Keep me away from the refrigerator, please. . .

@GardenGerty (160626)
United States
November 1, 2009 7:11pm CST
I love to buy unusual things, and last year, after the holiday season, I got some creme de menthe chips. Someone had posted a recipe that needed them, but I lost it. Kept the chips, in my crisper drawer. I do that a lot, and I have had bittersweet chocolate, and semisweet chips and white chocolate, etc. I also stock up on canned milk and sweetened condensed milk, and canned pumpkin, you get the picture. Well, I had a few semi sweet choc. chips, sweetened condensed milk and these creme de menthe chips--those items quickly became fudge. Yummy, but hubby likes peanut butter fudge. . . out with white chocolate chips, peanut butter, and sweetened condensed milk, more fudge! Son says, I think I like butterscotch--I buy more milk, butterscotch chips, and combine it with some peanut butter and WOW! butterscotch fudge, and then there is this conglomeration of Baker's Chocolate, unsweetened, and Giradelli 70% cacao bar, and two ounces of white chocolate.--Oh no!! More fudge. It so happened that the chocolate became untempered somehow (very old for one thing), so I added 2T. butter. Looking around there is a cup of mini marshmallows--here they go-- and then of course a new bag of walnuts--would you call this fudge rocky road? It is dark and rich and mysterious, and not too bad. With four kinds of fudge though, I have got to stay away from the refrigerator!!! Do you have any great fudge recipes?
15 people like this
29 responses
@AmbiePam (92476)
• United States
2 Nov 09
I gained five pounds just reading this post.
5 people like this
@GardenGerty (160626)
• United States
2 Nov 09
Sorry, I hope the endorphins helped your back pain while you enjoyed.
4 people like this
@AmbiePam (92476)
• United States
2 Nov 09
4 people like this
@celticeagle (166761)
• Boise, Idaho
2 Nov 09
My mom used to come home from work and make fudge nearly every night. She had the greatest recipe. Sadly she passed on several years back and you know, I never got the recipe from her. I did several other recipes from my grandma though. I think you should try to find an old recipe book. They would have the best in them!
@GardenGerty (160626)
• United States
24 Feb 10
Hey, the bookseller is alibris. I have not looked for her cookbook, but I got a book my daughter wanted that was out of print. I shop through MyPoints and get points there as well.
2 people like this
@celticeagle (166761)
• Boise, Idaho
3 Nov 09
That is so sad. You might try online. I think it is called Exliris book store......they have old books. Might help. If that isn't right let me know.
2 people like this
@celticeagle (166761)
• Boise, Idaho
24 Feb 10
Oh, yes. I knew it was something like that. I have heard of MyPoints. Sounds like a good site.
1 person likes this
@JoyfulOne (6232)
• United States
2 Nov 09
I don't have any good fudge recipes, but I'll have to keep tuned into this discussion to get some!! Gosh, all that different fudge sounds delish! (wish you were my neighbor lol) I don't know what I do to ruin fudge, but it just never turns out right. I have the candy thermometer and all that, yet it still doesn't turn out like the creamy fudge my grammy used to make. When I do get it to come out to some semblance of fudge, it's always grainy. This discussion is definitely making me want to try it again though.
4 people like this
@JoyfulOne (6232)
• United States
2 Nov 09
Ah, beat until glossy..now there's helpful hint I can use. One of my candy books said not to over beat, so it must be I'm under-beating the stuff. Thanks:)
2 people like this
@GardenGerty (160626)
• United States
2 Nov 09
This is why I use the microwave, it is so easy, and with the sweetened milk there is no sugar to dissolve. You do want to beat it until it is glossy for the best result, though.
2 people like this
@catdla1 (6005)
• United States
2 Nov 09
If I ever go trick or treating, I'm coming to YOUR house. And I'm not leaving until I try your fudge. I generally don't keep candy in the house, but reading your discussion I now have a craving.... I don't have any good recipes, but could you send me yours? Is there a base recipe that you work from, just using different flavored chips to get the flavors you like? I bet a chocolate fudge with toasted coconut mixed in would be good.
4 people like this
@JoyfulOne (6232)
• United States
2 Nov 09
Hmmm, GG, I didn't know you could microwave fudge recipes. Now I know I'm going to have to try that way!! Glad you mentioned it;)
4 people like this
@GardenGerty (160626)
• United States
2 Nov 09
I looked up Eagle Brand fudge, and got the basics. I use a can of sweetened condensed milk and three cups of chips or two cups of chips and a half cup of peanut butter.I microwave it about two to three minutes and stir it with a kitchen spoon, wood or plastic, and microwave again and stir again until all chips are melted. If you over cook it it is more like a carmel. Really fool proof.
5 people like this
@catdla1 (6005)
• United States
2 Nov 09
Thanks so much! I bookmarked the site, and spent about a half hour poking through it. Looks like a lot of good stuff there. Just in time for the holidays...
3 people like this
@natnickeep (2336)
• United States
3 Nov 09
You sound a lot like my mother in law. Her cabinets were packed full of all kinds of stuff for baking that I had no idea what to do with. Especially around the holiday season. I learned a lot in the last 10 years being around her. I even made up some of my own recipes over the time. I will have to pull some out and share with you sometime for sure.
