that diabetic coma-inducing set of ingredients on my table
was the beginning of a batch of fudge.
And, silly Tia, you thought there were four cups of sugar in that measuring cup?
No, of course not! I would never put four cups of sugar in fudge! That's crazy talk!
It was actually five.
One of my favorite things about Christmas,
from as far back as my memories go, has always been my Pampa's fudge.
My Pampa (my mom's dad) is the very best fudge maker anywhere,
and I'll stick my tongue out at anyone who says otherwise.
I'm pretty sure this is the only thing my Pampa knew how to make,
and throughout their 50 year marriage,
my Mamma let him take over the kitchen just once a year, when it was time for fudge.
Pampa is now 85 and no longer able to make his annual batches of fudge,
so I make my own.
And I think of him throughout the entire process.
Now, I know the menagerie of ingredients is a bit horrifying:
copious amounts of white sugar, marshmallow cream,
evaporated milk, chocolate chips...not exactly doctor's orders.
But let me assure you, this fudge is not something
you'll have sitting around your countertop tempting you.
You'll really want to make this fudge and give it away to your friends.
Or, another option, give it away to your un-friends.
Kill them with kindness.
You know who I'm talking about, that neighbor down the street who doesn't ever cut their grass
or pull the weeds, or the one that revs up his Harley at five in the morning.
My point is, make this fudge and give it away.
They (whoever they are) will thank you.
Pampa's Fudge
1 can evaporated milk
1 jar marshmallow cream
24 oz. semi-sweet chocolate chips (No Guittard for me this time: times are tough, you know)
1 1/3 sticks butter
5 cups sugar (I know, I know...I'm sorry)
1 Tbsp. vanilla
pinch salt
2 lbs. chopped walnuts (optional) (I ended up not including the walnuts because I didn't have time to chop them)
Put milk, butter, and sugar in sauce pan and heat on medium until boiling.
Boil, stirring constantly, for 8 minutes.
Remove from heat, stir in chocolate chips, marshmallow cream,
vanilla, and pinch of salt and beat with beater.
Stir in nuts by hand. Pour mixture into greased (with Pam) jelly roll pan
and let sit until fudge consistency.
Cut into squares.
Enjoy. Then run as fast as you can to the nearest treadmill or elliptical machine.
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10 comments:
seriously...your killing me and my waistline with all of these great recipes!
I have never never had success with fudge, but you and Pampa's recipe have inspired me to try again.
Another beautiful picture
I so, so love the pictures! Your efforts in re-designing the site were so very worth it.
I am still laughing about your post earlier this week when you mentioned that GB wasn't super excited about listening to your 6 hour Jolly Holiday mix. The fact that you put something like that together makes me laugh.
F.
PS: The only way to keep your floor clean is to enlist the help of your kids...just like our parents did with us. I have already started G on a "training program." He loves to sweep. Seriously. Maybe he is just moving the dirt around at this point, but I have high hopes for the future.
I agree with Kacey! That looks divine! And what's an extra cup...
Yu-ummm.
That's "yum" with TWO syllables. Extra yum.
And I find it amusing that my v.w. is tradsmi--maybe that's a mini treadmill?
we have fudge making over here too - recipe is pretty close, but a little different. I figured one thing that helps with the cutting. I put a piece of parchment into the pan so you can just lift it out to cut - so much easier once the fudge hardens.
That is a really nice way to feel close to your Pampa, especially around the holidays.
I decided you should be a food stylist! Those pictures are always awesome. Ok, I made the quinoa recipe, it was super yummy,and John liked it to, but I bought the red one instead of white, I am not sure what the difference is? Then, the other day, John & I went to see the movie Four Christmases (miracle!) and at the end, they show a close up of ornaments, while they roll the credits, and it was the ornaments you featured in your favorites!
Surely no one will begrudge me a piece of Pampa's fudge. You are a naughty, naughty girl. Perhaps you don't like me very much?? Or, you're just trying to sabotage my girlish figure??
Thank you, Pampa!
ooo, looks simply divine. I haven't had homemade fudge in years. I may have to use that recipe and make some.
My hips are getting bigger just looking.
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