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!
Posted by: Vicki | December 20, 2011 at 03:52 AM
mmm. that sounds and looks gorgeous. xx
Posted by: sadie | December 20, 2011 at 04:17 AM
The fudge sounds delicious, but most of all I love your decor. Hope you and your sweet family have a truly magical Christmas. Blessings
Posted by: Lesley UK | December 20, 2011 at 06:38 AM
Oh my gosh that sounds amazing!! YUMMMM!!!
Posted by: Lori | December 20, 2011 at 07:11 AM
mmmmmmmmmmm I haven't had good fudge for years!
Posted by: Francy | December 20, 2011 at 07:46 AM
Dear Karla,
love your blog and everything you do! Have a magical Christmas and all the best for 2012!
hugs
Karen B. ~ Todolwen
Posted by: Karen B. | December 20, 2011 at 07:56 AM
I'd love to try that fudge. It looks delicious, and yes, it looks extra special under glass.
Posted by: Mary Kiczenski | December 20, 2011 at 08:23 AM
Oh my gosh, I have to make that fudge! Sounds delish! I love your beautiful lady angel under glass! So, so pretty!!!
Posted by: Susan | December 20, 2011 at 08:41 AM
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
Posted by: Marilyn Parker | December 20, 2011 at 09:22 AM
Wow, this fudge looks awesome! Just milk and chips? Thats pretty simple. Your home is also gorgeous!
Posted by: Kate | December 20, 2011 at 09:22 AM
Kindred spirits. Under glass, in crystal. It all looks better! And sounds YUM!
Posted by: jeanie | December 20, 2011 at 09:47 AM
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.
Posted by: Merce Hamlin | December 20, 2011 at 09:53 AM
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!
Sent from my iPad
Posted by: Karla Nathan | December 20, 2011 at 10:33 AM
Thanks, Leslie, merry Christmas to you too!
Sent from my iPad
Posted by: Karla Nathan | December 20, 2011 at 10:33 AM
what a great recipe! I think I already have all the ingredients to make this. Yummy!
Posted by: Erica | December 20, 2011 at 11:29 AM
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
Posted by: Holly Seymour | December 20, 2011 at 11:34 AM
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
Posted by: LuLu Kellogg | December 20, 2011 at 12:37 PM
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.
Posted by: nancy thompson | December 20, 2011 at 12:43 PM
That fudge is making me drool! I hope you have a wonderful Christmas with your beautiful family! Hugs! karen....
Posted by: karen | December 20, 2011 at 12:52 PM
Yum Yum! Yes...using the "good" stuff is always better!
Merry Christmas!
Rochelle
Posted by: Rochelle | December 20, 2011 at 01:24 PM
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.
Posted by: Lynn Conley | December 20, 2011 at 01:29 PM
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!
Posted by: Andrea Villarreal | December 20, 2011 at 02:42 PM
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.
Posted by: Tricia k. Johnson | December 20, 2011 at 05:31 PM
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
Posted by: Patty in Kansas | December 20, 2011 at 09:45 PM
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..
Posted by: bettyann | December 21, 2011 at 12:11 AM
Your fudge sounds really good - we will have to try it this year. Love how you displayed it.
Posted by: Debbie Blanken | December 21, 2011 at 12:16 AM
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!
Posted by: Kathy | December 21, 2011 at 12:30 AM
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!
Posted by: Connie | December 21, 2011 at 09:56 AM
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!!
Posted by: Regina Brodbeck | December 21, 2011 at 11:59 AM
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...
Posted by: Gayla | December 21, 2011 at 03:49 PM
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.
Posted by: MimiG | December 21, 2011 at 09:40 PM
I love this calorie free version! Thank you for sharing with us. Your presentation is amazing!
Posted by: Teah B. | December 22, 2011 at 12:52 AM
Well, not calorie free for sure, but maybe a tad lower!
Sent from my iPad
Posted by: Karla Nathan | December 22, 2011 at 01:02 AM
Yummy! Your pics are always so wonderful!
Posted by: becky d | December 22, 2011 at 01:45 PM
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.
Posted by: Charlotte | December 23, 2011 at 03:22 PM
Thanks for the fudge tips..gonna have to make it soon! Happy Holidays to you and yours!
Posted by: Jlcalv | December 23, 2011 at 07:46 PM
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!
Posted by: Christine Barker | December 24, 2011 at 06:52 AM