Chocolate Covered Cherry Fudge

This time of year, Mike just loves his chocolate covered cherries, the kind with the liquid centers. I had a recipe for Chocolate Covered Cherry Fudge I was curious to try, so I surprised him yesterday by making a batch. I wasn’t quite sure what to expect, as fudge is generally firm in texture, which wouldn’t replicate the true taste of this confection. On the other hand, this recipe was different, as it called for the use of maraschino cherries, rather than candied cherries, which would have been drier. That turned out to be the secret of its success. Even when the chocolate is fully set, the fudge is softer, almost “gooey” where the cherries are embedded. This actually does taste like the real thing. Mike doesn’t usually eat fudge, and he loved it so much, he went back for seconds. This holiday treat gets a "thumbs up" from my official taste tester!

Butter bottom and sides of an 8-inch baking pan.

Fully drain cherries and dab with paper towels to dry. Chop cherries. I cut each cherry in half, then cut each half into fourths. Set aside.

In medium, heavy saucepan, combine evaporated milk, sugar, butter and salt. Over medium heat, bring to a full boil, stirring constantly. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, continuing to stir constantly. Remove from heat.

Stir in chocolate chips, mini marshmallows and vanilla. 

Keep stirring until chocolate and marshmallows are fully melted and incorporated.

Stir in cherries, mixing until evenly distributed. Pour into pan. Spread out evenly. 

Chill until chocolate is firm, 5 or 6 hours. Cut into squares.

CHOCOLATE COVERED CHERRY FUDGE
Source: Squidoo
Posted by: www.meldingmagic.com

INGREDIENTS:

• 2/3 cup evaporated milk
• 1-1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 2 Tablespoons butter
• 1/4 teaspoon salt           
• 2 cups miniature marshmallows
• 1-1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup chopped and drained maraschino cherries (one 16-ounce jar)

DIRECTIONS:

1. Butter bottom and sides of 8 inch baking pan.
2. Combine evaporated milk, sugar, butter, and salt in a medium, heavy saucepan. Over medium heat,
    bring to a full boil while stirring constantly. Cook, stirring for 5 minutes more. Remove from heat.
3. Stir in chocolate chips, mini marshmallows, and vanilla. Keep stirring until chocolate and
    marshmallows are melted and fully incorporated.
4. Stir in cherries.
5. Pour into pan. Chill until chocolate is firm, 5 or 6 hours. Cut into squares.