Old-fashioned fudge is a classic and delicious treat that has been enjoyed for generations. Here’s a simple recipe for making traditional chocolate fudge:
Ingredients:
- 3 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter
- 2/3 cup evaporated milk
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 12 ounces (about 2 cups) semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare Pan: Grease an 8-inch square baking pan or line it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal.
- Combine Ingredients: In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine sugar, butter, evaporated milk, and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture comes to a full rolling boil.
- Boil: Once it reaches a boil, continue stirring and boil for 4-5 minutes. Use a candy thermometer to ensure the mixture reaches the soft ball stage, which is around 234-240°F (112-115°C).
- Remove from Heat: Remove the saucepan from heat and immediately stir in the chocolate chips until fully melted.
- Add Vanilla and Nuts: Stir in the vanilla extract and chopped nuts (if using).
- Beat and Pour: Beat the mixture vigorously for a few minutes until it starts to thicken. Quickly pour the fudge into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly.
- Cool: Let the fudge cool at room temperature. Once it’s completely set, you can place it in the refrigerator to speed up the process.
- Cut and Serve: Once the fudge is fully set, use a sharp knife to cut it into squares. Store in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator.
Enjoy your homemade old-fashioned fudge! You can also experiment with different flavors by adding ingredients like peanut butter, marshmallow, or mint extract.
