For more than 30 Christmasses I've been making short cut fudge, the same way every year. But in the last few, I've noticed that it wasn't going as well as it used to. I blame the products, I think that they have changed gradually and just aren't as good. Nestle Toll House Chips just weren't working the way they used to over the years when I made up batches and batches of treats.
I think that they maybe aren't as pure as they were decades ago. I wonder if more paraffin has been added to keep the costs down?
Anyway, I believe that you don't get good results without good ingredients, so when I bake, I Use the Good Stuff, just like when I create in the studio.
Now, I've switched to only Belguim chips, and the results are worth it!
Here is how I make them:
One and one half bag of chips plus one can of sweetened condensed milk (I use low fat, yes, I know its still a sugary, fudgy concoction, but I think every little bit helps, and if it tastes good, go ahead and cut out a little bit of fat when you can!)
Warm the milk in a pan, then add chips.
Melt the chips.
With a mixer, beat on high speed for way, way longer than you think you should have to! The fudge will lose its sheen and get thick, then you'll know its time to pour it into a greased pan.
I make about 3 batches at once, so you can double or triple the recipe, easily,
Here is what makes it extra special- buy dark,white, and milk chocolate, as well as Reece's peanut butter chips and make multi fudge flavor layers.
This one is dark on the bottom, sprinkled with pecans, and ground white chips (I dump them in a blender to chop them up). After that, there is a layer of milk chocolate fudge that is again sprinkled with more white chocolate crumbs.
There is also peanut butter layered with dark chocolate picutured here.
The layers look impressive, but its an easy and tasty trick.
Of course, presentation is important. Doesn't everything look better under glass?
Please remember that I am having a giveaway, of a special surprise.
Just leave a comment between now and Christmas, all posts, any posts, as often as you'd like.
Have a Merry Christmas. Create Memories. Relax and enjoy it all!
mmm. that sounds and looks gorgeous. xx
The fudge sounds delicious, but most of all I love your decor. Hope you and your sweet family have a truly magical Christmas. Blessings
Oh my gosh that sounds amazing!! YUMMMM!!!
mmmmmmmmmmm I haven’t had good fudge for years!
Dear Karla,
love your blog and everything you do! Have a magical Christmas and all the best for 2012!
hugs
Karen B. ~ Todolwen
I’d love to try that fudge. It looks delicious, and yes, it looks extra special under glass.
Oh my gosh, I have to make that fudge! Sounds delish! I love your beautiful lady angel under glass! So, so pretty!!!
Karla ~ The fudge is so pretty. With all those ingredients, we know it tastes delicious. I just read on news that Wichita is almost snowed in this morning. Let us know when you’re home safely. Merry Christmas!!!
Marilyn in Missouri
Wow, this fudge looks awesome! Just milk and chips? Thats pretty simple. Your home is also gorgeous!
Kindred spirits. Under glass, in crystal. It all looks better! And sounds YUM!
I love fudge but have never made any. I prefer to let my friends indulge me with homemade fudge but I think I could make this and will give it a try.
Its really good. My son is a huge fan of it. Well, he could turn into a huge fan if he keeps eating as much of it as he does!
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Thanks, Leslie, merry Christmas to you too!
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what a great recipe! I think I already have all the ingredients to make this. Yummy!
How do you do so much? You must be like Martha Stewart and never sleep. My granddaughter loves looking at your posts with me. She is 2 years old, and loves fairies and
pictures of Sugar Wings.
Have a very Merry Christmas! Holly and Avenell Seymour
That Fudge looks delish!
I hope you are back home safe and sound. I can’t wait until Holly sends me my kit for the wreath so I can make mine. I know you girls had a great time and I missed you!
LuLu~*xoxo
MMMMMMMM I will definately try making that fudge. I am so glad I found your blog and etsy shop. I really just love your art and inspiration. Merry Christmas to you and yours.
That fudge is making me drool! I hope you have a wonderful Christmas with your beautiful family! Hugs! karen….
Yum Yum! Yes…using the “good” stuff is always better!
Merry Christmas!
Rochelle
I am so excited that you are having another crafty retreat in April. I couldn’t make it to the one this year. I was talking about it to a couple of girlfriends and they are in. The three of us are looking forward to it. Happy Holidays.
I’ve also noticed nestle is not as good. I used to be able to make chocolate covered strawberries with them no problem. Last time the chocolate seemed to seperate and I didn’t even have the double broiler that hot. I switched to Guittards chocolate:) It was so lovely seeing you this past weekend. The class was great and I love the painting technique! That little box is so cute!
Very Yummy Post Karla, I love anything sweet!!!
Maybe things always look better under glass – where they appear to be just slightly out of reach.
And without those glass boundaries we typically know where it ends up…
straight on the ole hips!!!
Darn those sweet tasty treats!!!
I hope you have a Very Merry Christmas Karla,
Tricia k.
Karla, you’ve outdone yourself with this last batch of pictures “under glass”, no less! The fudge looks so good I’d probably slap my Mama, as they say. You have my curiousity running rampant with the special treat for the giveaway. Patty in Kansas
I made a batch of fudge for my mother-in-law this Christmas…but not as delicious looking as yours.. Merry Christmas to you and your family..
Your fudge sounds really good – we will have to try it this year. Love how you displayed it.
Oh My Goodness! I seldom make Christmas treats anymore since my husband and I don’t need to be eating them but this looks wonderful. YUM!
Hmmm . . . do I have the time to make up a couple of batches of this fudge? Wouldn’t my family rather have fudge than a vacuumed floor? Yes! I’m off to the grocery store!
I’ve been looking for an easy fudge recipe–I’m all over this. Thanks and have a wonderful Christmas–we’ll be celebrating with the gunkles!!
These fudge layers look wonderful. Wouldn’t I thrill my mother’s sweet heart if I got into the spirit at long last and made her some fudge for the holidays!!!??? I think it sounds like something I could swing! Have a happy holiday…
Oh my goodness – that looks so good. I think I may give it a whirl as I actually have all the ingredients (a real rarity for me!).
I hope you and your family have a wonderful Christmas season.
I love this calorie free version! Thank you for sharing with us. Your presentation is amazing!
Well, not calorie free for sure, but maybe a tad lower!
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Yummy! Your pics are always so wonderful!
That’s just mean! Now all I can think about is FUDGE. Must have FUDGE. Hmmm, all I’ve got in the house is a CostCo size bag of Nestle Toll-house chips, plus walnuts and pecans and reg sweet condensed milk. By George, I can do it.
Thanks for the fudge tips..gonna have to make it soon! Happy Holidays to you and yours!
I made fudge from a recipe on Pinterest and it came out all gritty. Your recipe sounds so easy and yummy, I’m gonna try it!
Thanks for all the pretty pics, I’m so inspired!