Dads Famous Fudge Recipes

OLD-FASHIONED BROWN SUGAR FUDGE (PENUCHE)

Steps:

• Add the brown sugar, granulated sugar, butter, cream and salt to a medium-sized pot over medium heat. Stir until butter and sugar are melted and combined. Stop stirring
• Bring the sugar to a boil and stop stirring. Reduce the heat to medium and continue cook until the sugar reaches 236°F. Test using the soft ball method by adding some of the candy mixture to a cup of cold water. If a soft candy ball forms then the fudge is cooked.
• Remove from heat and let cool to 110F. Once cooled add the vanilla and quickly beat with a wooden spoon until the fudge becomes smooth, lighter in colour and loses it shininess to a matte texture.
• Pour the fudge quickly into an 8" X 8" glass dish lined with parchment paper. Push the fudge into the corners of the pan with the wooden spoon or spatula and smooth off the top. Let cool completely for about 1 hour and then cut into squares.
• Store in a sealed container on the counter for up to 3 weeks.

DAD'S FAMOUS FUDGE

Steps:

• 1. Mix together sugar,evaporated milk,and marshmellows in large heavy pan. Cook on low heat til it starts to bubble, stir constantly. After it starts to bubble, cook for 6 minutes.
• 2. stir in butter, chocolate chips, stir til melted and mixed well. Add vanilla and walnuts and mix well. Pour into buttered 13x9 glass dish. Cool.

OLD FASHIONED HARD FUDGE

Steps:

• Line a 8 or 9-inch square pan with foil. Generously grease the foil with butter. Combine the sugar, cocoa powder, and salt in a large, heavy saucepan over medium heat. Mix well. Using a wooden spoon (do not use a whisk), stir in the milk. Cook, stirring constantly, until the milk comes to a full, rolling boil. Let it boil without stirring until it reaches 234 degrees F on a candy thermometer (soft ball stage, drop a small amount in very cold water to test it - it should form a soft ball that flattens when removed from the water). Remove the pan from the heat. Add the butter and vanilla to the saucepan but DO NOT STIR. Just let the mixture sit until it has reached 110-120 degrees F. Once cooled, beat the fudge with the wooden spoon until it thickens and has lost some of its glossiness. Quickly spread the fudge in the greased pan. Let cool slowly (do not rush the cooling process or it may not set up) then cut into squares when completely cooled. Store the fudge wrapped loosely in foil in the refrigerator. cook's notes You can use other flavor extracts in place of vanilla (peppermint, caramel, strawberry, coffee, etc). Add-ins such as dried fruit or nuts can be added as it sets. Do not use margarine as it has a higher water content that can keep the fudge from setting up properly.

CLASSIC FUDGE

Steps:

• Butter and line a 20cm square cake tin with baking parchment. Put the butter, condensed milk, sugar and milk in a large saucepan over a low heat. Stir continuously until the sugar dissolves.
• Increase the heat and bring to the boil. Bubble for 10 mins, stirring all the time until the mixture reaches 115C on a sugar or probe thermometer. Remove from the heat and leave to cool to 110C. Add the vanilla, then beat in a stand mixer or with an electric hand whisk until it cools to 60C. This will help break up any large sugar crystals. The fudge should be thick and matte-looking.
• Spoon the fudge into the prepared tin and press down with a spoon to smooth the surface. Leave to set, then cut into squares. Will keep for up to three weeks in an airtight container.

DAD'S FUDGE

Steps:

• Before beginning to cook fudge, be sure to have an 8-inch square or round baking dish buttered (do not use non-stick cooking spray).
• Have hand held electric mixer set up and ready to use.
• Have butter, vanilla and nuts measured and ready to add.
• If you wish to have the nuts in the fudge, toast them in the oven at 350 deg F for 10 minutes shaking after the first 5 minutes.
• Set nuts aside to cool.
• Measure sugar, cocoa and salt into a 4-quart heavy bottom saucepan (I use either my aluminum-clad or copper-clad stainless steel dutch oven).
• Note: If the saucepan is smaller than this you will need to reduce the recipe or it will boil over!
• Blend together dry ingredients in saucepan, then add the milk, stirring until blended.
• Bring to a rolling boil over medium high heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon.
• Note: If mixture is spattering out of pan, reduce heat slightly.
• (Because of spattering, I like to use my long handled wooden spoons.) Boil until mixture forms a soft ball when tested in cold water.
• Remove from heat.
• Immediately add butter, vanilla and toasted nuts, if desired.
• Beat at high speed with electric hand-mixer until fudge begins to stiffen.
• Quickly, dump into prepared, buttered pan scraping sides of saucepan and spread evenly.
• Fudge will lose its gloss during this last step.
• While still warm, cut into desired servings.
• Garnish the top of each serving with a whole nut meats if desired.
• Attention: If the stiffening and loss of gloss occur simultaneously you have overcooked it.
• All is not lost, return to saucepan, add an additional tablespoon butter and 2 tablespoons milk and melt until smooth over medium heat (fudge will still be edible, but will be somewhat sugary if this becomes necessary).

OLD-FASHIONED CHOCOLATE FUDGE

Steps:

• Grease an 8x8 inch square baking pan. Set aside.
• Combine sugar, cocoa and milk in a medium saucepan. Stir to blend, then bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Reduce heat and simmer. Do not stir again.
• Place candy thermometer in pan and cook until temperature reaches 238 degrees F(114 degrees C). If you are not using a thermometer, then cook until a drop of this mixture in a cup of cold water forms a soft ball. Feel the ball with your fingers to make sure it is the right consistency. It should flatten when pressed between your fingers.
• Remove from heat. Add butter or margarine and vanilla extract. Beat with a wooden spoon until the fudge loses its sheen. Do not under beat.
• Pour into prepared pan and let cool. Cut into about 60 squares.