Makin Fudge

I'm not sure where or when I had fudge for the first time but it is one of my all time favorites. I like it so much I only make it around Christmas. One year, when I had a little thrift shop, I thought I would make some fudge to sell but ending up eating it all and gaining 4 lbs!

In my 20's I searched for the perfect fudge recipe and found this one. I tweaked it a little by changing vanilla extract to almond extract. I consider this my secret ingredient.

My nieces and nephews don't just ask for fudge at Christmas time, they expect it. One of my nieces family thinks the almond flavor makes it taste like cherries. I have been known to add a dusting chopped pecans or even red and green sprinkles on top. But mostly I am a fudge purist. I made a batch this morning to take to a party this afternoon. Since there is only two of us in the house the job of cleaning the saucepan was left to me. And a tough job it was(since I didn't meticulously scrape into the square pan).

So here is the recipe, if any one is interested:

Nancy’s Fudge

2 ¼ cups sugar

¼ cup butter (1/2 stick)

¾ cup evaporated milk

5 oz marshmallows (about 1 ¼ cup mini)

6 oz chocolate chips (1/2 bag)

1 tsp almond extract

In large saucepan mix sugar, butter, evaporated milk, and marshmallows. Bring to a boil over medium heat stirring constantly. Boil for 5 timed minutes, stirring constantly. You can reduce the heat a little but it must continue to boil. Be careful because sometimes the bubbles pop and send hot drops out. After 5 minutes are up remove from heat. Add chocolate and extract. Stir until blended. Pour into a greased square pan. Chill til set and then cut into squares.