Welcome to our Unique Holiday: May 12th, 2021. Did you know today is Nutty Fudge Day? I sure don’t need to tell Charlie or my sister Debbie because they would want to make Fudge. To please everyone I would have to make a Plain Batch, Pecan Fudge and Walnut Fudge for me. Now, I have a question for you. Do you like Fudge? If so what kind and why?
Nutty Fudge Day is holiday dedicated to the creation and celebration of fudge! Whether you prefer chocolate, vanilla, or a more exotic flavor, fudge is a beloved treat that many people enjoy!
Ah, the dear celebration of Nutty Fudge Day is never quite complete without a stop at the nearest tourist town. For me that would be Grapevine, Texas. What town would it be for you?
That is, after all, the best place for fudge. Don’t think it’s true? Go ahead, just try to think of a traditional tourist town that doesn’t have huge signs tempting you with all things fudge related.
Vacationers are likely to try these delectable treats, and what better way to feel indulgent than with a bite into that ooey-gooey Chocolatey-ness with just a bit of crunch.
During Nutty Fudge Day, people learn about the history of Fudge, and they attempt to create their own Fudge. Which they eat with friends and family. On days when you have nothing to do, this is your opportunity to try your hand at a tasty treat that you’ll be sure to not regret.
History of Nutty Fudge Day
Fudge seems to have a fuzzy history in regards to who made it and why its called Fudge. Did you know the word Fudge means to put together clumsily or dishonestly.
The term dates back to the late 1700s and they term may have originally came from the word “fadge”, which means to make suitable or fit, a term used since the late 1500s.
However, Fudge itself has only been known to have been around since the late 1800s. One of the earliest records of Fudge dates back to a letter written in 1886 by Emelyn Battersby Hartridge.
Other stories consist of the invention of fudge Feing an accident. The story goes there was a college lecture in Virginia attempting to teach students about creating Toffee, but instead, her recipe resulted in Fudge.
Another story also revolves around the idea that Fudge was an accident, happening when a baker attempted to make Caramel but instead made Fudge. The invention of Fudge may’ve been an accident but theeating of it certainly isn’t!
By definition, Fudge is a type of confectionery made by mixing sugar, butter, milk, and any flavor desired. Then boiled together to create the concoction.
In Europe, Fudge is usually made just from sugar, cream, and butter while American-style fudge also contains chocolate. Early recipes of Fudge were passed around and it was similar to chocolate caramel fixtures.
Nutty Fudge Facts
The largest Fudge ever produced was a monster of over 2 tons, coming in at exactly 5,760 pounds, and constructed in Ontario, Canda. Now, if nuts had been added, this Nutty Fudge could have toppled over into 3 tons of sweet treats. This recipe took over a week to construct and used over 300 gallons of condensed milk.
While the Fudge may have taken a bit longer to put together than your average kitchen-created fudge, that’s perfectly fine since Fudge is known to last quite a long time.
Fudge stored at room temperature, can be kept for 1 to 2 weeks in an airtight container and even longer-lasting fudge, can be kept in a refrigerator for two to three weeks. Or in the freezer for several months without losing its delicious taste or texture. Just make sure to thaw it before nibbling in.
The dessert can be made with any flavors and any additives, including nuts. Pecans or Walnuts which are considered the most popular nuts to put in fudge. Nutty Fudge Day dedicates the whole day towards eating Nutty Fudge and exploring all the tasty varieties in recipes.
Here Is Ways To Celebrate Nutty Fudge Day
If your looking to celebrate Nutty Fudge Day then you should try your hand at making your own Fudge! There are various recipes online that provide easy-to-follow instructions. After making this chocolate treat, just add your favorite kind of nut and enjoy!
While Pecans and Walnuts might be considered the most popular for Nutty Fudge, the confectionery concoction doesn’t have to be limited there! Feeling extra nutty? Add a whole mix of Nuts! Including the Peanut which is literally a legume, let the Peanut slide in your Nutty Fudge as peanut butter for a tantalizing treat.
If you’re curious to try your hand at Nutty Fudge concoction, don’t be shy. In fact, what if you added something a little unexpected? Fudge might come in a variety of beiges and browns, but have you ever considered how delicious it could be a tiny touch of sea salt?
That delicious milk chocolate smoothness, that crunch of almond, and then, what could that delectable savory surprise but a pinch of salt? As for me I don’t think I would like Salt in my Fudge. What about you?
Lets make Nutty Fudge
Fudge is commonly known as a compatriot to fondant and it is simply cooked a bit longer, but before it gets to crystalization, which creates a fairly inedible crunchy grain crumbly concoction.
A candy thermometer is essential when making fudge since it needs to be heated to between 237 and 239 °F. Now that’s a precise temperature! Cooked cooler, and fondant occurs. Hotter, and sugar crystallization occurs.
When beating fudge, it’s ideal to let it cool slightly first. A wooden spoon should be used to beat that warm chocolate goodness, right up until the glossy sheen turns matte and opaque.
Nuts should join the mixture only right as the confection loses its glossy reflection. Adding nuts doesn’t come until right before the fudge is poured out to be cooled and then cut.
Make a bunch of Fudge for friends and family. Or you could host a fudge party! Share this holiday with your friends and help them learn about the unique history of nutty fudge.
Chocolate Walnut Fudge
36 Original recipe yields 36 servings Ingredient Checklist
- ½ cup butter
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups white sugar
- 5 ounces evaporated milk
- 10 large marshmallows
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
Directions
- Step 1 Butter an 8×8 inch dish.
- Step 2 Place butter, chocolate chips and vanilla in a mixing bowl. Set aside.
- Step 3 In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine sugar, milk and marshmallows. Bring to a boil, stirring frequently. Reduce heat to low and cook 6 minutes more, stirring constantly. Remove from heat.
- Step 4 Pour marshmallow mixture over contents of mixing bowl. Beat entire mixture until it thickens and loses its gloss. Quickly fold in nuts and pour into prepared pan. Refrigerate several hours until firm.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
