Okay folks. I'm all about a little convenience. I am not opposed to the occasional packaged item. I've been known to serve Tuna Helper and boxed Mac and Cheese. But really a fudge kit. I almost fell off my couch when I saw this advertised.
$7-8 bucks a kit people! And you still have to add your own butter! And it only makes 1 1/2 pounds! Please, please for the love of all that is good about homemade holiday treats DO NOT buy this kit. Making your own is so easy for the holidays and makes so much more than the kit!
There are a million fudge recipes out there but I love the Fantasy Fudge recipe. This is the recipe that calls for marshmallow creme. Yep marshmallow creme. You know that ooey gooey stuff you get in the little jar.
Kraft has a fantasy fudge recipe on the back of their jet puff jar. Don't use that one. It's a newfangled one. It's not near as good as the original fantasy fudge recipe with marshmallow creme. Why do manufacturers insist on screwing with the original recipes? Just leave 'em alone folks. They were popular for a reason!
I'm going to give you the "original" Fantasy Fudge recipe. The ones fudge makers have been making for years. This recipe is so good and creamy and it makes 3 pounds! I'll break down the price for you and I promise it will be so much cheaper than the "kit 'o fudge"!
Original Fantasy Fudge-Kraft Foods
Yields 3 pounds or about 117 inch pieces
Ingredients:
3 cups sugar
3/4 cup butter (margarine can be used. I only use butter. It's worth the extra $)
2/3 cup evaporated milk
1 12-oz. (340 g) package semi-sweet chocolate chips (get the good kind)
1 7-oz. (198 g) jar Kraft Marshmallow creme
1 cup chopped nuts (optional. Both walnut and pecans are good. I use walnuts)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (I was out of vanilla and used brandy extract. Was still so good!)
Directions:
Combine sugar, margarine and milk in heavy 2-1/2 quart saucepan; bring to full rolling bail, stirring constantly. Continue boiling 5 minutes over medium heat, stirring and not letting to scorch. Make sure your heat is at medium. Remove from heat, stir in chocolate till melted. Add marshmallow creme, nuts & vanilla beat till blended. Pour into greased or parchment lined 9 X 13-inch baking pan. Let cool and cut into 1-inch squares. (I prefer parchment lined as it's so easy to pop out and cut into pretty squares. Here's a little parchment paper trick for you: Cut your piece to fit down into pan with paper coming up sides. Spray your baking pan with cooking spray on bottom and up sides. Immediately lay your paper down inside and press down onto cooking spray. Spray will help your paper stick in place and form to the pan better.)
Note: Can be made in a smaller pan for thicker squares, but making it in the 9 X 13 will give you great size pieces and so much more.
Cost comparison:
Fudge Kit: $7 plus stick of butter (.50) $7.50-$8.00 depending on where you purchase
Yields 1 1/2 pounds
$5 a pound (Maybe you're paying for the pretty little disposable pan that comes with the kit. Yep that's it. grin.)
Homemade Fudge: $4.79 (this price includes good chocolate chips and walnuts)
Yields 3 pounds!
$1.59 a pound
No Comparison! nuff said! Make your own homemade fudge. Now.
Enjoy!
