Roberta A. Mazzucco
There are many recipes for fudge and I basically chose to make Vassar Fudge because its story is one of many that purport to explain where fudge originated. Supposedly a few coeds were trying to cook in their dorm when they came up with a concoction that turned out to be fudge. Rather than swear the coed said "Oh, fudge" and that name for this treat stuck. Check out the referenced endnote to get more specifics on the history of fudge.
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The key to good fudge is in the cooling not cooking phase. You don't want to stir it too soon or you will get large crystals. By waiting until the mixture is about 110º F, you have less chance of creating what is called a "seed" crystal. The "seed" can be a sucrose molecule, a bit of air, or dust particle that gets stirred into the mixture. If this crystal forms it can grow larger and the fudge will be grainy. The more you stir the more crystals you get but you will get a lot of tiny crystals so the mixture will be smooth.
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Materials: 2 cups sugar, 2 squares (1oz. size) unsweetened chocolate, 1cup light cream (whipped cream), and 1 tablespoon butter
1.
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Combine sugar, coarsely chopped chocolate and cream.
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2.
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Cook over medium heat stirring only until sugar and chocolate melts.
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3.
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Continue cooking until temperature reaches 238º F degree or a few drops in cold water forms a soft ball.
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4.
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Remove from the heat and cool slightly.
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5.
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Beat until fudge begins to harden, and then transfer to a buttered platter.
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6.
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Cut into squares before the fudge is absolutely firm.
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7.
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For Wellesley fudge - add ½ lb of marshmallows when candy is removed from the heat. There is also a more elaborate recipe for Smith fudge that includes molasses and brown sugar. http://www.thenibble.com/REVIEWS/MAIN/candy/old/history-of-fudge2.asp#tips
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8.
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Most of the recipes listed for Vassar fudge are pretty consistent. I found this at http://www.gourmet.org/recipes/candies/vassar-fudge.
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This is another activity where students could make both Vassar and Wellesley fudge and do a taste comparison. What does the marshmallow change the taste? Depending on the time you have you might also include Smith fudge.