Maple Fudge

Does anyone else remember when the Fantasy Fudge recipe on the back of the Marshmallow Creme jar included instructions for making it in the microwave? Well, I do and for some reason (thank goodness) I wrote it down! I have been making my fudge in the microwave ever since and it always turns out great, right consistency and never grainy. The secret is to use at least a 4-quart bowl or it will boil over, trust me! ;-) I think mine is probably a 6-quart and just barely fits in the microwave.

This is just the basic Fantasy Fudge recipe substituting vanilla chips for the chocolate chips and maple extract for the vanilla. I also use my goat milk, I haven't bought canned evaporated milk in several years.

Maple Fudge

3/4 cup butter
3 cups sugar
2/3 cup milk
12 ounces vanilla chips
7-ounce jar Marshmallow Creme
1 1/2 teaspoons maple extract (I use a little extra just because)
1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts if desired

Melt butter in a 4-quart bowl in microwave on high. Add sugar and milk; mix well. Microwave on high for 5 minutes, stir after 3 minutes. Mix well and scrape down bowl. Microwave on high 5 1/2 minutes, stir after 3 minutes. Add vanilla chips and stir until melted. Add Marshmallow Creme, maple extract and nuts if using; mix well. Pour into a well buttered 13 x 9 x 2-inch pan. Cool at room temperature. Cut into squares.

As an added bonus today, I thought I would share a picture of this candy mouse that the neighbor made! She makes these every year and includes them on our Christmas goody plate. The body is a chocolate covered cherry, the head is a Hershey's Kiss and the ears are sliced almonds. She "glues" it all together with a little melted chocolate. They sure are cute! :)