RogerN wrote:

>I've tried making fudge and only once,
> about 35 years ago, a batch came out
> good. I like most fudge from fudge
> shops or the fair but can't get any
> homemade to come out right.

>My last attempt was the carnation fudge
> kit from the store, uses evaporated milk,
> marshmallows, chocolate chips. It came
> out soft and smooth but very dry and
> boring tasting, it will most likely be
> thrown out for age instead of being
> eaten.

>Any good recipes or secrets?

I love making candy of all kinds, and must say, I've always been real
pleased with the results. My favorite fudge in the world was the
"old-fashioned" cooked fudge like mom use to make, and I do have her
recipe, but anymore I look for short-cut recipes. I find the marshmallow
cream/chocolate chip fudge is just way too sweet, and I have another I
found that is much better, plus I don't think there is any way to "mess"
it up. However, if I'm in a real hurry, I make microwave fudge in 10
minutes and the family loves it. It's just sugar, evaporated milk,
vanilla, butter, marshmallow cream and chocolate chips, and tastes very
similar to my mom's fudge, as I remember it.

Try this one, and let me know what you think:

No-Fail Fudge

2/3 cup evaporated milk
1-2/3 cups sugar
1/2 tsp. salt
1-1/2 cups miniature marshmallows
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 tsp. vanilla
coarsely chopped nuts, if desired, but recipe doesn't call for them,
though I usually like walnuts added to them.

Combine milk, sugar and salt in 2 qt. heavy saucepan. Cook over medium
heat, stirring until sugar dissolves. Bring to boil and boil steadily
for 5 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from heat.
Add marshmallows, chocolate chips and vanilla at once. Stir vigorously
for 1 minute, or until marshmallows melt. Pour into foil-lined 8 inch
sq. pan; cool and cut into about 36 squares. Makes 1-3/4 lbs. of candy.
This stores very well in the refrigerator, wrapped well.
NOTE: You can easily double this candy without worry of a failure. Also
to dress it up for the holidays, you can sprinkle it with crushed red
and white peppermint candy on the top, after pouring it in the pan.

Judy