Dive into the delightful world of classic desserts with our Hershey’s Cocoa Old-Fashioned Fudge recipe. Inspired by generations of kitchen traditions, this fudge combines the rich taste of Hershey’s cocoa with the creaminess of peanut butter and the crunch of walnuts. Step-by-step, we’ll guide you through this timeless treat – perfect for family gatherings or movie nights!
Ingredients:
- 2/3 cup Hershey’s Cocoa
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup (or 2 tablespoons) butter
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter (optional additions: marshmallows or crunchy peanut butter)
- 1 1/2 cups walnuts or pecans, roughly chopped
Instructions:
- Preparation: Start by buttering a platter or dish suitable for setting your fudge. This will prevent sticking when it’s time to serve.
- In a large saucepan, combine your Hershey’s cocoa, sugar, and milk. To prevent clumping, pour the milk in gradually, mixing constantly until you have a smooth mixture.
- Turn on the heat to medium-low. As the mixture heats up, stir occasionally. Avoid over-stirring as this can cause the sugar to granulate.
- Use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature. If you don’t have one, test the fudge’s consistency by dropping a small amount into cold water. Once it forms a soft ball in the water (or reaches 234°F or 112°C), it’s ready.
- Turn off the heat and stir in the salt, butter, vanilla extract, and creamy peanut butter. Mix until everything is fully incorporated.
- Fold in the chopped walnuts or pecans. If you prefer other nuts or add-ins like marshmallows, now’s the time to mix them in.
- Pour the fudge mixture onto your buttered platter. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly.
- Allow the fudge to cool and set. This might take a few hours. For quicker results, you can place it in the refrigerator.
- Once set, cut into squares and serve. Enjoy your delicious homemade fudge with family and friends!
Tip: For an indulgent movie night snack, pair this fudge with some freshly popped popcorn. The salty-sweet combination is sure to be a hit!
Storage and Care:
- Storing Your Fudge: To maintain its fresh taste, store your fudge in an airtight container at room temperature. It should keep for about 7-10 days. If you notice any signs of it drying out, transfer it to the refrigerator.
- For Longer Shelf Life: If you want your fudge to last longer, consider refrigerating it. Place the fudge between layers of wax paper in an airtight container. This will keep it fresh for about 2-3 weeks.
- Freezing the Delight: Yes, you can freeze fudge! Wrap individual pieces or the whole block in plastic wrap and then seal it inside a freezer bag. It should stay good for about 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, let it thaw at room temperature.
Variations and Ideas:
- Go Nut-Free: If you’re catering to those with nut allergies or just want a change, simply omit the peanut butter and walnuts. You can replace them with dried fruits like cranberries or raisins for a fruity twist.
- Double Chocolate: For an extra rich treat, add chocolate chips to the mix. They’ll melt into the warm fudge, creating a gooey, chocolaty center.
- Salted Caramel Swirl: Drizzle some caramel sauce over your fudge before it sets. Once it’s slightly set, use a knife to create swirl patterns. Sprinkle some sea salt on top for a gourmet touch.
A Word from Ineskohl Kitchen:
Recreating timeless recipes like this Hershey’s Cocoa Old-Fashioned Fudge is more than just about the food; it’s about reviving memories and making new ones. Whether you’re reminiscing about cooking with your mother or starting a new tradition with your kids, this fudge is sure to warm your heart as much as it pleases your palate.
Thank you for trusting “Ineskohl Kitchen” with your culinary journey. We look forward to sharing many more recipes and stories with you. Happy cooking!
