French Silk Fudge with a Touch of TLC for V-Day

By Cal Orey,
The Writing Gourmet

On January 30th, I felt the Full Moon (aka Wolf Moon) in its full effect. Emotions and love--looking for it or frustrated with the lack of it paid me a social visit during the weekend. It was a work-related author-intuitive's assignment. And yes, it was fun and not so fun. I learned "on the job" that true love should feel good, right? If not, it's better to go solo, tune out Noah's Ark's twosomes, and practice self love for self preservation. Both women and men (of all ages) need to get that...

So, now I'm sensing the intensity of love gestures and Valentine's Day-- a romantic month. It's a time to pamper you (and yours if you are in love). Sure, dark chocolates and truffles are oh so delicious 'n' heart healthy, and easy to purchase at your local store or online. But hold the phone. There is an alternative route if you're living life on a shoestring or want to give that special someone chocolate made with tender loving care by you. What better way to show your devoted love than to whip up a batch of DIY fresh homemade French fudge?

In my book The Healing Powers of Chocolate, I include the following recipe that is easy to make and failproof. It doesn't get much better than that. Once done, simply use your imagination and put it in a standout Valentine's box or on a white plate or clear plastic container or decorative round tin pan wrapped with red, white, or pink ribbons. Here's the recipe.

French Silk Fudge

* * *
2 cups powdered sugar

2/3 cup cream or 1 small can (5 fl. ounces) evaporated milk
1/4 cup butter

2 cups miniature marshmallows
3 cups (18 ounces) semi-sweet chocolate chips
2 tablespoons vanilla

1 cup chopped nuts

In a large glass bowl, combine sugar and milk. Microwave on full power for 3 minutes; remove and stir. Return and cook an additional 3 minutes on full power. Add butter, marshmallows, chocolate, and vanilla. Mix well. Stir in nuts. Pour into a buttered 8" x 11" pan. Chill and cut into small pieces. Makes 2 pounds.

Conventional Method: Combine powdered sugar and milk in a heavy bottom pan. Stir constantly and bring to a boil. Boil for 1 1/2 minutes. Stir in butter, marshmallows, chocolate chips, and vanilla. Mix well. Stir in nuts.
(Source: National Confectioners Association)

When I make this recipe, I'll use dark chocolate chips (60% to 70% cocoa), fresh cream, and European style butter. Keep in mind, while V-Day is on its way, all month long its Heart Health Month. To me, that means, yes, you can eat food that contains good fats--like chocolate fudge in moderation--but small portions, and getting a move on regularly before and after are part of the sweet package that works to keep you lean and fit whether you reside in Europe or America. (Yes, today I did get my swim and hot tub fix. And the Brittanys--with French roots--got their walk.) Tender loving care comes in all forms, and for me it's dogs, exercise, and French Silk Fudge.