New Orleans Daily Picayune advertisement. 1883

During the holiday season I wanted a forgiving fudge recipe that didn’t rely on perfect conditions to succeed. My home is nearly nine feet below sea level where fudge is easier to manage than high-altitude fudge

After some testing, I found that a traditional “easy” substitute—sweetened condensed milk plus a bit of unsweetened chocolate—gives a fudge that’s less sugary but still rich in chocolate flavor.

This recipe makes about 2.5 pounds of fudge.

Ingredients

  • 16 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped fine
  • 2 ounces unsweetened chocolate, chopped fine
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • pinch table salt
  • 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 T. vanilla extract
  • 1 c. coarsely chopped walnuts

    Method:

    1. Line 8-inch-square baking pan with aluminum foil allowing excess to overhang pan sides. Spray foil with nonstick cooking spray.

    2. Toss chocolates, baking soda, and salt in stainless steel 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.

    3. Remove bowl from heat and continue to stir until chocolate is fully melted and mixture is smooth. 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.

    Cooking notes:

    Chocolate quality matters. The flavor and texture of the fudge depend on the chocolate you use. For this recipe, I use 60% Ghirardelli semisweet chocolate and unsweetened chocolate.

    Walnuts are essential. They provide crucial texture. You can use pecans if you like

    Timing matters. Remove the fudge from the double boiler before the chocolate is fully melted

    Storage affects texture. This fudge will dry out over time. Store tightly wrapped in plastic in a cool place for up to 2 weeks, or in the freezer for up to one year