Are you dreaming of a trip to Mackinac Island, but the ferry ticket prices are a little too steep? Don't despair! Bring a taste of the island to your kitchen with this incredibly easy recipe for homemade Mackinac Island Fudge. This rich, creamy, and utterly delicious fudge is surprisingly simple to make, requiring minimal ingredients and even less effort. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth, gifting to friends, or simply enjoying a little bit of homemade happiness, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Get ready to experience the magic of Mackinac Island, one bite at a time!
Ingredients:
- 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
- 12 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 6 ounces white chocolate chips (optional, for a swirl)
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
Getting Started:
- Prepare your pan: Line an 8x8 inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides to easily lift the fudge out later.
- Melt the chocolate: In a double boiler or heat-safe bowl set over a pan of simmering water, melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips and butter, stirring occasionally until smooth and creamy. Avoid letting the water touch the bottom of the bowl. A microwave is an alternative; melt in 30-second intervals, stirring well after each, until smooth.
Combining the Ingredients:
- Add the condensed milk: Remove the melted chocolate from the heat and stir in the sweetened condensed milk until fully incorporated. The mixture will be thick.
- Flavor it up: Stir in the vanilla extract and salt.
Creating the Fudge:
- Optional swirl: If using white chocolate chips, melt them separately using the same method as the semi-sweet chocolate. Once melted, gently swirl the white chocolate into the semi-sweet chocolate mixture. Don't overmix; you want to retain some of the swirl effect.
- Pour and set: Pour the fudge mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- Chill: Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the fudge to fully set.
Finishing Touches:
- Cut and serve: Once set, lift the fudge out of the dish using the parchment paper overhang. Cut into small squares and enjoy! You can dust with powdered sugar for an extra touch of elegance.
Tips for the Best Fudge:
- Use good quality chocolate: The flavor of your fudge will depend heavily on the quality of the chocolate you use. Splurge a little for better results.
- Don't overheat the chocolate: Overheating can cause the chocolate to seize and become grainy. Low and slow is the key.
- Let it set completely: Patience is a virtue when it comes to fudge. Allowing it to chill completely will result in a firmer, easier-to-cut fudge.
Variations:
- Nutty Fudge: Add 1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds) to the mixture before pouring it into the pan.
- Mint Fudge: Add 1-2 teaspoons of peppermint extract for a refreshing twist.
- Sea Salt Fudge: Sprinkle sea salt flakes over the top of the fudge before chilling for a sweet and salty combination.
Nutritional Information (per square, approximate):
This will vary depending on the exact chocolate used, but a rough estimate is:
- Calories: Approximately 150-200
- Fat: 10-15g
- Sugar: 20-25g
This delicious homemade Mackinac Island Fudge is a perfect treat for any occasion. Its simple recipe and customizable variations make it a versatile dessert that will impress even the most discerning sweet tooth. Enjoy the sweet taste of success!