Castle Kitchen by Sstarfyre Wiseroot

[Dept of PMM Artists & things]

I think that we forgot the unsung heroes (and the quiet) heartbeat of the Castle. Probably why I have posted a few other "topics" relating to such a place.......or unless Ms LM titled it differently.........no pun intended Ms LM

I always have a hard time making fudge, and now I find an article (hopefully) that will help out those who have a hard time too.......and yes I do have a candy thermo.....

Secrets to Success

Fudge is a delicious combination of sugar, butter, milk and flavorings such as chocolate, maple, peanut butter, white chocolate, butterscotch, walnut, or even pumpkin. The tricky part of making fudge is combining these items and cooking them properly.

The key to good fudge is to follow the directionsexactly. Use an accurate candy thermometer and allow the mixture to reach the temperatures called for in the recipe before moving to the next step. Add each ingredient in the order listed by the recipe. Vigorous stirring at the wrong time (after it's reached the soft-ball stage) can actually promote crystallization of sugar into large grains. Small sugar crystals equal smooth fudge that melts on the tongue.

Method

Once the fudge reaches 240 degrees F/115 degrees C (the "soft-ball" stage), do not stir it or even shake the pan until it has cooled to about 110 degrees F/43 degrees C. When pouring the fudge from the saucepan to the serving pan, don't scrape the sides or bottom of saucepan or you may introduce unwanted sugar crystals into your finished fudge. For first-time candy makers, look for recipes that call for corn syrup, marshmallows, or marshmallow crème: these ingredients prevent crystallization of sugar into large granules, so the texture of the fudge will remain smooth. Recipes using cream or evaporated milk are less likely to curdle than regular milk.

Equipment

For best results, use a heavy, high-sided saucepan that holds about twice the volume of your candy recipe. A heavy pan is less likely to cause scorching, and the extra room helps prevent boil-overs. You will also want an accurate candy thermometer. Other factors, like the temperature of your stove, type of pan, temperature of your kitchen, and even the weather, can affect cooking times, but the candy's temperature is always the best measurement to gauge doneness.

Be Prepared

Before beginning, have all your equipment and preparation ready. Once you start making fudge, you risk ruining the batch if you stop suddenly. So before you turn on the stove, butter the pans, measure the ingredients, and test the candy thermometer. (Test the candy thermometer by boiling a pan of water, inserting the thermometer, and ensuring that it reads 212 degrees F/100 degrees C.) 

Follow the directions faithfully and use good equipment: your fudge should be a sweet success every time.

ALL RECIPES

German Chocolate Fudge

Ingredients

• 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
• 12 (1 ounce) squares German sweet chocolate
• 1 (7 ounce) jar marshmallow creme
• 4 1/2 cups white sugar
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 (12 fluid ounce) can evaporated milk
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups chopped pecans

Directions

1. Combine chocolate chips, German sweet chocolate and marshmallow creme in large bowl.
2. Combine sugar, butter, evaporated milk and salt in heavy skillet. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Cook for 6 minutes, stirring constantly.
3. Pour hot syrup over chocolate mixture. Stir with wooden spoon until smooth. Stir in pecans.
4. Spread into buttered 10x15 inch pan. Let stand until firm; cut into squares.