“What exactly IS fudge?” Brian asked me.
“I mean, what’s the difference between fudge and just chocolate?”

Fudge is a type of confection that is made by mixing sugar, butter and milk. It has its origins in 19th century USA and was popular in the women’s colleges of the time. Fudge can come in a variety of flavorings depending on the region or country it was made; popular flavors include fruit, nut, chocolate and caramel.

-Wikipedia
The term fudge is said to have originated in the 17th century from the verb fadge and means “to fit together in a clumsy manner”. During this period, fudge was used as an interjection by sailors to respond to nonsense or untruths.

Technically speaking, fudge is a crystalline confection. That is, you want sugar crystals to form when you make it, which is the opposite of your goal when making caramel, brittle or toffee. It’s similar in technique and structure to fondant—not rolled fondant you put on cakes, but the stuff inside a cherry cordial or peppermint patty.

Fudge in and of itself, is SUPER easy to make. But, if you’re really lazy – THIS recipe makes things even easier. Simply put: melt dark chocolate together with butter, cream, and a hint of extra sugar – stir in some pecans and add crunchy salt. That’s it! Confectionary deliciousness in a snap!

Salted Pecan Dark Chocolate Fudge

Salted Pecan Dark Chocolate Fudge

2 1/2 cups dark chocolate chunks
1 cup powdered sugar
1 cup pecan halves, roughly chopped
1/2 cup salted butter
1/4 cup heavy cream
flaky chocolate sea salt

In a medium pot, melt the butter and chocolate together over low heat. Stir until smooth. Fold in the powdered sugar and pecans. Drizzle in the cream and stir again until silky smooth.

Transfer to a parchment lined bread pan. Sprinkle with flaky salt crystals.
Chill for several hours, until full set.

Slice and share. (Or don’t share! 😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂 ).