Mom’s Old Fashion Fudge Recipe
🕒 Prep Time: 5 minutes
🕒 Cook Time: 15 minutes
🕒 Total Time: 20 minutes
🍽 Servings: 36 1×1 inch pieces
🥣 Recipe Yield: 1 batch
Description:
Indulge in the nostalgic flavors of Mom’s Old Fashion Fudge, a timeless treat that never fails to delight. Rich, creamy, and decadent, this fudge is a perfect balance of sweetness and chocolatey goodness. Remember, the key to success lies in following the recipe to a tee—no shortcuts allowed!
Ingredients:
- 2/3 cup cocoa
- 3 cups sugar
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 4 1/2 tablespoons margarine
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
-
Prepare Ingredients: Gather all your ingredients to ensure a smooth cooking process.
-
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a heavy saucepan, combine the cocoa, sugar, salt, and milk. Stir until the mixture is well blended and free of any lumps.
-
Cook to Soft Ball Stage: Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Keep a close eye on it and use a candy thermometer to gauge when it reaches the “soft ball stage,” typically around 234-240°F (112-115°C). This step is crucial for achieving the perfect texture, so be patient and let it cook until it reaches the desired temperature.
-
Incorporate Margarine: Once the mixture has reached the soft ball stage, add the margarine and stir until it is completely melted and incorporated into the fudge base.
-
Cool Down: Remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly. It should be warm but not scalding hot to the touch.
-
Add Vanilla: Once the mixture has cooled slightly, add the vanilla extract. This adds a hint of aromatic flavor that beautifully complements the rich chocolatey taste of the fudge.
-
Beat Until Stiff: Using a hand mixer or a sturdy whisk, beat the fudge mixture until it becomes thick and slightly stiff. This step may take a few minutes, but the end result will be worth it—a smooth, creamy fudge that melts in your mouth.
-
Prepare Pan: Grease an 8×8 or 9×9 inch pan generously to prevent the fudge from sticking. You can also line the pan with parchment paper for easier removal and cleanup.
-
Pour and Set: Once the fudge mixture has reached the desired consistency, pour it into the prepared pan, using a spatula to smooth it out evenly.
-
Chill and Serve: Place the pan of fudge in the refrigerator and allow it to chill for at least a few hours, or until it is firm and set. Once chilled, cut the fudge into neat squares or rectangles, ready to be enjoyed by friends and family.
Tips and Variations:
- For a nutty twist, fold in chopped nuts such as walnuts, pecans, or almonds before pouring the fudge into the pan.
- Experiment with different extracts or flavorings to customize the fudge to your liking. Peppermint, almond, or coffee extracts are all delightful options.
- Package the fudge in decorative boxes or tins for a thoughtful homemade gift during the holiday season or special occasions.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, though it’s unlikely they’ll last that long!
Indulge in the irresistible allure of Mom’s Old Fashion Fudge—a timeless classic that’s sure to evoke fond memories and satisfy your sweet tooth cravings. Enjoy every creamy bite of this homemade delight, crafted with love and care just like Mom used to make!
