First made in Baltimore, Maryland in 1886, fudge became very popular and the recipe spread quickly among the college crowds around the turn of the century. In fact, fudge became so popular that Vassar, Wellesley and Smith colleges all have their own recipes dating back to the 19th century.
The number one appeal of fudge is its simplicity. Made by simply mixing sugar, butter, milk and heating to a soft-ball stage at 240 degrees, all that is required is to beat it until it cools and acquires a smooth creamy consistency. It really is that easy.
The original recipe was simply two cups granulated white sugar, one cup cream, two ounces of chopped unsweetened chocolate and one tablespoon of butter. Combine the sugar and cream and cook over a moderate heat. When the mixture becomes very hot, add the chopped chocolate. Stirring constantly, cook mixture until it reaches the soft-ball stage between 234 and 238 degrees. Remove mixture from heat and add butter. Cool slightly and mix until the fudge starts to thicken. Transfer the mixture to a buttered tin. Cut into diamond shapes before it hardens.
Many of us want to hold onto our holiday traditions of candy making and fudge is an all time favorite. The old fashioned recipes are wonderful but sometimes take more time then we have.
At Clarice’s we make wonderful fudge. We call it “Never Fail Fudge.” It is quick, easy and the end results are wonderful, but most of all, it never fails.
The recipe is simply one pound of candy coating, and one can of condensed milk. Melt the candy coating in a double boiler, add the condensed milk and mix well. Pour the mixture into a waxed paper lined pan and chill in the refrigerator for one hour. For variations, marshmallows, nuts, fruit or flavorings can be added.
For the holiday season we do a pumpkin pie fudge using our orange candy coating, butterscotch candy coating and spices. It is so good, you will say all that is missing is the whipped cream on the top of the pie.
Stop by Clarice’s Cake and Candy Supply and taste an easy, sweet American tradition. We have the recipe and the candy coating all measured out for you. All you have to do is heat, add condensed milk, seasoning and enjoy.
Clarice’s Cake and Candy Supply is located at 22936 Lyons Avenue in Newhall. For more information, please call us at 661-259-0352.