4 people like this
@GardenGerty (160626)
• United States
24 Feb 10
Cooking is a very creative hobby, and you can eat the evidence.
1 person likes this
@ramsey39 (49)
2 Nov 09
This is the easiest fudge that you will ever make and there are so many combinations using different chips and different frostings! Cinnamon Fudge 1 container of vanilla frosting 1 bag of cinnamon chips Melt together in microwave until smooth.When melted pour into a buttered 8x8 baking dish and let it set up. This is so creamy. ramsey39
@GardenGerty (160626)
• United States
24 Feb 10
So these are not the red hot candies then? It does sound so wonderful I wonder if other chips would work in the recipe.
1 person likes this
@babystar1 (4233)
• United States
3 Nov 09
May I ask you where do you buy your cinnamon chips at? I cannot fine them at any of our stores here.
3 people like this
3 Nov 09
You can go on www.hersheys.com and go to the product locator and they will find a store that is in your area that has the cinnamon chips. I live in central Illinois and I found mine at Schunuck's and Meijer's. Good luck! ramsey39
2 people like this
@Polly1 (12645)
• United States
2 Nov 09
I use the recipe for fudge that is on the back of a jar of the Kraft marshmellow cream. It always comes out good and its tasty too. I have been making that kind of fudge for over 25 years, I don't even look at the recipe anymore. All the kinds of fudge you made sounds yummy. My hubby could set a pan of it in front of him and jsut chow, I can't do that. its much too sweet for me to eat lots of it. The grandkids love it too. Now stay away from the fridge....
4 people like this
@GardenGerty (160626)
• United States
2 Nov 09
I have some marshmallow creme in the cupboard, and that is what my mom always made, fantasy fudge. She had a version with peanut butter as well. I have to admit it was better flavored than what I made.
3 people like this
@royal52gens (5488)
• United States
2 Nov 09
Ok, since you are making all the fudge this year, I will be coming over to visit you but only to get some fudge. I love fudge. I like chocolate and peanut butter fudge the best. Please make some fudge for me.
3 people like this
@GardenGerty (160626)
• United States
2 Nov 09
Suer bet, Dawn, if you can catch me at home.
1 person likes this
@GardenGerty (160626)
• United States
24 Feb 10
Well, I must have mistaken your avatar for Dawnald. I worked most of the holidays, so I missed you if you dropped by. Working less now, and enjoying more.
1 person likes this
@pergammano (7682)
• Canada
3 Nov 09
Now, dear GardenGerty....I am glad I do NOT live close to you, or you would have a "fridge robber." I would learn to be a night raider. I truly, have not, thinking about it....had a piece of fudge, of any form since the millenium! That fudge, was sold at the local grocery store...made in some-one's home...and it was "up-chuck" horrible....it had flour in it. But, you m'dear, sound like the "Fudge Queen"....and we all shud be asking for recipes from you! Something that we used to make in my childhood, was "pull taffee"....it was fun, as we used to sit around for a long time, with hands buttered, pulling this stuff, to get it to the right consistency, then we would cover little mashed potato peppermints with it! I think you shud let us myLotters sign up for FUDGE recipes from you! Cheers!
3 people like this
@GardenGerty (160626)
• United States
24 Feb 10
My husband has funny memories of handing a piece of taffy to the dog when he was little, while they were pulling it. It does sound funny, he said the dog ran round and round the room trying to get it out of its teeth.
2 people like this
@GardenGerty (160626)
• United States
24 Feb 10
My husband has funny memories of handing a piece of taffy to the dog when he was little, while they were pulling it. It does sound funny, he said the dog ran round and round the room trying to get it out of its teeth.
2 people like this
@GardenGerty (160626)
• United States
24 Feb 10
My husband has funny memories of handing a piece of taffy to the dog when he was little, while they were pulling it. It does sound funny, he said the dog ran round and round the room trying to get it out of its teeth.
2 people like this
@drannhh (15219)
• United States
2 Nov 09
I have not made fudge in years, but yours sounds good. Kitchen sink fudge?
4 people like this
@GardenGerty (160626)
• United States
24 Feb 10
I called it Rocky road, but it was missing the peanuts, so I guess Kitchen Sink Fudge is quite descriptive.
1 person likes this
@Hatley (163776)
• Garden Grove, California
2 Nov 09
oh gardengerty shame you made my blood glucose go sky high just thinking about all that yummy fudge. nope no great fudge recipes because I am in this retirement center and also woe is me, I am a diabetic with a sweet tooth,not a great combination for sure,so my fudge eating days now are sort of limited. Love peanut butter fudge too. ah well I can dream anyway.
@GardenGerty (160626)
• United States
2 Nov 09
Since it is internet fudge we can say it is sugar and carb free.
3 people like this
@dawnald (85146)
• Shingle Springs, California
3 Nov 09
I have never made fudge, but I sure love eating it. Peanut butter and mint are my favorites!
3 people like this
@GardenGerty (160626)
• United States
24 Feb 10
Fun project with the kids.
