Fudge problems. Subtitled: I should've talked to the experts here first.

michael-in-phoenix

Well-known member
I made the original "Fantasy Fudge" from the back of the marshmallow fluff jar from many years back. I took the directions at their word. They make it sound so easy and trouble free. My better judgement said, "Michael. Use a candy thermometer. Michael. Treat it like any other soft ball recipe. Michael. Wash the sugar crystals off the sides of the pan when they form. Michael." (My better judgment is very terse with me, and it uses my name a lot.)

I ignored my better judgement, and I committed the cardinal sin of not posting a request for input from experienced fudge makers on this board.

And I paid the price.

Fudge tastes great, but it is grainy, not creamy. Sugar crystals are surely to blame.

Note to self: "Michael. Treat fudge like any other candy recipe. Michael. Get the experts' take on it first."

Got it.

Michael

 
I was scarred for life by my first fudge making experience...

a pan of runny odd colored chodolate "sauce"--used this recipe later and love it but am still scared of candy, candy thermometers and grainy, runny gooey ice cream topping when the fudge doesn't "set".

 
This is the fudge recipe I use every year...

and I always use a candy thermometer. I also cover the pan with a lid for a short time while it is boiling to try to encourage any wayward sugar crystals to melt. Sorry about the grainy texture!

 
Gayle's Chocolate Buttercream Fudge was just AMAZING! Super silky smooth (see post way up above)

 
The Jan 2007 Cook's Illustrated also has a foolproof 15-Minute Fudge that I've wanted to try...

They have 3 versions - with walnuts, with peanut butter and rocky road. Here are all 3:

15-Minute Chocolate Walnut Fudge

Makes about 2 1/2 pounds. Published January 1, 2007.

The quality of the chocolate used will affect the flavor and texture of the fudge. We prefer Ghirardelli semisweet and unsweetened chocolate in this recipe. Don't be tempted to make this fudge without the walnuts; they are crucial to the texture. If you prefer, you can use toasted nuts in this recipe. Make sure to remove the fudge from the double boiler before the chocolate is fully melted. If the chocolate stays in the double boiler too long, there is the possibility of the chocolate separating and producing a greasy fudge. This fudge will change texture and become drier the longer it is stored. Store the fudge, tightly wrapped in plastic, in a cool place for up to 2 weeks or in the freezer for 3 months. If frozen, allow ample time to let it reach room temperature before cutting.

Ingredients

16 ounces semisweet chocolate , chopped fine
2 ounces unsweetened chocolate , chopped fine
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/8 teaspoon table salt
1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 cup coarsely chopped walnuts

Instructions

1. Cut 12-inch length extra-wide heavy-duty aluminum foil; fold edges back to form 7 1/2-inch width. With folded sides facing down, fit foil securely into bottom and up sides of 8-inch-square baking pan, allowing excess to overhang pan sides. Spray foil with nonstick cooking spray.

2. Toss chocolates, baking soda, and salt in medium heatproof bowl until baking soda is evenly distributed. Stir in sweetened condensed milk and vanilla. Set bowl over 4-quart saucepan containing 2 cups simmering water. Stir with rubber spatula until chocolate is almost fully melted and few small pieces remain, 2 to 4 minutes.

3. Remove bowl from heat and continue to stir until chocolate is fully melted and mixture is smooth, about 2 minutes. Stir in walnuts. Transfer fudge to prepared pan and spread in even layer with spatula. Refrigerate until set, about 2 hours. Remove fudge from pan using foil and cut into squares.


TO MAKE DOUBLE BATCH:
Line 13 by 9-inch pan with two sheets of foil placed perpendicular to each other and double amounts of all ingredients. In step 2, use large heatproof bowl and Dutch oven containing 4 cups simmering water.


15-Minute Peanut Butter Fudge

Makes about 2 1/2 pounds. Published January 1, 2007.

This fudge will change texture and become drier the longer it is stored. Store the fudge, tightly wrapped in plastic, in a cool place for up to 2 weeks or in the freezer for 3 months. If frozen, allow ample time to let it reach room temperature before cutting.

Ingredients

18 ounces peanut butter chips
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/8 teaspoon table salt
1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Cut 12-inch length extra-wide heavy-duty aluminum foil; fold edges back to form 7 1/2-inch width. With folded sides facing down, fit foil securely into bottom and up sides of 8-inch-square baking pan, allowing excess to overhang pan sides. Spray foil with nonstick cooking spray.

2. Toss peanut butter chips, baking soda, and salt in medium heatproof bowl until baking soda is evenly distributed. Stir in sweetened condensed milk and vanilla. Set bowl over 4-quart saucepan containing 2 cups simmering water. Stir with rubber spatula until chips are almost fully melted and few small pieces remain, 2 to 4 minutes.

