Friday, November 19, 2010

Welcome to My Kitchen

Good Morning Ladies!  Welcome to my kitchen! I have the island decorated for Thanksgiving and thought I'd give you a "peep" at the rest of my kitchen.  And, since many of you have asked about my "famous" fudge recipe, hang around and I'm going to share that with you too.
The kitchen island
Our kitchen table, the French Doors lead out to our covered patio
The stove area where it all happens ~smile~
A Baker's Rack that holds a part of my rooster collection and Portmeiron Pomona Dishes
Okay, now that you have had a "peep" I think you would agree that my kitchen is a "happy place."  I have quite a large collection of roosters that I so enjoy.  I think roosters have such personality and while I no longer collect them, I use to enjoy seeing how many different ones I could find.  At this time of year I do spend more than my usual amount of time in the kitchen and one of the reasons is because I'm making fudge in preparation for gift giving at Christmas.  I've referred to my fudge in various posts and after Wednesday's post I had several ask if I would share my recipe.  Well, certainly I will and not only will I share the recipe, I'll give you some "pointers" to go along with it.  I've learned a few "tricks of the trade" in the 20+ years that I've been making it.  Okay, here we go..........
The ingredients you will need
 FIVE POUND FUDGE
4 1/2 cups of sugar (I only use 4)
1 stick of butter
1 can of evaporated milk
Dash of salt
Jar of regular size marshmallow cream (I use Kraft Jet-Puffed and I place it in the microwave for 20 seconds to soften it even more)
18 ounces of semi-sweet chocolate chips
4 cups chopped pecans or walnuts (I prefer walnuts)
Spray the bottom of a heavy aluminum pan with Pam. Put butter, sugar, salt and milk in the pan.  Turn heat on pretty high to bring mixture to a rolling boil (stirring continuously to prevent scorching or sticking). Once it reaches a boil turn to medium heat and cook for EXACTLY 6 1/2 to 7 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in marshmallow cream, chocolate chips and nuts. You need to work fast so that the fudge will stay smooth and creamy and not begin to harden before you get it into your pan(s).  Pour into desired pan(s) that have been sprayed with Pam. You can also drop it out by spoonfuls on to waxed paper if you so desire. But, let me tell you, you have to work fast, fast to get this done before the fudge begins to harden.  You definitely need 2 people to do this.
Now, a few more "tidbits" for you......
One recipe will fill a regular size bundt pan and it makes a nice presentation for a party or gathering.
One recipe will make 3 loaf pans about 1 1/2 - 2 inches thick.
And, I could go on and on about pans because I've used about every shape, size and description over the years.  The fun part is the removal from these pans. ~smile~  Regardless of the pan you use, let the fudge cool to room temp and then place it in the refrigerator (I usually refrigerate it overnight) before trying to remove it from the pan.  Cold fudge removes far easier than room temp fudge.  If you happen to use some of the cute foil designed pans, you really won't have any trouble getting the fudge out.  You will likely wrinkle the pan pretty good removing the fudge, and will not be able to use it again, but that's okay. These pans are cheap! Now, if you use a metal pan it can be a bit trickier. I have a granite top on my island, so I put down a piece of wax paper and turn the pan upside down on the wax paper and then I slam (for lack of a better word) the pan down against the granite and sometimes it takes 3,4 or 5 slams (depending on the size of the pan) for the fudge to pop out.  But, it will and you will be so proud when it does. ~smile~ I then wrap some Saran wrap around it and place it in a ziploc bag and ready it for the freezer or you can ready it to take someplace or better still, enjoy it yourself.
 
I used some of the half size bundt pans for these and here they are wrapped for giving last year.  
Well, I think this was a tad too long so I hope I didn't wear you out, forgive me if I did.  If I can answer any questions or help you, shoot me an email and I'll do what I can to answer your question.  Meanwhile, stop by for some other good "Company Girl" talk by clicking on the button above. Our dear Rachel hosts us each and every week and we have so much fun visiting around.  Blessings!

