Nancy Zieman knows FUDGE

At breakfast the other day, my book clubbers exchanged Christmas gifts -- and Linda P.  gave us all little boxes of homemade fudge -- with a handmade ornament, fastened with a Christmas ribbon.  (Yes -- she's the one we refer to as the big show off...)

Really -- it's one of the BEST things about Christmas.  We get to think about fudge...

Years ago -- I got a microwave fudge recipe from Nancy Zieman -- which used a whole stick of butter. Then I saw Rachael Ray on the Oprah show -- she used the recipe on the can of sweetened condensed milk -- which didn't use any butter at all. So here's what I've come to...



3 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (try different flavors -- like peanut butter chips -- or Andes mints)
1 14-oz can condensed milk
1/4 cup (4 tbsp) butter
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 tsp salt

Preparation:
1. Prepare an 8x8 pan by lining it with aluminum foil and spraying the foil with nonstick cooking spray.
2. In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips, condensed milk, and butter. Microwave in one-minute increments until melted, about 2-3 minutes.

3. Stir to ensure all the chocolate is melted, then add the vanilla and salt. Stir until the candy is smooth and well-mixed.  Add nuts at this point (I ADD LOTS OF WALNUTS)
4. Pour the fudge into the prepared pan and smooth it into an even layer.
5. Place the fudge in the refrigerator to set for at least 2 hours. Once set, cut into 1-inch squares and serve at room temperature. Store excess fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator. 

Did I really use the term "excess fudge"??  A true oxymoron, don't you think??

Thanks, Ann, for reminding me of this fudge recipe.  I am delighted to know you give it as a gift every year. 

In 2006 -- my cousin Jackie and I were fudge-making-fools.  I can't remember WHY exactly -- but I think we made a dozen varieties of fudge that year...