Monday, February 13, 2012

Cherry Berry Fudge



From the kitchen of One Perfect Bite...As a child I was regularly scolded for the way I picked chocolates from a box. While I still consider it to be terribly unfair, we were expected to eat whatever we took from the box. I was about six years old when I learned a well-placed thumb in the bottom of a chocolate would assure that I didn't have to deal with the dreaded coconut or candied fruit that masqueraded as candy. As far as I was concerned, they were only a step or two above canned peas and any scolding I received was far better than having them cross my lips. I still have that aversion. The trouble is the Silver Fox does not. He loves both. Several years ago I found a really quick recipe for a chocolate and berry fudge that I make for him at this time of year. It is very easy to prepare and the type of dried fruit that is used to make it can be varied. He prefers cherry, but cranberries, blueberries or apricots can also be used. This is as straight forwarded as a candy recipe can get and if you enjoy the chocolate and fruit combination, you'll love the fudge. As for me, I find solace in turtles or chocolate covered caramels. Here's the recipe for a cherry berry fudge that's perfect for Valentine's Day.

Cherry Berry Fudge...from the kitchen of One Perfect Bite courtesy of Taste of Home Magazine

Ingredients:
2 cups (12 ounces) semisweet chocolate chips
1/4 cup light corn syrup
1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
1/4 cup evaporated milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 package (6 ounces) dried cherries
1/3 cup chopped walnuts

Directions:
1) Line an 8-in. square pan with foil. Coat foil with cooking spray. Set aside.
2) In a heavy saucepan, combine chocolate chips and corn syrup. Cook and stir over low heat until melted. Remove from the heat.
3) Stir in confectioners’ sugar, milk and vanilla. Beat with a wooden spoon until thickened and glossy, about 5 minutes. Stir in cherries and walnuts. Spread into prepared pan; refrigerate until firm.
4) Using foil, lift fudge out of pan; discard foil. Cut fudge into 1-in. squares. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Yield: 1-1/3 pounds (64 pieces).







One Year Ago Today: Turkey Meatballs with Lemon Yogurt Sauce
















Two Years Ago Today: Marbled Sweetheart Sugar Cookies

38 comments :

Katarina said...

These are something for me, yummy! I will save the recipe, thanks!

Jeannie said...

For me too! I love this, sinful!

Unknown said...

I actually cherries and coconut! In fact my favourite chocolate is the Cherry Ripe! Then again I love chocolate caramels as well. With chocolate what is not to love? This fudge looks delicious!

Nisha said...

Yummmmmm!!!
Mary, seeing how you post one recipe per day, I am wondering if you & your family members are able to eat so many delicious dishes & bakes everyday or do you have to gift some around to your neighbors?!!
You know ... if bake a small batch of cookies just once & my husband forbids me to bake anything else until we finish those first!

Alicia Foodycat said...

Yum! I make a similar quick fudge from equal amounts of chocolate and condensed milk, plus nuts or fruit. Really delicious!

Deb in Hawaii said...

Although not a fan of cherry-chocolate when it's "fake" tasting, this one with the dried fruits looks enticing. ;-)

Red Nomad OZ said...

That's what I'm talking about!!! I'm well & truly in the Silver Fox's corner on this one ...

Laura (TLN) said...

Oh my.... :)

MaryMoh said...

These would be perfect for Valentine's Day! :D I love fruits and nuts in chocolate.....mmm. Thanks very much for sharing Hope you have a lovely day.

Lynn said...

This sounds great Mary! I made Maraschino fudge this year myself. Happy Valentine's Day:@)

pam said...

Fudge is a personal food group of mine. Love this recipe!

Unknown said...

I'm more of a straight forward, nothing in my fudge kind of girl.. but trust me, now that I'm older, I would not shun a piece of this if you put it in front of me1 Looks decadent!

Kim said...

Oh Mary! Your fudge really is looking good. I like the addition of dried fruits!

Tanna said...

I felt the same about a box of chocolates in my youth, Mary! LOL! My husband does love a good fruit in ANY recipe! Thank you for sharing this one. blessings ~ tanna

Valerie Harrison (bellini) said...

These alone are a reason to celebrate Mary.

Sue/the view from great island said...

This made me laugh---we always have a box of candy on the counter at family holidays and gatherings, and the etiquette of tasting and putting back is always hotly debated!

Leslie said...

Lol...I think we all did that as a kid! Too funny!

From the Kitchen said...

A few years back, I saw a "tool" that would allow picky candy eaters to discretely bore a tiny hole into the bottom of the bonbon and discern the content. If I come across one again, I'll send it to you!!

Happy Valentine's to you both.

Best,
Bonnie

Susan Lindquist said...

What a perfect Valentine treat for my sweet tooth sweetheart! This recipe is just wonderful, Mary!

Claudia said...

I will not eat a chocolate covered cherry - the liquid seizes my teeth. I will eat a combination of cherries and chocolate in many other forms - and the fudge is delicious - it does not have the gooey liquid. Just the goodness of the fruit and the warmth of the chocolate.

Barbara said...

What fun, Mary. I haven't made fudge in years and this is such a nice combo.

Diane said...

If I made these I would not get them out of the kitchen - I would just eat the whole lot. LOL Diane

Unknown said...

Hi Mary! My husband would be all over your fudge. It's his favorite dessert.

SImple and Serene Living said...

Oh my gosh, I am really laughing over this post, because it is so me. I did the same thing with chocolates as a child and not only did I abhor canned peas as a child, I literally will not allow them in my house to this day. It is actually a family joke. Thanks for the giggle and the wonderful recipe.
Laura

Clint said...

Wow. This looks sensational.

ilovecooking said...

I love the combination of fruit and chocolate! Those are my favourite type of chocolates. I really like too how fudge is one of the easiest desserts to make ever.

These really are perfect for the valentine's day holiday. I think i'll try with cranberries or raisins, and pecans

Thanks for sharing

T.W. Barritt at Culinary Types said...

Well, nobody, but nobody would turn this fudge down. Not even the fussiest of candy eaters!

A PaixĂ£o da Isa said...

hummmm que bom ficou super bjs

June said...

You really made me laugh with this one. Sometimes I swear we could be twins. LOL

teresa said...

oh my husband would love this. cherries and chocolate just might be his favorite combo!

Liesl said...

Real chocolate and cherries are a-MAZ-ing!! Can't wait to try this (and also the cookies from last Feb. 13... that frosting... so gorgie!)

The Harried Cook said...

Okay, this one I'm making! I love homemade fudge, and with the cherries, I'm sure it's bliss! Thanks, Mary!

Joanne said...

I was always a fan of just biting into each and every chocolate until you found the one you wanted. I still maintain that's the only way to do it.

I am a fan of dried fruits so I know I would adore this!

Rambling Tart said...

Oh Mary, you make the most scrumptious things for your man! :-) I too prefer caramel or roasted nuts in my chocolate, but anything with dried cherries in it makes me happy, so I'd contentedly devour this. :-)

Jo-Lyn's Cup Cakes N' Candies said...

I so want a piece of that right now!! =) nom nom nom....Happy Valentine's Day!

Cindy@NorthofWiarton said...

The dreaded coconut texture and taste when it has unsuspecting crossed through my lips to my tasted buds...YECH !!! A most unpleasant experience it is. I stand with you where coconut is concerned, Mary. Happy Valentines Day to you and your Silver Fox.

Jennifer Kendall said...

these sound so delicious! i just adore chocolate and cherries

turmericnspice said...

absolutely sinful !! love love fudge !! and (sheepishly) i still pick choc from the box :) Happy valentine's day

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