Easy Fudge

The renovations are nearing completion and I am overjoyed!  The walls are painted, the lights are on, the floors have been sanded and the tile work is almost done.  I can definitely see the light at the end of the tunnel!  Meanwhile, Christmas is almost here!  I like to make goodies to give away as gifts this time of year.  I think people enjoy cookies and fudge more than a generic candle or gift card.  I know I do.  Here is a very easy recipe for fudge.  You don't even need a candy thermometer!  It is downright decadent.  If you need something easy to make for a party or to give as a gift, this is it.

EASY FUDGE

3 cups semi sweet chocolate chips
1 can condensed milk
1/2 cup chopped nuts (pecans, almonds, walnuts, etc)
1  tsp pure vanilla extract
1/4 tsp almond extract*
dash of salt

*If you don't have almond extract don't worry, just use 1 1/4 tsp of vanilla extract.

Line an 8x12 inch baking dish with foil.  Here's a trick that makes it easy:  Turn the dish over and mold the foil to the outside of the dish.

Then, remove it, flip the dish over and sit it right in the dish.

So much easier!  Next grease the foil with a little butter or nonstick cooking spray.

In a heavy saucepan over LOW heat, melt the chocolate chips with the condensed milk, stirring frequently (if you don't stir it often it will burn and keep it on low heat!).

Once it is melted and smooth, remove from the heat and add the dash of salt.

 Add the extracts.

Add the chopped nuts.  I used almonds.

Mix well and pour into the buttered foil-lined dish.

Spread it out evenly.

Put it in the fridge to chill at least an hour (I like to let it chill overnight if I have the time).

Once chilled and set, put a cutting board (lined with wax paper for easy clean up) over the dish and flip upside down.  Remove the dish and set aside, then carefully peel off the foil.

Cut into small squares.  You can cut them any size you want.  The fudge is very rich so I like to cut them into small pieces.

See how easy this was to make?  No cooking the fudge to the proper temperature and all that jazz.  Simple and quick but with a great result.  I love a recipe like that!  If you don't like nuts or have an allergy, you can use mini marshmallows instead or chopped Oreos or chopped candy, etc.

I hope you give this a try.  Your family and friends will appreciate it, trust me.  Merry Christmas!