Fruit Fudge for the Holidays

I have been cooking, baking and packaging my Christmas giveaways to family, friends and neighbors. Then, my friend shared her fudge recipe via Facebook, a couple of days ago, and I have been playing around with it, adding different things:  

3 cups chocolate chips

1 can of condensed milk

1 cup nuts 

1 tsp. vanilla

The recipe is easy to make and it's fun to be creative with it.

From the basic recipe, I came up with a FRUIT FUDGE, as inspired by my Bejeweled Fruitcake. This has become one more addition to my holiday gift boxes of goodies to give away. 

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Do-ahead preparation: line a meatloaf pan with parchment paper, on all sides. Crease the corners.


INGREDIENTS:
3 cups of premier, white chocolate morsels (1 1/2 bags or 18 oz.)
1 can condensed milk
1 cup candied mango, diced to the same size as the other candied fruits
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup raisins
1 tsp. orange rind, finely chopped (or zest)
1 tbsp. brandy
1 tsp. butter


PROCEDURE:
1. Place all your fruits in a bowl and add the brandy and toss lightly. Set aside.

2. Throw the white, chocolate morsels and the condensed milk into a flat, thick-bottomed saucepan and cook at a low temperature, stirring constantly. My setting was at "2" out of "10" on a glass-top burner. 

2. When the white chocolate is melted and blended with the condensed milk (about 15 minutes of cooking time) turn off the flame and add the fruits with the brandy and mixed well to incorporate the fruits. Add the butter, and continue mixing.

3. Pour the mixture into your lined pan. Shake it a bit to even the spread and let it cool on a wire rack for several hours. If you are in a rash, refrigerate it. 

4. Place it in the freezer for 10 minutes before cutting it up. Use a sharp knife to cut the fudge into the desired sizes - for sampling or for packaging.


From a sampler size, my food critic (my daughter) said that it tasted like a fruit nougat. The orange rind gave it a burst of fresh flavor.

This one is good to go!

Have fun with your fudge making. Make your own versions and do share what new creations you come up with.