Gourmet Fudge that Anyone Can Make

Have you seen those slabs of gourmet fudge in different flavors at candy and specialty stores? Now you can make your own for gifts or to enjoy yourself. The following is a basic recipe. It is very easy and very versatile. It doesn't require a candy thermometer and turns out every time.

Basic Recipe
In a heavy 2 quart saucepan combine:
2 cups of sugar
2/3 cup evaporated milk
pinch of salt
½ cup butter (not margarine)

Stir continuously over medium heat until boiling. When mixture starts to boil stir for another 5 mintues.

Remove from heat and add:
2 cups mini marshmallows
1 teaspoon vanilla

Stir until smooth and then add:
1 cup chocolate chips

Stir until smooth. You may optionally add:
1 cup of nuts

Poor into a 9x9 square pan and refrigerate. Serve once firm by slicing into one inch squares.

Fun Combinations
Once you have tried the basic fudge it is time to get creative. The chocolate chips, vanilla extract and nuts can all be swapped for different types and flavors. Chocolate chips also come in peanut butter, butterscotch, white chocolate, dark chocolate, mint chocolate, and many more. Vanilla extract can be changed to almond, rum, butter, mint, orange, raspberry, strawberry, coconut and more. Instead of nuts you can use coconut flakes, raisins, dried cranberries or cherries, or any sort of chopped up candy bar. Think of combinations that will work well together. You can also try sprinkling spices like cinnamon and nutmeg into your fudge and stirring it in before pouring it into your pan.

Some of our favorite combinations are:
-White chocolate with crushed Oreo cookies
-Dark chocolate, almond flavoring and dried cherries
-Half milk chocolate chips and half peanut butter chips with Reese's Peanut Butter cups
-Milk chocolate, pecans, toasted coconut flakes (drizzle caramel on top for a German chocolate cake flavor)
-White chocolate, strawberry flavoring, pink food coloring and crushed grahm crackers
-White chocolate, rum extract, cinnamon and a touch of nutmeg (tastes like eggnog)