Make your own edible gifts with this smooth and creamy fudge recipe. It combines the richness of dark chocolate with the unctuous mouthfeel of cream followed by a warm afterglow from the chilli.
100gdark chocolate70% or higher (I used 85%) - roughly chopped
25gunsalted butter
Instructions
Quarter the chilli and remove the seeds.
In a large, heavy bottomed pan, gently heat the milks and cream with the chilli quarters until it's hot but not boiling. Turn off the heat and leave to steep for ten minutes.
Add the sugar and salt and dissolve the sugar over a low heat, stirring occasionally. Once dissolved, fish out the chilli pieces and discard.
Turn up the heat and bring the liquid to the boil. Be careful as it will bubble high up the pan. Lower the temperature to a moderate heat and boil for five to ten minutes until the temperature reaches 114°C (237°F). Alternatively use the cold water method to test (see note below). Stir occasionally to ensure the fudge doesn't stick and burn.
Remove from the heat and add the chocolate and butter. Stir until they're melted and combined.
Leave to cool for ten minutes, then beat the mixture thoroughly with a wooden spoon for about three minutes or until the mixture thickens and starts to lose it's gloss.
Pour into a 20cm (8 inch) square buttered silicone mould or tin lined with greaseproof paper. Leave to cool and set for at least couple of hours.
Make sure the fudge is firm, then turn out onto a wooden board and cut into sixty four squares with a sharp knife.
Notes
Cold Water Test
Have a glass of cold water at the ready and when the fudge has boiled for five minutes, drop a little into the water. If it forms a ball that you can pick up with your fingers without it disintegrating it has reached the soft ball stage, which means it's ready. If it hasn't, keep on boiling, testing every minute or so.
Plain Chocolate Fudge
For plain chocolate fudge, omit the chilli and go straight to the stage for dissolving sugar. Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract along with the chocolate.
How Long Will Fudge Keep?
Will keep at room temperature in an air tight container for at least four weeks.Please note: calories and other nutritional information are per serving. They’re approximate and will depend on exact ingredients used.