Milk is the main ingredient in vanilla fudge.
Vanilla fudge is a creamy fudge made with milk and vanilla extract. This confection and the closely related chocolate fudge are quite popular as a dessert or comfort food in many Western countries, and variations of these fudges can also be found in other cuisines around the world. Vanilla fudge can be purchased ready-made at a bakery or grocery store, and it can also be made at home.
Chopped almonds or other nuts can be mixed with vanilla fudge.
It is very easy to make vanilla fudge. There are many different fudge recipes, but the main ingredients needed to make basic vanilla fudge treats include milk, powdered sugar, unsalted butter, and vanilla extract. Fruit, nuts, marshmallows, corn syrup, and honey can also be used if needed. Cocoa or chocolate can be added to the drink for a chocolate flavor when making vanilla fudge or plain fudge.
Fruits and nuts are often incorporated into vanilla fudge.
To begin with, icing sugar and butter are added to the milk in a saucepan, which is brought to a simmer. The mixture is constantly stirred as it heats to prevent the milk from burning and the sugar from sticking to the bottom of the pot. Stirring also helps to completely dissolve the sugar and butter. When the milk reaches the boiling point, it is necessary to stop stirring; if stirring is continued at this point, the sugar crystals dissolved in the milk will form again, ultimately giving the vanilla fudge a grainy texture instead of the characteristic smooth and creamy texture that is needed.
Lower the heat and let the milk boil a little. As soon as the milk begins to thicken, the pot should be removed from the heat and the vanilla extract added to the milk. Fruit, nuts, marshmallows, and cocoa can also be added to the mix at this time if desired.
The milk should be allowed to cool and thicken a bit more, and then stirred again. It is then placed on a flat tray previously greased with butter and the liquid chocolate syrup must be left to harden, at room temperature on a countertop or in the refrigerator. Once the vanilla fudge has hardened, it can be cut into desired size squares. These can be eaten immediately or stored in airtight containers.