Photo by Amie Valpone

INGREDIENTS

fudge ingredients

• 3 cups sugar
• 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
• 6 ounces semi–sweet baking chocolate, chopped
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1/2 to 1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

topping ingredients

• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon water
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons heavy cream, divided
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon gourmet sea salt

Holiday Fudge with Salted Caramel Topping

Here's an easy-to-make fudge that looks (and tastes) gourmet! You won't need a candy thermometer, either!

DIRECTIONS

Prepare a 7x9-inch or 8x8-inch pan by coating it with butter; set aside.

In a saucepan, heat sugar and cream until hot. Stir in chocolate. Bring to a boil, then add butter, stirring constantly until mixture is smooth and thickened, approximately 10 minutes. Remove from heat and pour into a large bowl. Using an electric mixer, beat the mixture until cool, approximately 8 to 10 minutes. Stir in walnuts, if desired. Transfer mixture to the prepared pan; cover and place in the refrigerator to cool.

To make the caramel topping, combine sugar and water in a saucepan over medium heat. Cook for about 10 minutes until mixture turns an amber color (do not stir). Remove from heat. Carefully whisk in the butter, vanilla extract and 1/2 cup heavy cream.

In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining 2 tablespoons cream and cornstarch. Add this to the sugar mixture in the saucepan and cook over low heat for one minute, stirring constantly until thickened. Remove from heat and allow to cool for approximately 8 to 10 minutes. (Mixture will thicken as it cools).

Remove the fudge from the refrigerator, and spread the cooled caramel mixture over the top. Sprinkle with sea salt. Cover fudge with foil and return to refrigerator for at least two hours or overnight. Slice into 1/2-inch small squares before serving.

Chef Suggestions

Fudge is something you can make a few days ahead of time. Just tightly wrap and store it in the refrigerator.

You can also make this fudge without the caramel topping. Instead, just sprinkle with sea salt or powdered sugar.