arrived, I nervously presented my fudge to the judges, hoping for the best.

To my delight, my fudge won first prize! The judges were impressed by the unique combination of flavors and the smooth, velvety texture. I was over the moon with joy, feeling proud of my accomplishment and grateful for Margaret's inspiration all those years ago.

Since then, I have shared my recipe for Lemon Butter Fudge with friends and family, passing down the tradition just as Margaret did for me. It brings me great joy to see others enjoying something I created with love and care.

As I sit here now, reminiscing about that fateful day in Margaret's kitchen, I am filled with gratitude for the gift of cooking and the joy it has brought into my life. And as I make another batch of Lemon Butter Fudge, I can't help but smile, knowing that the tradition will live on for generations to come.