Mexican Orange Fudge

Mexican Orange Fudge Recipe - A Delicious Sweet Treat from Mexico

Region / culture: Mexico | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 16

Introduction

Mexican Orange Fudge is a delicious and unique treat that combines the sweetness of fudge with the citrusy flavor of orange. This recipe is perfect for those who love a sweet and tangy dessert.

History

Mexican Orange Fudge has its roots in traditional Mexican cuisine, where the combination of sweet and citrus flavors is commonly used in desserts. This fudge recipe has been passed down through generations and is a favorite among those who enjoy a twist on classic fudge.

Ingredients

3 cups of sugar, divided
0.25 cup of boiling water
1 cup of non-dairy liquid coffee cream
0.25 tsp of salt
2 tsp of grated orange rind
1 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts

How to prepare

To achieve a golden color and rich flavor, start by caramelizing the sugar and adding orange rind.
In a heavy 3 qt (2.84 liter) saucepan, melt 1 cup of sugar while stirring constantly to prevent burning.
Very carefully, add boiling water to the mixture.
Next, add the remaining sugar, coffee cream, and salt.
Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir until all the ingredients are well blended and the mixture comes to a boil.
Continue cooking until the temperature reaches 238°F (114°C) without stirring.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the mixture to cool to lukewarm. Beat it until the candy loses its gloss and holds its shape.
Fold in the grated orange rind and nuts.
Spread the mixture in a buttered 8-inch square pan.
Finally, cut the candy into squares.

Variations

Substitute the walnuts with pecans or almonds for a different flavor.
Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a spicy twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to constantly stir the sugar while caramelizing to prevent burning.

- Use a candy thermometer to ensure the mixture reaches the correct temperature.

- Allow the fudge to cool to lukewarm before beating to achieve the desired texture.

- Fold in the orange rind and nuts gently to evenly distribute the flavors.

Serving Suggestions

Mexican Orange Fudge is best enjoyed as a dessert or snack with a cup of coffee or tea.

Cooking Techniques

Caramelizing the sugar is key to achieving the rich flavor of this fudge.

- Beating the fudge until it loses its gloss is important for the texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use dairy cream instead of non-dairy cream for a richer flavor.

- Swap the orange rind for lemon or lime for a different citrus flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

Mexican Orange Fudge can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for up to a week.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Mexican Orange Fudge on a decorative platter with a sprinkle of orange zest on top for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Mexican Orange Fudge with a glass of dessert wine or a cup of hot chocolate for a delicious combination.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store Mexican Orange Fudge in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To reheat, microwave for a few seconds until warm.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Mexican Orange Fudge contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Mexican Orange Fudge contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Mexican Orange Fudge contains approximately 10 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Mexican Orange Fudge contains approximately 2 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Mexican Orange Fudge is a good source of Vitamin C from the orange rind and nuts.

Alergens

Mexican Orange Fudge contains nuts and dairy, so it may not be suitable for those with nut or dairy allergies.

Summary

Mexican Orange Fudge is a sweet and indulgent treat that is high in carbohydrates and fats, but also provides some essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Mexican Orange Fudge is a delightful and flavorful dessert that combines the sweetness of fudge with the tangy taste of orange. This recipe is sure to be a hit with anyone who enjoys a unique and delicious treat.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of wonder I felt when I first saw this recipe for Mexican Orange Fudge. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl, eager to learn the art of cooking from my grandmother. She was a master in the kitchen, able to whip up the most delicious dishes with ease and grace.

One day, as I sat at her kitchen table watching her prepare a feast for our family, she pulled out a tattered old recipe book from the bottom of a drawer. It was filled with handwritten notes and faded pictures, a treasure trove of culinary delights passed down through generations.

As she flipped through the pages, her eyes landed on a recipe for Mexican Orange Fudge. I could see the excitement in her eyes as she read through the ingredients and instructions, a gleam of nostalgia and fond memories shining through.

"This," she said, pointing to the recipe, "is one of my favorites. It reminds me of my own grandmother, who taught me how to make it when I was just a little girl like you."

I watched in awe as she gathered the ingredients and began to work her magic in the kitchen. The scent of orange and chocolate filled the air, a tantalizing aroma that made my mouth water in anticipation.

As she stirred and mixed, I asked her about the origins of the recipe. She told me that it had been passed down through the women in our family for generations, each adding their own twist and flavor to make it their own.

"My grandmother used to make this fudge for special occasions," she explained, a wistful smile on her face. "It was a labor of love, a sweet treat that brought joy and happiness to everyone who tried it."

I watched as she poured the mixture into a pan and smoothed it out, the rich chocolate and tangy orange creating a symphony of flavors that danced on my taste buds.

After it had cooled and hardened, she cut it into squares and handed me a piece. The first bite was pure bliss, a burst of citrusy sweetness that melted in my mouth and left me craving more.

From that moment on, I knew that Mexican Orange Fudge would become a staple in my own cooking repertoire. I would make it for family gatherings, holidays, and any other special occasion that called for a touch of homemade goodness.

Over the years, I perfected the recipe, adding my own little tweaks and adjustments to make it uniquely mine. I shared it with friends and neighbors, who marveled at the delicious combination of flavors and begged for the secret behind its success.

But the true secret, I knew, lay not in the ingredients or the method, but in the love and tradition that had been passed down through the generations. It was a recipe that connected me to my past, to my grandmother and her grandmother before her, a thread of culinary expertise that bound us together in a shared love of good food and family.

And so, whenever I make Mexican Orange Fudge now, I do so with a sense of reverence and gratitude for the women who came before me, who taught me the joys of cooking and the importance of preserving our family's legacy.

As I pass the recipe down to my own grandchildren, I hope that they too will feel the same sense of wonder and connection that I did when I first laid eyes on that tattered old recipe book, filled with the promise of delicious delights and cherished memories.