Chocolate Fudge

Chocolate fudge is a delicious, decadent treat, that's usually only enjoyed when you come across a little shop in a tiny town you've never been to. Well that doesn't have to be the case any more. This is a delicious fudge recipe, that makes just enough for you to enjoy with a few people (or by yourself) without having too much extra sitting around. And if you want extra sitting around, just make more!

Fudge is also something that many people can't eat because it has so much heavy cream and dairy, which doesn't agree with everyone. Thankfully, this fudge recipe doesn't have heavy or condensed milk! It does have some milk, and I used lactose-free, but you can also substitute in any milk of your choice (almond, soy, regular). If you want it a bit more rich, you can use evaporated milk, but it's not necessary. There is also some butter in it, but you can substitute in a vegan butter spread if you can't eat butter either - just some suggestions so everyone can enjoy fudge!

Doesn't that look delicious! I made it in a square plastic container (about 5-6" each side), and it made 9 small squares (about 1.5" x 1.5" x .5") or 4 bigger squares (about 2.5" x 2.5" x .5"). You can also put it in a smaller square container if you want it to be thicker. Whatever you prefer!

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup sugar
• 4 tablespoon milk (of your choice)
• 2/3 tablespoon butter 
• pinch of salt
• 2/3 cup mini marshmallows 
• 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips 
• 1/3 teaspoon vanilla extract
• optional: 2.5 tablespoon nuts, chopped*

*I didn't add nuts, but feel free to! Pecans and walnuts would be good, but your choice.

Instructions:

1. Prepare a square container (6" x 6" or smaller - depending on desired thickness) with a small amount of vegetable oil (coating the bottom and sides lightly).
2. In a saucepan, melt the butter, and add in the sugar, milk, and salt. Turn on high heat and cook for about 4 minutes (mainly at a boil), stirring constantly (see photos below for how the mixture changes as the time goes on). I cooked mine at number "5" out of "6" on my electric stove, so if you have a regular burner, turn it almost all the way up.
3. Remove the pan from the heat. Add in the remaining ingredients - marshmallows, chocolate chips, vanilla, and nuts (if adding). Mix in until the marshmallows are completely melted. At first, the mixture will feel tougher because of the chocolate chips (they'll melt first), but as the marshmallows melt, the mixture will soften up a bit. 
4. Pour the mixture (more like scoop it out) into the prepared container. Refrigerate for about 2 hours, until firm. Remove from the refrigerator to let soften up a bit, cut into squares, and enjoy!

#2 - at the beginning of stirring

#2 - about 1-2 minutes into stirring

#2 - about 3.5 minutes into stirring (bubbles go down, color darkens slightly)

Fudge is pressed into the container and ready to refrigerate.

Enjoy!