Joy's Family Cocoa Fudge

Mise-en-place

Ingrediënten

De bereidingswijze

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1. 1

   Lightly grease an 8x8 inch baking pan with the softened butter and set aside.

   Ongeveer 2 min

2. 2

   In a heavy-bottomed 3-quart saucepan, whisk together the sugar, cocoa powder, and salt.

   Ongeveer 3 min

   Tip van de kok: Combining the dry ingredients first helps prevent lumps when you add the milk.

3. 3

   Gradually stir in the milk until thoroughly combined.

   Ongeveer 2 min

4. 4

   Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring to a rolling boil, stirring constantly.

   Ongeveer 5 min

5. 5

   Reduce heat to medium and boil, without stirring, until the mixture reaches 232°F (111°C) on a candy thermometer.

   Ongeveer 15 min

   Tip van de kok: If you don't have a thermometer, test for the soft-ball stage by dropping a bit of mixture into ice water; it should form a soft, pliable ball.

6. 6

   Remove the pan from the heat, then add the fudge butter and vanilla extract to the surface, but do not stir.

   Ongeveer 1 min

7. 7

   Allow the mixture to cool undisturbed at room temperature until it reaches 110°F (43°C), which takes about 30-40 minutes.

   Ongeveer 40 min

   Tip van de kok: Don't rush the cooling process or stir, as this is crucial for a smooth, non-grainy texture.

8. 8

   Beat the mixture vigorously with a wooden spoon until it begins to thicken and loses its gloss.

   Ongeveer 5 min

   Tip van de kok: You can also use an electric mixer with a paddle attachment on low speed.

9. 9

   If using, quickly stir in the chopped pecans.

10. 10

    Immediately pour the fudge into the prepared pan and spread evenly with a spatula.

    Ongeveer 1 min

    Tip van de kok: Work quickly as the fudge will start to set as soon as you stop beating it.

11. 11

    Let the fudge set completely at room temperature for at least 1 hour before cutting into squares.

    Ongeveer 1 uur