Peanut Butter Fudge

Every man in my life has a deep love peanut butter fudge.  My husband, father, and brother all go crazy over it.  Don't get me wrong, I enjoy peanut butter fudge too.  Who doesn't?  However, I think there is something on the Y chromosome that tells them to cherish it.  Given the guys love for peanut butter fudge, I try to make it for them around Christmas.  It never sits for more than 15 seconds after I give it to them before they break off a big piece to eat and start devouring it.  My peanut butter fudge recipe is based off of my original fudge recipe that is very simple and does not even require a thermometer.  (For the full eventful story on how I came to make fudge without a thermometer and the original recipe, read How to Make Fudge Without a Thermometer.)  If you have a man in your life you are looking to please, you must try the simple peanut butter fudge recipe below.

Ingredients

• 1 jar (7 oz) marshmallow creme
• 1-1/2 cups white sugar
• 2/3 cup evaporated milk
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 2 cups milk chocolate chips
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup peanut butter
• 1 tsp vanilla

Directions

**Note:  Fudge is quite temperamental.  You need to follow the instructions closely to achieve the desired results.  I  recommend reading through the instructions once before starting so that you don't encounter any surprises along the way.**

1. Line 8x8 inch baking dish with aluminum foil. Set aside.

2. Over medium heat, combine marshmallow creme, sugar, evaporated milk, butter, and salt in a saucepan.

3. Bring to a full boil (bubbles should be constantly bursting on the surface). Continue cooking for 5 minutes, stirring continuously.

**Note: You must stir continuously to prevent the sugar at the bottom of the saucepan from burning.**

4. Remove from heat. Do not touch the sugar mixture until the bubbles stop rising to the surface and bursting.

**Note: If you stir the sugar mixture as it is cooling down, the fudge will be grainy.**

5. When the bubbles disappear, immediately stir in chocolate chips until smooth. Stir in vanilla.

6. Add in peanut butter.  You can stir until the peanut butter is completely mixed into the fudge, like I did, or you can stir just a little bit to obtain a marbled effect where swirls of peanut butter are visible in the chocolate.

6. Immediately pour into prepared baking dish.

7. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.

 

I hope you enjoy the delicious, smooth peanut butter fudge.  I think it would make a great Valentines Day gift in a few weeks!