Wednesday 1 December 2010

Peanut Butter Fudge

Warning: the following post contains a lot of sugar...

Well, you have been warned.

When I first came across this recipe, my heart stops for a split second and when it beats again, I know that I just have to make it.  Yes, there's butter, sugar, peanut butter and more sugar.... I know I've mentioned this before, Mae West once said, too much of a good thing can be wonderful, and I live by this saying and this fudge is one great example of that.

When it's cold and snowing outside, it's so comforting to be next to the stove making sweets.  And the nice thing about this recipe is, there is no need for a sugar thermometer and all of that fandango.  There are already so much to do especially at this time of the year, and if I can find peace, quiet and joy, let it be in the kitchen...

The fudge can be made in the matter of minutes.  The only thing to make sure is to beat the icing sugar thoroughly to the sugary, buttery, peanuty mixture, making sure there isn't any lumps.  This takes a bit of muscle, but I don't mind burning a few calories before replacing it with a piece or two of fudge.

The soft fudge is treacle-y sweet and salty at the same time from the chunky peanut butter.  In the words of Sophie Dahl, "it's like when you're little, you went to the beach, and you've been swimming, and so your fingers were salty and then you ate something sweet, like ice cream... and you got that mix of salt and sweetness... and that is this... and this is heaven".

Eat at your own discretion.



Peanut Butter Fudge
by Sophie Dahl
Makes 36 - 42 pieces

125 gr butter
500 gr dark brown sugar
120 ml milk
250 gr crunchy peanut butter
1 vanilla pod, seeds only
300 gr icing sugar
  1. Melt the butter in a saucepan over a medium heat.
  2. Stir in the brown sugar and milk, and bring to the boil for 2-3 minutes without stirring.
  3. Remove from the heat, and stir in peanut butter and vanilla seeds.
  4. Place the icing sugar in a large bowl, and pour the hot butter and sugar mixture on top.  Using a wooden spoon, beat the mixture until smooth.
  5. Pour into a 20cm baking tray, and set aside to cool slightly, then place in the fridge to chill completely.
  6. Cut the fudge into squares with a sharp knife, turn out of the tin and store in an airtight container.
Sometime ago, I was given not one but two Lovely Blog Awards from Maya at Foodiva's Kitchen and Elisabeth at Food and Thrift Finds.  Two wonderful ladies who are so passionate about flavours, eating and cooking.  I am so grateful for this award, so Thank You.


And I just found out that when you received an award, you're supposed to pass it on to another bloggers (see, I learn something new everyday).  So, I'd like to share this award with some of my favourite food bloggers. You may already know some of them, but if you haven't please take a moment to stop by. They are (in alphabetical order):

AJ's Cooking Secrets - AJ is a talented young baker who lives in Seattle and he aspires to be on the Food Network one day. 

The Ardent Epicure - Alisha and her family cook all sorts of joyous and delicious food. They know the pleasures of food.

Bittersweet - Rick loves his sweet things and I know he likes peanut butter.  His blog posts often surpass my daily calorie intake but it's worth it.

Dear Love Blog - Delicious food and stunning pictures by Alex. Alex is currently on the quest for an amazing vegetarian sausage recipe. Anyone?

La Bella Cook - Bridgett puts her heart into her dishes. And we both love Nigella.

More Than A Mount Full - Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, THE-Wonderful-Chef-Dennis, need I say more? I don't think so.

One Perfect Bite - Reading Mary's delicious blog is part of my morning ritual and then I ask myself, WHY?!?

22 comments:

  1. Oh YUM! I have made peanut butter fudge before, but it definitely didn't have that much sugar...I'm so going to have to try this one!
    Congratulations on the award!

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  2. That looks amazing. If only I had milk at home i would make it right now...

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  3. Thank you for the award, my friend! I appreciate your thoughtfulness. Now pass me some fudge! Wow.

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  4. OK, that fudge is glorious...I know you warned me, but I continued on :) I love fudge in a frightening way and I really love this flavor combination!
    Congratulations on being awarded not once but twice, well deserved.
    And thank you so much for sharing with us, along with your kind words :)
    Plus there are a couple of blogs on your list that I am unfamiliar with, so I will check them out too...
    Thank you again Michael,
    Alisha

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  5. Fudge!! So sweet and rich but soooo good. I've never made fudge before but it sounds easy enough! Lots of sugar! haha. Thank you so much for the award and Congrats to you too for getting the award!! :)

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  6. Oh my! I have a weakness for peanut butter and chocolate. This dish would mean trouble in my house! It sounds absolutely fantastic! Thanks for sharing it...

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  7. Thank you so much for the award. You're very lovely & by god so is that fudge, it looks amazing! x

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  8. Hi Michael-Don't be too shocked, but you still have 23 other bloggers to pass the award on to.
    15 bloggers to award, from each blogger that gave you the award. I was wondering when you were going to pass this on.
    I was happy to give the award to you, and thank you for mentioning me!

    What gorgeous fudge, not only chocolate, but with peanut butter...perfect holiday treat, and gift to someone special!

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  9. Thanks for the award. I am truly honored. And you know me, peanut butter is right up my alley. Hope your thanksgiving celebration was fun across the pond. It is always fun to be multicultural and celebrate everything.

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  10. Ah, thank you for the warning!! I have a soft spot for fudge, but I can't eat too much or else I would feel sick. Haha. Probably the sugar content :p

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  11. Chocolate is a magic word. I love anything with chocolate. These little treats is a big temptation.

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  12. That fudge sounds so good. The dark brown sugar gives it such a rich color and anything with peanut butter has me drooling. It's a great treat!

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  13. Congratulations on the AWARD! And believe me, anything PEANUT BUTTER tastes heavenly!

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  14. oh I will have one slice please he he

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  15. I adore Peanut Butter Fudge, I haven't ever made it but that's going to change real quick. Thanks for sharing.

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  16. I have been meaning to make this fudge ever since I bought Sophies book, now I have seen how lovely it looks I will crack on with it. Congratulations on the award.

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  17. Oh my this fudge sounds to die for! I love the combination of salty and sweet. I will have to give this a try during Christmas for sure! Thanks for sharing.

    Congrats on the award!

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  18. Sophie always has the most divine recipes. I love her book!
    This fudge looks perfect in every way!

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  19. I've recently given up peanut butter, with mixed results, so this recipe is the equivalent of offering someone on the 12-step programme a Long Island Iced Tea... I'm not going to be able to resist! Love your blog, even if I am going to have to invest in a bigger wardrobe as a result!

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  20. Wow, peanut butter fudge...sure looks good...would love to try it...and soon :-)

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  21. Congratulatioins on the award, Michael, it is well deserved! The fudge looks just scrumptious!

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