One More Holiday Treat - The Neighbors Will Love You

My mom was born and raised in Michigan and one thing us kids knew about Michigan is that they knew fudge. She said on Saturday nights she and her girlfriends would hang out in the kitchen and make fudge. When she went to visit she always brought home that chewy confection. Her favorite was Sanders but I know there are others equally as yummy. If you ever have the chance to visit the idyllic Mackinaw Island, Main Street is dotted with fudge shop after fudge shop. Here’s a recipe for a multi-layered fudge that will keep your neighbors (and any others lucky enough to be on your list) happy. Psst: it comes from California.

This fudge is so decadent with layers of flavor, you can cut small pieces.

This fudge is so decadent with layers of flavor, you can cut small pieces.

Peanut Butter Pie Fudge

Ingredients:

Pie Crust:

  • 20 cream-filled chocolate sandwich cookies

  • 1 tablespoon butter, melted

Peanut Butter Fudge:

  • 1 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar

  • 1/2 stick butter

  • 1 cup brown sugar

  • 1/2 cup whipping cream (30-percent fat)

  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

  • 1/2 cup peanut butter

  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Caramel:

  • 1/2 cup heavy cream (36-to38-percent fat)

  • 1/2 cup brown sugar

  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar

  • 1/4 cup corn syrup

  • 1/4 cup whipping cream (30-percent fat)

  • 1/2 stick butter

  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Marshmallows:

  • 1/3 pound large marshmallows

Chocolate Fudge:

  • 1 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar

  • 2 tablespoons butter

  • 1 1/2 cups heavy cream (36-to38-percent fat)

  • 1/2 cup brown sugar

  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

  • 4 ounces unsweetened chocolate

  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

English Toffee:

  • 1/4 cup English toffee pieces

Directions

For the crust: Preheat the oven to 340 degrees F. Break up the cookies into small pieces and press into a 9-by-9-inch baking pan. Brush with melted butter. Bake for 11 minutes.

For the peanut butter fudge: Put the confectioners' sugar in a large mixing bowl and set aside. Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar, whipping cream and salt. Bring to a boil. Boil for 2 minutes and remove from the heat. Stir in the peanut butter and vanilla. Pour the mixture over the confectioners' sugar and mix. Spoon the mixture into the cookie pie crust until it is completely covered.

For the caramel: In a small saucepan, combine the heavy cream, brown sugar, granulated sugar, corn syrup, whipping cream, butter and salt. Heat over low heat until the butter is completely melted. Gradually increase the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring frequently. Reduce the heat to medium and continue to boil, while stirring, until the temperature on a candy thermometer reads 250 degrees F. Remove from the heat, stir in the vanilla and pour over the peanut butter fudge. (You can double the recipe for this layer and pour half of the caramel into a buttered dish to cut up and enjoy as caramel candies.)

For the marshmallows: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the marshmallows in the microwave for 40 seconds. Working quickly, use a spatula to spread over the caramel layer. If you take too long, the marshmallows will set up and won't spread nicely.

For the chocolate fudge: Put the confectioners' sugar in a large mixing bowl and set aside. Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the cream, brown sugar and salt. Bring to a boil. Boil for 2 minutes and remove from the heat. Stir in the chocolate and vanilla until all the chocolate is melted and the mixture is smooth. Pour the mixture over the confectioners' sugar. Beat with an electric mixer for 3 to 4 minutes until very smooth. Spread evenly over the marshmallow layer with a spatula.

For the toffee: Sprinkle the toffee over the top of the chocolate fudge.

To serve: You do not have to wait for the fudge to set before serving. Using a metal spatula, cut and serve in cake-like squares.

To assemble for gifts: line a metal tin with parchment, arrange the fudge, put the lid on, place a bow on top and your neighbors will be thrilled.

This recipe and photo are provided by Z. Cioccolato as seen on Unique Sweets



MARY VAN HIELFood