2 people like this
@dawnald (85146)
• Shingle Springs, California
24 Feb 10
note to self...
@sulsisels (1685)
• United States
2 Nov 09
Hi GardenGerty My parents would be so thrilled that all the money they spent on text books while I was in cullinary school was not in vain! I just recently graduted and I went and pulled one of my notebooks on Candy. We spent a couple of days creating fudge and I have several recipes. I obviously cant post all of them but I'll tell you what I have made and if any of them interest you, Id be happy to supply you with the recipe. Just pm me..I'll do a friend request and its up to you. (I know in the rules it says we are not supposed to post recipes as discussion topics, that they should be shared via message..In any case here's what I have. Dark Chocolate fudge Triple chocolate fudge Chocolate mint cookie crunch fudge Nutty chocoolate mint fudge Bourbon fudge Buttermilk fudge Cherry vanilla fudge Cookies n cream fudge Divinity fudge Kahlua creamy fudge Maple fudge Pistachio swirl fudge White chocolate cherry almond fudge Hazelnut fudge Caramel fudge And for the lady that is a diabetic,,I even have something for her "Diabetic Fudge" and its not bad either!! Like I said..thank the good Lord for books..
@GardenGerty (160626)
• United States
2 Nov 09
Oooh, that white chocolate cherry fudge sounds great, and son would like the cherry vanilla. Thanks, added you as a friend.
3 people like this
@GardenGerty (160626)
• United States
24 Feb 10
We did not get around to sharing with a PM. I will get with you later, my life is turning out better.
1 person likes this
@sulsisels (1685)
• United States
4 Nov 09
I'll get the recipes to you tomorrow if I have time,,If not, definately over the weekend..Hope you enjoy them..please let me know!! J
2 people like this
@solared (1207)
• United States
2 Nov 09
Ugh thats a lot of mixing, not sure I would like that combination would have to try it and find out, not a fan of butterscotch.
@GardenGerty (160626)
• United States
2 Nov 09
Something for everyone! My son has even more ideas.
2 people like this
@MsTickle (25180)
• Australia
5 Nov 09
Hi Gerty. Over the years I've tried several fudge recipes only to be disappointed. It's my belief the consistency should be soft and sort of chewy, like a very thick but able to be formed caramel, am I wrong? I'd love to find a great fudge recipe and you seem to be pretty good at it. Any tips or recipes?
3 people like this
@GardenGerty (160626)
• United States
24 Feb 10
I just use this fool proof method with the sweetened condensed milk. I think you get the chewier consistency by cooking it a little longer. In fact, I understand that that was how caramels were first invented. Someone overcooked the fudge.
1 person likes this
@cher913 (25782)
• Canada
2 Nov 09
if and when i buy chocolate, i throw it in the freezer! that keeps it out of reach and makes getting it out a committment! my mom makes the most awesome fudge. she makes it with evaporated milk but i dont have the recipe.
3 people like this
@GardenGerty (160626)
• United States
24 Feb 10
I have chocolate stashed in lots of places.
• United States
2 Nov 09
I've never tried to make fudge but I think it's supposed to be fairly easy. I dunno I may have to try it one day.... but then I'll have the same problem as you... keeping away from it! I love almost anything chocolate!
@GardenGerty (160626)
• United States
24 Feb 10
You can make so many kinds so easily with sweetened condensed milk.
@ladym33 (10979)
• United States
4 Nov 09
Wow you and I have a lot in common. I actually use the fudge recipe that is on the marshmallow fluff jar, but I will change the types of chocolate chips that I use to make different varieties. I have also add mini marshmallows and peanuts to the fudge just before spreading it out in the pan to make Rocky Road fudge. I have also added marchino cherries that way too. I have also added extracts to change the flavors a bit. Creme De Menthe chips sound great by the way.
3 people like this
@GardenGerty (160626)
• United States
24 Feb 10
I know that you are a really creative cook.
1 person likes this
@ANTIQUELADY (36440)
• United States
2 Nov 09
It all sounds good. I have cooked all my life but never made candy. My grandmother & mother always made oddles of it at christmas so i never learned how. They are both gone now so we don't have all that good candy at christmas but i sure don't need it anyway.
3 people like this
@GardenGerty (160626)
• United States
2 Nov 09
Mom did lots of candy making, but I did not try much. I just had a craving.
4 people like this
@ANTIQUELADY (36440)
• United States
2 Nov 09
As much as u made that should satisfy your craving for awhile. lol.
2 people like this
@eileenleyva (27560)
• Philippines
7 Nov 09
I do not have any fudge recipe but I just wanted to tell you that I enjoyed your refrigerator anecdote. Sweet tooth, huh!
3 people like this
@GardenGerty (160626)
• United States
24 Feb 10
When I get started cooking I tend to not know when to stop. Sometimes it is sweets other times something else.I call it "making an elephant." Right now I have chili, queso dip, broccoli cheese soup, broccoli/cauliflower salad all made up, as well as some plain baked chicken and a little left over beef roast. There are only two of us at home right now, so everything gets frozen.
1 person likes this