Danette's Favorite Homemade Fudge

Making fudge always reminds me of the holidays visiting my grandma. She knew I loved it and always had plenty made for me to indulge in. Now it’s also become a favorite for my kids and is requested every Christmas. It makes a nice big pan so there’s plenty to share with friends too!

INGREDIENTS

4 1/2 cups sugar
12-oz can evaporated milk
1 1/2 cups butter
12-oz pkg. semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 t. vanilla extract
1 cup chopped nuts (optional…but I love)

Combine sugar and milk in saucepan. Boil for 6 minutes at medium heat (I use a deep saucepan for this because it tends to boil up quite high).

While mixture is boiling, add butter, chocolate chips, and vanilla to a large mixing bowl (I use my Kitchen Aid Stand Mixer with the paddle attachment).

Remove mixture from heat and add to the mixing bowl containing the butter, chocolate chips, and vanilla. Mix by hand for a minute to allow the butter to melt a little (otherwise you’ll have a mess). Then turn the mixture on low and slowly increase the speed once all the ingredients are incorporated. Allow to mix on medium speed for 10 minutes.

Stir in nuts is using. Pour into buttered 8’x8’ pan. That makes for really thick fudge. If you want it to be thinner for more of a sampling size (great for handing out treats to friends) use a 13x9 inch dish instead.

Makes about 1 pound.