Using the Best Ingredients Possible, and the Best Technique
Table of contents
FUDGE
Classic homemade fudge has a smooth, creamy texture and a deep, rich chocolate flavor. It is made with just a few simple ingredients including sugar, butter and cocoa, creating a treat that is both easy to make and sure to be a hit with family and friends. Traditionally, homemade fudge is made in small batches as opposed to mass-produced fudge, as this allows for complete control over the ingredients used and customization of the flavor.
Classic homemade fudge is a delightfully sweet treat that consists of melted chocolate, butter and sugar boiled until creamy. It is typically mixed with other ingredients such as nuts, marshmallows and flavoring to create varied tasty concoctions. A rich and gooey classic, it is traditionally made by combining these ingredients over low heat and then beating the mixture until it thickens. The resulting fudge has a smooth, creamy texture that satisfies many sweet tooth cravings.
Fudge has long been associated with the holiday season, where it has been enjoyed as a sweet treat for generations. It is often given as a gift to family and friends during the holidays, and can be found at gatherings and parties throughout this festive time of year. Fudge remains a classic holiday dessert that will never go out of style.
Homemade fudge is associated with Christmas time but is a year-round favorite treat. Making it at home is considered an important family tradition and recipe passed down through generations. Many recipes have a special meaning to their creators as they represent a connection to family history. Homemade fudge is a cherished classic and is bound to remain a crowd-pleaser for years to come.
Classic homemade fudge is a timeless holiday treat that has been enjoyed by generations. It’s smooth, creamy texture and rich flavor make it a favorite for the winter months. The classic recipe begins with butter, sugar, and milk, which are combined and heated until they reach the perfect temperature. Then, after the mixture has cooled, chocolate and other flavorings are added to create the desired taste. Traditional vanilla is a popular favorite, but additional flavors such as peppermint and raspberry can be added to give the fudge a unique twist.
Homemade fudge is a holiday staple that can be enjoyed by everyone. It’s simple to make yet can make a big impression when served at family gatherings or given as gifts during the holiday season. Fudge has even become tradition in many families where it’s an annual favorite that’s made at this special time of year. Each batch of homemade fudge is special and sure to bring smiles when shared with people who are important in your life.
Making fudge for Christmas is a tradition for us. We started with the chocolate, and got the best possible craft chocolate from a new shop in Santa Cruz, Mutari Craft Chocolate. Then we bought White sugar made from sugar beets, which are grown in America, so no cane fields were burned and no Amazon rain forest trees were cut down to make the sugar. We used the very best vanilla we could find, organic cream and butter, and sourced the walnuts from a local walnut producer who we already knew had outstanding product. Even the salt on top was our favorite, Malden. So we were off to a really good start.
TIPS FOR MAKING BETTER FUDGE
- use the best ingredients – we have listed the brands we used – because brands matter.
- use a thermometer to make sure the fudge is at ideal temperature
- use a stand mixer on low to beat the fudge instead of doing it by hand.
RECIPE
Butter an 8 inch square, 2 inch deep pan. Mix the sugar, corn syrup, and heavy cream together in a pan. Break the chocolate into small pieces and add to the mixture, stirring over low heat until the chocolate melts and the mixture begins to boil. Insert a candy thermometer and cook without stirring until the temperature reaches 236 degrees F. Remove the mixture from the heat, add the butter and vanilla and stir until the butter is melted. Cool to 110 degrees F. Pour the mixture into a stand mixer and mix on low until it begins to thicken and loses its gloss. Add the nuts and pour immediately into the prepared pan. Allow to cool slightly and sprinkle with salt. Allow to cool completely, unrefrigerated.
- 3/4 cup heavy organic cream
- 1/4 cup corn syrup (Karo)
- 2 cups sugar (Wholesome organic sugar)
- 3 ounces single source responsibly farmed chocolate (Mutari unsweetened)
- 2 T organic butter
- 1 tsp Madagascar bourbon vanilla (Nielsen-Massey organic fair trade)
- 1 cup fresh walnuts, lightly roasted (Fairhaven Orchards)
- to taste, sprinkled on top, sea salt crystals (Malden sea salt)
