Mulberry Fudge

Mulberry Fudge Recipe from Nigeria - Delicious and Creamy Dessert

Region / culture: Nigeria | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 12

Introduction

Mulberry fudge is a delicious and sweet treat that is perfect for those with a sweet tooth. This recipe combines the natural sweetness of ripe mulberries with sugar and butter to create a decadent fudge that is sure to satisfy your cravings.

History

The history of mulberry fudge dates back to ancient times when mulberries were considered a delicacy in many cultures. Mulberries were often used in desserts and candies due to their natural sweetness and unique flavor. Over time, the recipe for mulberry fudge has evolved to include different variations and ingredients, but the basic concept remains the same.

Ingredients

1.5 cups of ripe mulberries (to make 0.67 cup of mulberry juice)
2 cups of sugar
2 tbsp of butter

How to prepare

You can use this recipe for any low pectin fruit, such as Saskatoons, blueberry, elderberry, raspberry, blackberry, or May-Apple.
Cook 1.5 cups of RIPE mulberries (unripe fruit is toxic - see about Red mulberry). Mash and drain through a fine sieve or jelly bag to obtain the juice, yielding about 0.67 cups.
Mix the juice with sugar and butter, and cook over low heat until the sugar dissolves.
Bring the mixture to a boil on medium heat and boil WITHOUT stirring until it reaches the soft-ball candy stage at 240°F (116°C).
Remove from heat and let it cool until lukewarm. Beat with a wooden spoon until the mixture loses its gloss.
Press the mixture into a buttered pan and cut into squares before the candy hardens.
Store in a tightly covered dish or freeze, as this candy hardens when exposed to the air.

Variations

You can experiment with different fruits and flavors to create unique variations of mulberry fudge. Try using blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries in place of mulberries for a different twist on this classic recipe.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

When making mulberry fudge, it is important to use ripe mulberries to ensure the best flavor. Be sure to mash and drain the mulberries to extract the juice, as unripe fruit can be toxic. Cooking the mixture to the soft-ball candy stage is crucial for the fudge to set properly. Be sure to beat the mixture until it loses its gloss before pressing it into a pan to harden.

Serving Suggestions

Mulberry fudge can be enjoyed on its own as a sweet treat or paired with a cup of tea or coffee for a delicious snack. This dessert is perfect for special occasions or as a homemade gift for friends and family.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making perfect mulberry fudge is to cook the mixture to the soft-ball candy stage and beat it until it loses its gloss. Be sure to follow the recipe instructions carefully to ensure the fudge sets properly.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have mulberries on hand, you can use other low pectin fruits such as blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries in this recipe. Be sure to adjust the sugar content accordingly based on the sweetness of the fruit.

Make Ahead Tips

Mulberry fudge can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer. Simply cut the fudge into squares before it hardens and store it for later enjoyment.

Presentation Ideas

To make your mulberry fudge more visually appealing, you can sprinkle chopped nuts, coconut flakes, or chocolate shavings on top before it hardens. This will add texture and flavor to your sweet treat.

Pairing Recommendations

Mulberry fudge pairs well with a variety of beverages such as tea, coffee, or hot chocolate. You can also serve this dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent treat.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store mulberry fudge in a tightly covered dish in the refrigerator or freezer to prevent it from hardening. To reheat, simply microwave the fudge for a few seconds until it softens.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of mulberry fudge contains approximately 200 calories. This sweet treat is a calorie-dense dessert that should be enjoyed in moderation.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of mulberry fudge contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are the body's main source of energy and are essential for overall health and well-being.

Fats

Mulberry fudge is a rich and indulgent treat that contains approximately 8 grams of fat per serving. While high in fat, this dessert can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Proteins

Each serving of mulberry fudge contains approximately 1 gram of protein. Protein is essential for muscle growth and repair, making this sweet treat a satisfying snack.

Vitamins and minerals

Mulberry fudge is not a significant source of vitamins and minerals. However, mulberries are rich in vitamin C, vitamin K, and iron, which can provide some nutritional benefits.

