OLD FASHIONED MILK CHOCOLATE FUDGE

Recipe courtesy of Emeril Lagasse, 1999

3 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon butter
1 1/2 cups sugar
1/2 cup light brown sugar
3/4 cup half and half
2 ounces milk chocolate, chopped
1 teaspoon light corn syrup
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/2 cup chopped walnuts, toasted

Line a 8 by 8 by 2 inch square pan with aluminum foil. Butter the pan with 1 tablespoon of the butter. Butter the bottom and sides of a 2 quart heavy saucepan with 1 teaspoon of the butter. Combine the sugars, cream, chocolate and corn syrup in the saucepan. Place over medium heat and cook until the mixture reaches a boil, stirring constantly. Carefully clip a candy thermometer to the side of the pan. Continue to cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture reaches the soft ball stage, (234 degrees F), about 20 minutes.

Remove from the heat and add the remaining butter and vanilla. Let the mixture stand, without stirring, for about 1 hour or until the mixture reaches 110 degrees F. Remove the candy thermometer. Using a wooden spoon, beat the mixture continuously until the mixture thickens. Add the nuts and continue to beat the mixture for about 10 minutes, or until very thick and looses shine. Spread the mixture in the prepared pan. Using a knife, score the mixture into individual squares. Let the mixture set completely. Carefully lift the foil from the pan and cut the fudge into individual squares.

Yield: Yield: 1 pound of fudge