Lea @ CiCis Corner
Lea @ CiCis Corner

Hi there! My name is Lea. I've been wife to the best Hubby for 44 years....Mom to a son and daughter....CiCi to 4 precious Grans....lover of family and friends....enjoy laughter and a good time....shopper....picture taking maniac....maker of delicious fudge....organizational enthusiast....memory maker....Southern Belle...and most importantly.....a Child of the King! Welcome to my little corner!

18 comments:

  1. When we get back form Disney...I so need to get on this! I love all your packaging, makes the whole gift! Have an amazing Thanksgiving! Blessings!

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  2. I love to eat fudge and I'm sure this would be delicious! If only I had the motivation to actually make it. Perhaps I will send my husband for the recipe?

    Loved the peep into your kitchen. Looks like the perfect happy room.

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  3. Lovely kitchen...and I too am in it more than usual this time of year...I have 12 for Thanksgiving meal and around 20 for dessert later in the day.
    My daughter will love this recipe...thanks for sharing...now for me to just not eat it!!!

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  4. I LOVE your pictures...I'm so jealous! :) When my kids are bigger (and I get my house back a bit) I am hoping that I can have a cute kitchen, too! :)

    Thanks for sharing! :)

    Happy Friday!

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  5. Thank you for the great idea! I love the bundt pan for presentation!
    I loved peeking into your kitchen, It's beautiful!
    Blessings!

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  6. looks so festive in there! I love seasonal decorating.

    and fudge! yum!

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  7. thanks for posting the recipe! I was going to ask you for it. Cute kitchen.

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  8. Beautiful kitchen. I make fudge every year but have never put marshmellow creme in it. May just have to try it.

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  9. Thanks for sharing your fudge recipe! I have seen if at Fay's house many time packaged up so cute.

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  10. What a cute idea to use the bundt pan for the fudge! That recipe makes me drool - I may have to make some for gifts.

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  11. Lovin' that "peep"! I think I could sit for a long time in that kitchen!!
    I've never made fudge ! Your step by step is wonderful and I think I'm feeling inspired! Love your packaging ideas too. Great post! thanks for sharing!

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  12. Thanks, Lea! Now I just need to stop in to the Dollar Store and see if they have the little foil pans =) I used to have my mom's aluminum molds (for jello, etc), but I think they didn't make the move this year ~ wishful regrets now :-\

    Hope you have a great Thanksgiving!

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  13. Oh My! I cannot wait to try your fudge! I'm sure it will be delicious!! I love the bundt pan idea ~ perfect for gift giving! Hugs, EMichelle

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  14. What a beautiful kitchen!! I love the tile backsplash - it's on our to-do list but it doesn't rank right now so who knows when it'll actually happen :) That fudge sounds delicious but I am going to try to refrain since I don't have much self-control when it comes to sweets and I am not doing a lick of exercise right now, hehe! It'll be filed away to make when I get back into my running routine! I hope you have a blessed weekend :) xoxo, Kelly

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  15. Just found your blog via Kimberly's Korner. Sounds like you're a Southern Baptist girl, pretty close to my age....Looking forward to coming back! www.dancingonthejourney.blogspot.com

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  16. Look at all your cute decorations!! Your kitchen is awesome! And thanks for sharing that recipe with us!

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  17. Well now, I am glad I stopped by, Beautiful kitchen, great food, very nice blog!! Have a great Thanksgiving. Blessings,
    Deb

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  18. well, thank you for such an extensive
    fudge making lesson. i always mess
    it up and think i don't move "fast, fast"
    enough to pour into pans.

    i can't wait to try your delicious recipe!

    your kitchen is so cheery and beautiful.

    blessings,
    lea

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So glad you stopped by and hope you enjoyed your visit. I love your comments and read each and every one of them and I always try to reply to them. Blessings to you this day!