3. Remove bowl from heat and continue to stir until chips are fully melted and mixture is smooth, about 2 minutes. Transfer fudge to prepared pan and spread in even layer with spatula. Refrigerate until set, about 2 hours. Remove fudge from pan using foil and cut into squares.

TO MAKE DOUBLE BATCH:
Line 13 by 9-inch pan with two sheets of foil placed perpendicular to each other and double amounts of all ingredients. In step 2, use large heatproof bowl and Dutch oven containing 4 cups simmering water.15-Minute Rocky Road Fudge

Makes about 2 1/2 pounds. Published January 1, 2007.

The quality of the chocolate used will affect the flavor and texture of the fudge. We prefer Ghirardelli semisweet and unsweetened chocolate in this recipe. Don't be tempted to make this fudge without the peanuts; they are crucial to the texture. If you prefer, you can use toasted nuts in this recipe. Make sure to remove the fudge from the double boiler before the chocolate is fully melted. If the chocolate stays in the double boiler too long, there is the possibility of the chocolate separating and producing a greasy fudge. This fudge will change texture and become drier the longer it is stored. Store the fudge, tightly wrapped in plastic, in a cool place for up to 2 weeks or in the freezer for 3 months. If frozen, allow ample time to let it reach room temperature before cutting.

Ingredients
16 ounces semisweet chocolate , chopped fine
2 ounces unsweetened chocolate , chopped fine
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/8 teaspoon table salt
1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 cup mini-marshmallows
1 cup chopped salted peanuts
1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Instructions


1. Cut 12-inch length extra-wide heavy-duty aluminum foil; fold edges back to form 7 1/2-inch width. With folded sides facing down, fit foil securely into bottom and up sides of 8-inch-square baking pan, allowing excess to overhang pan sides. Spray foil with nonstick cooking spray.

2. Toss chocolates, baking soda, and salt in medium heatproof bowl until baking soda is evenly distributed. Stir in sweetened condensed milk and vanilla. Set bowl over 4-quart saucepan containing 2 cups simmering water. Stir with rubber spatula until chocolate is almost fully melted and few small pieces remain, 2 to 4 minutes.

3. Remove bowl from heat and continue to stir until chocolate is fully melted and mixture is smooth, about 2 minutes. Stir in marshmallows, peanuts, and chocolate chips. Transfer fudge to prepared pan and spread in even layer with spatula. Refrigerate until set, about 2 hours. Remove fudge from pan using foil and cut into squares.

TO MAKE DOUBLE BATCH:
Line 13 by 9-inch pan with two sheets of foil placed perpendicular to each other and double amounts of all ingredients. In step 2, use large heatproof bowl and Dutch oven containing 4 cups simmering water.

 
I was reading about Gayle's recipe and the praises it gets, but I got scared.

If I screwed THAT one up, I'd be out a TON of butter! That's sacrilege!

Better wait until business picks up...

Michael

 
Not an expert, but I remember the physics of fudge... if you cool the

cooked fudge quickly, it won't have a chance to form the crystals. Freeze it (instead of cooling it in the refrigerator or at room temperature) and it will come out creamy every time :eek:)

 
Yes, that almost kept me from trying it too, but really it's just the usual 'safeguards' for fudge

 
Michael, covering while boiling lets the steam wash down the sides of the pan

more efficient than brushing with water. When the syrup is clear and boiling you can uncover and put in your thermometer.

I assume you didn't stir it--that can cause crystals too.

My mother's fudge was always grainy and so I grew up thinking that was the way it's supposed to be.

 
You're going to laugh at these directions then.

Traditional method:

Combine sugar, margarine and milk in heavy 2-1/2 quart saucepan; bring to full rolling boil, STIRRING CONSTANTLY.

Continue boiling 5 minutes over medium heat, STIRRING. Remove from heat, stir in chocolate till melted. Add marshmallow creme, nuts & vanilla beat till blended.

Pour into greased 13 x 9-inch baking pan. Let cool and cut into 1-inch squares.

(EMPHASIS MINE)

 
I'm going to give it one more shot. This fudge gets great reviews on Mimi's...

...site. I have the ingrediments for another batch on hand, including the fluff.

I'm sure it will come out fine with all the tips here. I mean, if nothing else you'd think 6 or 7 batches of Almond Butter Crunch every Christmas would've taught me something!

Thanks,

Michael

 
I made the Fantasy Fudge for many years with no problems... very good altho not as creamy as Gayle's

 
Michael, just found this post. smileys/smile.gif I'll send you a pound of butter if you ruin the fudge!

Please try it! smileys/smile.gif

 
Gayles fudge is best I've made or had

follow the recipe and you cant go wrong...

I have halved the recipe with success.

really should try it.

Daryl

 
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