Alergens

Mulberry fudge contains dairy in the form of butter, which may be a concern for those with dairy allergies. Be sure to check for any allergens before consuming this dessert.

Summary

Mulberry fudge is a sweet and indulgent treat that is high in carbohydrates and fats. While not a significant source of vitamins and minerals, this dessert can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Summary

Mulberry fudge is a delicious and sweet treat that is perfect for satisfying your cravings. This recipe combines ripe mulberries with sugar and butter to create a decadent fudge that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with your favorite beverages. Experiment with different fruits and flavors to create unique variations of this classic dessert. Enjoy mulberry fudge in moderation as part of a balanced diet for a sweet and indulgent treat.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a happy one. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small town nestled in the rolling hills of the countryside. My family had a mulberry tree in our backyard, and every summer it would bear the most succulent, juicy mulberries that we would pick and eat to our heart's content.

One day, while I was out picking mulberries with my mother, we ran into Mrs. Jenkins, our neighbor from down the street. Mrs. Jenkins was an elderly lady with a twinkle in her eye and a warm smile that could light up a room. She was known throughout the town for her amazing cooking skills, and she had a reputation for making the most delicious fudge anyone had ever tasted.

As we chatted with Mrs. Jenkins under the shade of the mulberry tree, she mentioned that she had a special recipe for mulberry fudge that she had been making for years. My ears perked up at the mention of fudge, as it was one of my favorite treats. Mrs. Jenkins must have noticed my interest, because she smiled and said, "Would you like to learn how to make it, dear?"

I nodded eagerly, and Mrs. Jenkins invited me to come over to her house the next day to learn her secret recipe. I was overjoyed at the opportunity and couldn't wait to try my hand at making fudge for the first time.

The next day, I arrived at Mrs. Jenkins' house, ready and eager to learn. She had all the ingredients laid out on the kitchen counter, and she patiently walked me through each step of the recipe. We started by cooking the mulberries down into a thick, sweet sauce, which would be the star of the fudge. Then, we added in some sugar, butter, and cream, stirring constantly until the mixture had thickened to the perfect consistency.

As the fudge cooled, Mrs. Jenkins showed me how to cut it into small, bite-sized squares. The fudge was a beautiful shade of deep purple, dotted with flecks of juicy mulberries. I couldn't resist sneaking a taste, and my eyes widened in delight at the rich, creamy texture and the burst of sweet and tangy flavors in my mouth.

Mrs. Jenkins smiled at my reaction and said, "You've done a wonderful job, dear. I can tell you have a knack for cooking." I beamed with pride at her words, feeling a newfound sense of confidence in my culinary skills.

From that day on, I made mulberry fudge every summer, using the recipe that Mrs. Jenkins had so generously shared with me. I would pick fresh mulberries from our tree, cook them down into a luscious sauce, and mix them with sugar, butter, and cream to create the most delectable fudge I had ever tasted.

Over the years, I perfected the recipe, tweaking it here and there to suit my own taste. Sometimes I would add a sprinkle of toasted nuts for crunch, or a dash of cinnamon for warmth. But no matter how I changed it, the essence of Mrs. Jenkins' original recipe remained at its core, a testament to her kindness and generosity in sharing her culinary wisdom with me.

I would often make a batch of mulberry fudge to share with my family and friends, and it became a beloved treat that everyone looked forward to each summer. The memories of Mrs. Jenkins and her wonderful recipe would always bring a smile to my face, reminding me of the joy and camaraderie that can be found in the simple act of cooking and sharing food with others.

As I sit here now, years later, with the scent of mulberry fudge wafting through my kitchen, I am filled with a sense of gratitude for the many recipes and culinary traditions that have been passed down to me over the years. Each dish tells a story, a memory of a time and a place, a person and a moment that has shaped me into the cook I am today.

And so, as I take a bite of the sweet, creamy fudge that I have made with my own hands, I say a silent thank you to Mrs. Jenkins, for her kindness, her wisdom, and her unforgettable mulberry fudge recipe that has brought so much joy to my life.