Aztec Fudge

This easy-to-make fudge balances rich chocolate flavors with the slight heat of ancho chile pepper.


Makes 64 pieces
   
Ingredients:
20 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
2 teaspoons ground ancho chile pepper*
1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
1 cup sugar
3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) butter, cut into pieces
3 cups miniature marshmallows
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
 
Directions:
Line an 8-inch square pan with foil allowing edges to extend beyond pan; butter the foil.

In a large bowl, combine chopped chocolate, cinnamon and ground ancho chile pepper.
 
In a medium saucepan, combine sweetened condensed milk, sugar and butter. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, until sugar and butter are melted and mixture begins to boil. Add marshmallows and stir for 1 minute until melted. Remove from heat and immediately pour over chopped chocolate mixture; let stand 2 minutes or until chocolate is softened. Add vanilla; stir until smooth.

Pour mixture into pan and refrigerate 4 hours or until firm. To cut fudge, pull on foil edges to remove foil and fudge from pan. Remove foil, place fudge on cutting board; cut into 64 pieces. Store in airtight container in refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.

*Add more or less ancho chile pepper to desired spice level. 

Tip

To avoid coarse, grainy fudge, stir the mixture as little as possible from the time the sugar is completely dissolved through cooking and cooling stages. Stirring the sugar mixture, particularly during the cooling phase, can trigger sugar crystal formulation.

l