Homemade Chocolate Fudge
Actually this is not the chocolate fudge you’re used to – in Romania, we call this homemade chocolate. It is made with powdered milk, cocoa powder and a sugar syrup and it has a dense texture that melts in your mouth bite after bite. It can be dark or white, it can be vanilla or rum, it can be simple or crunchy, it can be plain or colorful – it’s a dessert that Romanians love, it brings back childhood memories for most people. The only thing in common with chocolate however is the cocoa powder, the process of making it involving a hot sugar syrup and a quick mix with a spatula. Butter is used for more creaminess and flavorings can be anything from vanilla to chili.
In all fairness, I’m not a huge fan of this kind of fudge – the sweetness can be a little overwhelming – but everyone I know loves it so I find myself making it from time to time! It’s easy to make and incredibly versatile so there’s no problem to mix a batch once in a while, just to spoil my family with it!
Hazelnuts seemed like the perfect choice for this particular batch, although roasted walnuts sound just as good! Some dried fruits or even M&Ms or other candies would have surely made a great addition to this dessert! The sky is the limit!
Homemade Chocolate Fudge
Ingredients
- 150 g water
- 500 g white granulated sugar
- 100 g butter
- 500 g powdered milk (full-fat)
- 100 g dark cocoa powder (sifted)
- 2 g salt
- 5 g vanilla extract
- 100 g hazelnuts (roasted)
Instructions
- Combine the water, sugar and butter in a large saucepa and bring to a boil. Cook for 1 minute then remove from heat and allow to cool down until just slightly warm.
- In the meantime, sift the milk, cocoa powder and salt.
- Pour the warm syrup over the dry ingredients. Add the vanilla and mix well.
- Spoon the mixture into a 25x25cm square pan lined with parchment paper.
- Top with roasted hazelnuts and place in the fridge to set for a few hours.
- Cut into small bars to serve.
Notes
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