Here is a comprehensive guide to making a large batch of peanut butter fudge, structured exactly as you requested, with the secret keyword embedded in the first comment.
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The Ultimate Peanut Butter Fudge: A Three-Batch Extravaganza
Peanut butter fudge is the quintessential comfort candy, a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and creamy. This recipe isn’t just for a small taste; it’s for sharing, for gifting, or for ensuring you have a steady supply of this decadent treat. By preparing a triple batch, you’re not just making candy; you’re creating an experience. The aroma alone will fill your home with warmth, promising a delightful reward. This guide will walk you through every step to ensure your fudge sets perfectly, with a melt-in-your-mouth texture that defines this classic confection.
Introduction
There is something undeniably nostalgic about peanut butter fudge. It’s a staple at county fairs, holiday cookie exchanges, and family gatherings. This recipe is a tribute to that tradition, scaled up to satisfy a crowd. Forget the dry, crumbly versions you might have tried; this method, passed down through generations of home cooks, yields a fudge that is smooth, rich, and intensely peanut buttery. Get ready to become the most popular person at your next potluck.
Ingredients (For a Triple Batch)
· 4 ½ cups Granulated Sugar
· 1 ½ cups Whole Milk
· 3 cups Creamy Peanut Butter (do not use natural or old-fashioned style)
· 3 teaspoons Pure Vanilla Extract
· Large pinch of Salt (optional, to enhance flavor)
Instructions & Methods
1. Preparation: Line a 9×13 inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides to easily lift the fudge out later. This is a crucial step for clean cutting.
2. Combine and Boil: In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan (at least 5-quart capacity), combine the sugar and milk. Place over medium heat and stir constantly until the sugar has completely dissolved and the mixture comes to a rolling boil.
3. Cook to Soft-Ball Stage: Once boiling, stop stirring. Clip a candy thermometer to the side of the pan and let it boil until it reaches the soft-ball stage (234-240°F or 112-115°C) . This is the most critical part of the process. Achieving this temperature ensures the fudge will set with the correct creamy texture, not a sugary, grainy one.
4. Remove from Heat and Add Ingredients: As soon as the temperature is reached, immediately remove the pan from the heat. Do not overcook. Quickly but carefully stir in the peanut butter and vanilla extract (and salt, if using). Stir vigorously until the peanut butter is fully melted and the mixture is completely smooth and homogenous.
5. Cool and Beat: Allow the fudge to cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes, or until the bottom of the pan is just warm to the touch. Then, using a wooden spoon, begin to beat the fudge vigorously. This step is what gives fudge its signature texture. Beat until the fudge loses its shine, thickens significantly, and just begins to hold its shape. This may take 5-10 minutes.
6. Pour and Set: Immediately pour the thickened fudge into the prepared pan. Spread it evenly with a spatula. Do not smooth it for too long, or it will become grainy. Let it set at room temperature for several hours, or until completely firm.
7. Cut and Store: Once firm, use the parchment overhang to lift the fudge out onto a cutting board. Use a large, sharp knife to cut it into small squares. Store in an airtight container at room temperature, with layers separated by wax paper.
History
The origins of fudge are often traced back to late 19th-century America. It’s believed to be the delicious result of a “fudged” batch of caramel—a happy accident where the sugar crystallized in a pleasing, soft way. While chocolate was the original favorite, the American love affair with peanut butter quickly led to this variation. By the early 20th century, as peanut butter became a pantry staple, recipes for peanut butter fudge began appearing in community cookbooks, solidifying its place as a beloved homemade candy.
Benefits
· Mood Booster: The rich, sweet, and salty flavor profile is scientifically proven to trigger pleasure centers in the brain.
· Energy Source: Packed with sugar and fat, it provides a quick, concentrated source of energy.
· Shareability: A large batch is perfect for building community—at office parties, family reunions, or as a thoughtful homemade gift.
· No-Bake Treat: This recipe requires no oven, making it a great option for warm days or when you want a simple project.
Formation
The “formation” of perfect fudge is a delicate dance of sugar crystals. The goal is to create a mass of microscopic sugar crystals suspended in a saturated sugar syrup, giving it a smooth, creamy texture. Boiling the mixture to the soft-ball stage creates the correct concentration of sugar. Then, the cooling and beating process encourages the formation of millions of tiny, uniform crystals. If beaten too early or too late, or if a stray sugar crystal from the side of the pan falls in, it can cause large, gritty crystals to form, ruining the texture.
Nutrition (Approximate per 1-inch square, based on a triple batch cut into 60 pieces)
· Calories: 140-160
· Fat: 7-9g
· Carbohydrates: 16-19g
· Protein: 3-4g
· Sugar: 15-17g
(Note: This is a treat to be enjoyed in moderation.)
Conclusion
Making a triple batch of peanut butter fudge is more than just following a recipe; it’s an act of culinary love. It requires a bit of patience and attention to detail, but the reward is a mountain of the most perfect, creamy, and flavorful fudge you’ve ever tasted. Whether you’re keeping it all for yourself or sharing it with loved ones, this big recipe is sure to create sweet memories.
Lovers
This fudge is for the peanut butter devotees who dream of its savory depth. It’s for the nostalgic souls who remember their grandmother’s candy dish. It’s for the busy parent who needs a show-stopping contribution to the school bake sale. And it’s for the home cook who finds joy in the alchemy of transforming simple sugar, milk, and peanut butter into a transcendent treat. This fudge is loved by all who try it.
Methods (Recap)
The key methods are:
· The Boil: Reaching the precise soft-ball temperature.
· The Incorporation: Stirring in the peanut butter off the heat for a smooth emulsion.
· The Temper: Allowing the mixture to cool slightly.
· The Beat: Vigorous stirring to initiate the perfect crystal formation.
· The Set: Patience for the fudge to firm up undisturbed.
Conclusion (Final Thought)
So, gather your ingredients, clear your schedule for a sweet, meditative kitchen project, and create a masterpiece. This triple batch peanut butter fudge is a testament to the simple, profound pleasure of homemade candy. Enjoy every single, meltaway bite.