Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge

Would it even be Christmas time without a plate of fudge to snack on? Fudge is just one of those candies that epitomize Christmas food! There are so many varieties out there...versions with nuts, versions that can be made entirely in the microwave, versions with marshmallows, white chocolate versions...and versions like this that call for the beautiful marriage of chocolate and peanut butter. This was incredibly simple to make, I know that candy making can be intimidating...especially to beginning candy makers, but this was really easy. Not a bit intimidating.

Okay, I lied.

It was a little intimidating.

But that was only before I learned what soft ball meant. Once I learned that candy making phrase and it's meaning it wasn't so much intimidating anymore.

Ingredients...

...3 cups white sugar
...1 cup evaporated milk
...1/4 cup cocoa
...1/2 cup peanut butter
...1 T. butter

Directions...

In a saucepan stir together the sugar, evaporated milk and cocoa. Stir over high heat until the mixture comes to a rolling boil. Lower heat to medium and continue stirring until it reaches softball stage (240 degrees F with a candy thermometer. Mine had a nifty little arrow that pointed to where the mercury should be for the soft ball stage!). Remove from the heat and add peanut butter and margarine. Stir by hand until well combined and creamy. Pour into a greased pan (I used a 9x13. For a thicker fudge, use a 9x9 or 8x8) and let harden.

To see other delicious recipes, check out Foodie Friday over at Designs by Gollum!