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Started making this festive fudge when needed something special for kids' holiday bake sale. First try looked bit like Christmas threw up - red and green everywhere including my hands for days! Now got it down perfect, makes this amazing swirly pattern kids say looks like Santa's ribbon candy. Even my mom who's super picky about fudge keeps sneaking pieces when thinks nobody looking!
Why You'll Love This Fudge
- Easy make no fancy candy stuff needed
- Looks super impressive everyone thinks took hours
- Perfect holiday treat different from cookies
- Kids love helping make swirls
- Great for gift giving looks amazing boxed up
- No thermometer needed won't burn sugar
- Stays fresh long time if can hide from family
Shopping List
- The Basics:
- Good white chocolate cheap stuff gets grainy
- Can sweetened condensed milk
- Red and green food coloring get gel kind works better
- Kitchen Stuff:
- Big microwave safe bowl
- Parchment paper or foil
- 8x8 pan
- Sharp knife for cutting
Let's Make Some Magic
- Getting Ready
- Line pan with parchment paper let edges hang over sides makes pulling fudge out way easier! Chop up chocolate into little pieces melts better this way tried skipping once got lumpy mess.
- Melting Time
- Dump chocolate and condensed milk in bowl microwave 30 seconds at time stir between. Keep going till smooth and silky might take few times don't rush or burns.
- Color Fun
- Split mixture three parts leave one white. Add red food coloring one green other. Kids love this part but watch out those gel colors stain everything learned hard way wearing favorite shirt.
- Making Pretty Swirls
- Drop spoonfuls different colors in pan like making polka dots. Take knife or toothpick swirl through makes pretty pattern. Don't go crazy or colors get muddy had learn that one few times!
- Waiting Game
- Pop in fridge let set up couple hours. Hardest part keeping everyone's fingers out till ready especially mine!
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Tips From My Kitchen
Make sure everything's room temp before start helps melt smoother. Keep bowl and spoon totally dry water makes chocolate seize up solid waste whole batch that way. If colors not bright enough add tiny bit more but go slow - once made fudge so red looked like Valentine's Day instead Christmas!
Mix It Up
Love trying different color combos. Blue and white looks like winter wonderland. Orange and black perfect for Halloween. Sometimes add sprinkles top before sets kids go crazy for that. Even tried swirling in crushed candy canes one time though got bit messy still tasted amazing!
Storing And Sharing
Cut into squares when totally cold use sharp knife run under hot water between cuts makes neat edges. Looks super pretty on holiday plates. Stays good couple weeks in fridge if can keep hands off that long! Makes perfect gift wrap pieces in wax paper put in pretty box add ribbon instant homemade present everyone loves.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Why use gel food coloring?
Gel colors are more concentrated and won't make fudge too thin. Liquid coloring can affect the texture and may not give vibrant colors.
- → How do I get nice swirls?
Don't overmix. Just a few swirls with a knife in different directions creates the best marble effect. Too much mixing blends the colors.
- → Why does my chocolate seize?
Overheating or moisture can cause seizing. Heat in short bursts, stirring between each. Make sure bowls and utensils are completely dry.
- → Can I make different colors?
Yes, use any gel colors to match your theme - perfect for any holiday or celebration. Just keep portions equal for best results.
- → Why refrigerate?
Cold helps fudge set properly and maintains distinct swirls. Room temperature setting can take longer and may be softer.