Fudge. One word that is all I have to say and people’s ears perk up. I have found that any time I make this for an event or get together, everyone is raving about the fudge. If you are from Jersey, you have seen the candy shops on the boardwalk that have the fudge making demonstration in their windows, and like me I am sure you’ve said, “Wow that is a lot of work!” But have I got a surprise for you, IT’S NOT!!!!!

Now, fudge is one of my favorite things to make since I found this awesome and recipe by Giada DeLaurentiis. I’ve adapted it a bit, modified the measurements, and played around with flavoring. One of my go to flavors for Thanksgiving is Chocolate Orange fudge. And I know, I know. Fudge is not “healthy” but it’s the holidays, so enjoy a little!

So here is what you’ll need:

• 2 ½ cups of chocolate chips (1 ½ cups bittersweet chocolate, 1 cup milk chocolate)
• 1 – 14oz can of condensed milk (sweetened)
• 4 tbsp of unsalted butter
• 1 tbsp orange extract (McCormicks)

Yes, that’s right, only 4 ingredients! You will also need an 8″ x 8″ pan, wax paper, a small saucepan, metal or glass bowl that fits over the saucepan, and a spatula.

Grease the pan with 1 tablespoon of butter, and then line the pan with wax paper. Set aside. 

Put about 1 cup of water in the small saucepan and set the fire to low, and get the water to a simmer.

While waiting for the water to simmer, grab your bowl and pour in the condensed milk.

When the water in the pan is simmering put the bowl over the pot (Just FYI this is called a double boiler). Then put in the remaining ingredients in the bowl and stir.

Make sure you have an oven mitt on to hold the bowl cause it will get hot, and just keep stirring/mixing. It can take 5-8 minutes for the fudge to start to form. It will be glossy and will easily pull away from the bowl.

Once the fudge it done, take the bowl off the double boiler and wipe off the condensation from the bottom of the bowl before you pour it into the pan. You don’t want water in the fudge, it will ruin it.  Then spread the fudge evenly into the pan.

Place it in the fridge for at least 2 hours to set, you can also allow it to set overnight, which is what I usually do. As you can see I left the wax paper long over the edges. This makes it easier to pull out of the pan. You can cut the fudge into whatever size or shapes you want. It’s seriously delicious. Enjoy!

Special note: You can make many variations of this fudge. Add what you like, use your favorite chocolate (mine is Ghiradelli, Hershey’s is yummy too). I love Giada’s recipe of cinnamon in the fudge and topped with sea salt. I have also done peppermint extract in the fudge, with crushed candy canes on top. Another Thanksgiving variation would be to add dried cranberries and crushed pecans into the fudge. Experiment! Have fun and enjoy! YUM!

If you make this or any of our past recipes, share with us below or on social media, by using the hashtag #nerdandlace.

Silvia