Sour Cream Fudge with Walnuts

Sour Cream Fudge with Walnuts Recipe - Indulge in a Sweet and Nutty Dessert

Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 16

Introduction

Sour Cream Fudge with Walnuts is a decadent and creamy treat that is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. The combination of sour cream and walnuts adds a unique twist to traditional fudge, making it a stand-out dessert option.

History

The origins of sour cream fudge are not entirely clear, but it is believed to have originated in the United States as a variation of traditional fudge recipes. The addition of sour cream adds a tangy flavor and creamy texture to the fudge, making it a popular choice for those looking for a rich and indulgent dessert.

Ingredients

0.75 cup of sour cream
0.25 cup of milk
2 tbsp of corn syrup
2 tbsp of butter or margarine
2 cups of sugar
1 tsp of vanilla
0.5 cup of walnut halves (optional)

How to prepare

Butter an 8-inch square pan and set it aside.
Lightly butter the side of a heavy, medium saucepan.
In the prepared saucepan, combine sour cream, milk, corn syrup, butter, and sugar.
Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar dissolves and the mixture comes to a boil.
Frequently wash down the sides of the pan with a pastry brush dipped in hot water to remove sugar crystals.
Add a candy thermometer.
Continue to cook until the mixture reaches the soft-ball stage (238°F (114°C)).
Pour the mixture into a large heat-proof mixer bowl.
Allow it to cool to lukewarm (115°F (46°C)).
Add vanilla and beat with a heavy-duty electric mixer until thick.
Spread the mixture into the prepared pan.
Score the fudge into small squares with a knife.
Refrigerate until firm.
Cut into squares.
Place walnut halves on each piece.
Store in the refrigerator.
Enjoy.

Variations

Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the fudge for a sweet and salty flavor combination.
Mix in chopped dried fruit or mini chocolate chips for added texture and flavor.
Substitute the walnuts with pecans or almonds for a different nutty twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to wash down the sides of the pan with a pastry brush dipped in hot water to prevent sugar crystals from forming.

- Use a candy thermometer to ensure the mixture reaches the soft-ball stage for the perfect fudge consistency.

- Allow the fudge to cool to lukewarm before adding the vanilla and beating with an electric mixer to achieve a thick and creamy texture.

- Refrigerate the fudge until firm before cutting into squares for the best results.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Sour Cream Fudge with Walnuts as a sweet ending to a meal or as a special treat for a holiday gathering. Pair with a cup of hot coffee or tea for a delicious combination.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making perfect Sour Cream Fudge with Walnuts is to cook the mixture to the soft-ball stage and beat it until thick and creamy before spreading it into the pan. Be sure to follow the recipe instructions carefully for the best results.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have sour cream on hand, you can substitute it with Greek yogurt for a similar tangy flavor. You can also use different types of nuts, such as pecans or almonds, in place of walnuts for a different flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

Sour Cream Fudge with Walnuts can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Simply cut into squares and store in an airtight container for up to a week.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the fudge squares on a decorative platter and garnish with extra walnut halves for a beautiful presentation. Dust with powdered sugar or cocoa powder for an added touch of elegance.

Pairing Recommendations

Sour Cream Fudge with Walnuts pairs well with a variety of beverages, including coffee, tea, or a glass of milk. For a special treat, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store Sour Cream Fudge with Walnuts in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to a week. To reheat, simply microwave for a few seconds until slightly softened.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Sour Cream Fudge with Walnuts contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Sour Cream Fudge with Walnuts contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Sour Cream Fudge with Walnuts contains approximately 8 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Sour Cream Fudge with Walnuts contains approximately 1 gram of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Sour Cream Fudge with Walnuts is not a significant source of essential vitamins and minerals.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (sour cream) and nuts (walnuts). It may not be suitable for those with dairy or nut allergies.

Summary

Sour Cream Fudge with Walnuts is a rich and indulgent dessert option that is high in carbohydrates and fats. It is best enjoyed in moderation as a special treat.

Summary

Sour Cream Fudge with Walnuts is a rich and creamy dessert option that is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. With a tangy flavor from the sour cream and a nutty crunch from the walnuts, this fudge is sure to be a hit with family and friends. Enjoy this decadent treat in moderation for a special indulgence.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was captivated by it. It was on a stained, yellowed piece of paper tucked away in my grandmother's old recipe box. The words "Sour Cream Fudge with Walnuts" were scrawled in fading ink at the top, and my curiosity was piqued.

I asked my grandmother about the recipe, and she smiled nostalgically as she recounted the story of how she had acquired it. It was many years ago, she said, when she was a young woman just starting out in the world of cooking. She had been attending a community potluck at the local church, and one of the women there had brought a tray of the most delicious-looking fudge she had ever seen.

The woman, Mrs. Jenkins, had graciously shared her recipe with my grandmother, who had eagerly copied it down on a scrap of paper. That scrap of paper had eventually found its way into my grandmother's recipe box, where it had been waiting patiently for me to discover it.

I was determined to try my hand at making the fudge, and my grandmother was more than happy to help me. We gathered the ingredients together – sour cream, sugar, butter, chocolate, and walnuts – and set to work in her cozy kitchen.

As we melted the chocolate and butter together on the stove, the kitchen filled with the rich, decadent scent of cocoa. My grandmother showed me how to carefully stir in the sour cream and sugar, explaining that the sour cream added a tangy kick to the fudge that balanced out the sweetness.

Once the mixture was smooth and glossy, we folded in the chopped walnuts, their earthy aroma mingling with the chocolatey goodness. My grandmother poured the fudge into a pan to set, and we waited impatiently for it to cool.

Finally, the fudge had set enough to cut into squares, and we eagerly sampled a piece. The texture was creamy and velvety, with a subtle tang from the sour cream and a satisfying crunch from the walnuts. It was truly a masterpiece of flavor and texture, and I was instantly hooked.

From that day on, Sour Cream Fudge with Walnuts became a staple in my baking repertoire. I made it for family gatherings, potlucks, and special occasions, and it never failed to impress. The recipe had been passed down through generations, each cook adding their own twist or variation to make it their own.

As I grew older and started my own family, I continued to make the fudge, sharing the recipe with my children and grandchildren. It became a beloved tradition, a taste of nostalgia and comfort that brought us together in the kitchen.

And so, as I sit here now, writing this story for my grandchildren to read, I am filled with gratitude for the simple pleasure of cooking and sharing a delicious recipe. Sour Cream Fudge with Walnuts may just be a humble dessert, but to me, it is a link to the past, a reminder of the joy of creating something beautiful and delicious to share with the ones you love.