New Adventure #2 - Fudge!

I'd always had the vague idea that making fudge was a long, difficult process involving a candy thermometer, double boiler, and (more than likely) burnt chocolate. To my surprise and delight, I discovered that I can make a delicious fudge with just 3 ingredients and no stove or thermometer! To be sure, there are many fancier and more complicated recipes. The extra effort probably shows, but I found I was more than satisfied with my quickie recipe. This is probably the highest deliciousness-to-effort ratio of any dessert I've ever made.

Quickie Chocolate Orange Fudge

8 oz semi-sweet baking chocolate

2/3 cup sweetened condensed milk

3/4 - 1 teaspoon flavor extract

Break/chop the chocolate up into small pieces and mix in a microwave-safe bowl with the sweetened condensed milk.

Gradually melt the mixture in the microwave. Microwaves vary, but I suggest starting with 30 seconds on low, stirring, then additional 15 second bursts as needed, stirring in between. Don't rush! Continue until the chocolate is almost completely melted, with just a few small lumps. Work the last few lumps in by stirring gently.

Add the favor extract and stir until smooth. I couldn't find my measuring spoons, but I estimate I added 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 1/2 teaspoon of orange extract. The orange was a little too strong for my taste, so I'd recommend 1/4 teaspoon instead. Try adding a little at a time and tasting as you go!

Line a small dish with tin foil. I found that a 5x9" bread pan was perfect for the amount of fudge this recipe generates. Pour the fudge batter into the lined dish and refrigerate. (Don't forget to lick the spatula!)

Let the fudge solidify for 2+ hours, cut into bites (the foil makes this easy), and enjoy! 

Store in the fridge in an airtight container after chilling to prevent the fudge from drying out. Note that this recipe generates a soft but solid fudge, definitely not the gooey type.

I'm looking forward to trying different flavorings. Coconut chocolate fudge is definitely coming soon...

Wow, it has been awhile! What a busy summer. Here's just a little of what I've been up to:

This is my new favorite brownie recipe... double chocolate coconut brownies - yum!

 

I adapted the recipe from this King Arthur Flour recipe

Double Chocolate Coconut Brownies

INGREDIENTS 

4 eggs

1 1/4 cups cocoa

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

1 cup (2 sticks) salted butter

2 1/4 cups sugar

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

2 cups dark chocolate chips

1 teaspoon coconut extract

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (This is the step I always forget :)

2. Beat the eggs with the cocoa, salt, baking powder, coconut extract and vanilla till smooth. 

3. In a saucepan over low heat, melt the butter, add the sugar and stir. Heat briefly until the mixture is hot but not bubbling; it'll become shiny looking as you stir it. 

4. Add the hot butter/sugar mixture to the egg/cocoa mixture, stirring until smooth.

5. Add the flour and chocolate chips, again stirring until smooth.

6. Pour the batter into a non-stick brownie pan and bake for about 30 minutes, until a toothpick poked into the center comes out with just crumbs, not wet batter. 

Optionally, adding a tablespoon of Bailey's adds another great aspect of flavor. I also want to try adding lemon zest or orange zest, or a tablespoon of peach schnapps

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I've suddenly become a hat person - don't know where that came from. But I've collected a whole bunch of cute hats over the past few months, and made this hat rack to store them / show them off:

 

I'm really pleased. It has made my room so much more homey :) 

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Now that Fall is almost here, I'm super excited about...

Restarting aerials class (off for August)

Apple cider

Caramel apples

Getting to wear sweaters