Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk
- 2 cups brown sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Special equipment needed:
- 8x8 inch baking pan
- Candy thermometer
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine sweetened condensed milk, brown sugar, butter, vanilla extract, and salt.
2. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture reaches 240°F on a candy thermometer.
3. Remove from heat and stir in powdered sugar and heavy cream until well combined.
4. Stir in chopped nuts (optional).
5. Pour the mixture into an 8x8 inch baking pan lined with parchment paper.
6. Let cool at room temperature for 2-3 hours, or until firm.
7. Cut into small tablets and serve.
Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20-25 minutes
Cooling time: 2-3 hours
Temperature:
Cooking temperature: Medium heat
Cooling temperature: Room temperature
Serving size:
Makes approximately 24 tablets
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 180
Total fat: 9g
Saturated fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 25mg
Sodium: 55mg
Total carbohydrates: 25g
Dietary fiber: 0g
Sugars: 24g
Protein: 1g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Brown sugar can be substituted with white sugar or coconut sugar.
- Unsalted butter can be substituted with salted butter, but reduce the amount of salt added.
- Heavy cream can be substituted with half-and-half or whole milk.
Variations:
- Add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the mixture for a chocolate caramel fudge.
- Add 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon for a spiced caramel fudge.
- Add 1/4 cup of shredded coconut for a coconut caramel fudge.
Tips and tricks:
- Use a candy thermometer to ensure the mixture reaches the correct temperature.
- Line the baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal of the fudge.
- Let the fudge cool completely before cutting into tablets.
- Store the fudge in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Storage instructions:
Store the fudge in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Reheating instructions:
The fudge can be reheated in the microwave for a few seconds to soften it.
Presentation ideas:
Arrange the tablets on a platter and dust with powdered sugar.
Garnishes:
Sprinkle chopped nuts or sea salt on top of the tablets.
Pairings:
Serve with a hot cup of coffee or tea.
Suggested side dishes:
No side dishes necessary.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the fudge is too soft, it may not have reached the correct temperature. Cook for a few more minutes and try again.
- If the fudge is too hard, it may have been cooked for too long. Try reducing the cooking time next time.
Food safety advice:
- Use a candy thermometer to ensure the mixture reaches the correct temperature to prevent foodborne illness.
- Store the fudge in an airtight container to prevent contamination.
Food history:
Fudge is believed to have originated in the United States in the late 19th century.
Flavor profiles:
Sweet, creamy, and caramel-y.
Serving suggestions:
Serve as a dessert or a sweet snack.
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Taste: Sweet, Creamy, Rich, Caramelized, Fudgy