Chocolate Fudge

After being on vacation and eating fabulous fudge, I went on a quest to find a recipe for my favorite Christmas treat- fudge.  I'm not sure this would always work out but I found a video on you tube showing how to make fudge.  I actually went through and wrote down the recipe and directions from the video.  It is great.  Just make sure to make fudge and other candies on a low humidity day or you may have to eat it with a spoon!

3 3/4 cup sugar

4 oz. unsweetened chocolate, coarsely chopped

1 1/2 cup heavy cream

1 tsp salt

3 Tbs corn syrup

1 tsp butter

1/2 cups chopped pecans, or walnuts

1 tsp vanilla, optional

3 Tbs cold unsalted butter (use later)

Butter the sides of a 3 qt. saucepan with 1 tsp. butter.  Add all ingredients except butter; stir until combined over medium heat.  Gently stir until the mixture comes to a boil.  A wooden spoon works well.  After it boils, cover with a lid for 2 minutes (traps steam in the pot to wash down the sides) and do not stir after this to avoid sugar crystals forming.

Rub the face of a thermometer with butter.  Cook until 236 degrees is reached. Remove pot from heat.  Add 3 Tbs. butter but DO NOT STIR.  Cool to 110 degrees (takes 1-2 hours).  Line a 8 x 8 pan with foil and butter the foil.

Pour mixture into mixer bowl.  Attach flat beater to mixer.  Turn to Speed 2 and mix (can take 20-25 mins) or until fudge stiffens and loses its gloss.  Quickly turn to Stir Speed and add nuts, mixing until just blended. Spread in buttered pan; cool to room temp.  Cut into squares when firm.