| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 20 mins – 25 mins | Difficulty: Intermediate | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 410 | 11g | 5g | 70g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 60g | 2g | 5g | 0.1g |
Marshmallow Fudge, a pleasantly surprising vegetable-based recipe, occupies a special place in my heart. Nestled between my love for the hearty richness of Southern cuisine and the exotic spices of West Africa, this treat serves as a delicious testament to the gastronomic harmony that can exist amidst diversity. Being a champion of Afro-Southern fusion, I often find that recipes like this allow me to pay homage to the convergences in my heritage, exploring bold and uncharted culinary territories.
Sweet Memories and Subtle Fusion
Whenever I get to recreating Marshmallow Fudge, a slew of fond memories invades my senses. I am transported back to my mother’s kitchen in Atlanta, the smell of melting chocolate chips mingling with the wafts of Southern staples cooking on the stove. This nostalgia, combined the opportunity to infuse a touch of West African flair into a traditional Western sweet, is why this recipe resonates immensely with me.
Don’t mistake the ‘marshmallow’ for all the sweetness. The real twist comes from the dried fruits; a sprinkle of raisins, cherries, apricots, adding an unexpected tang to the otherwise decadent fudge. It’s like a little secret stashed within, just waiting to surprise your taste buds.
All About Balance: Health and Indulgence
One of the aspects I enjoy about this recipe is that it is a testament to the concept that indulgences can coincide with mindful eating. While the semi-sweet chocolate chips and marshmallow fluff might tease your sweet tooth, the walnuts pack in a wealth of nutritional benefits, contributing heart-healthy fats, protein, and essential vitamins. The dried fruits are not just there for their flavor either! They offer a good dose of fiber and vitamins. To learn more about the benefits of walnuts, you can visit this website.
Marshmallow Fudge shares a kindred spirit with the famous Nestle Toll House Chocolate Chip Cookies. Both are splendidly sweet, with just the right level of crunch. Moreover, this fudge would perhaps make the most indulgent pair to a steaming cup of hot cocoa on a chilly evening, or as a sweet side to your mid-afternoon espresso.
So here’s my Marshmallow Fudge – A sweet that weaves together flavors that honour my Afro-Southern heritage, and a testament to the fact that there can indeed be a mindful balance between health and indulgence, all wrapped up in one delectable bite.
What You’ll Need
- 1 cup of Sugar
- 1/2 cup of Milk
- 2 tablespoons of Butter
- 1/4 teaspoon of Salt
- 3/4 cup of Marshmallow Fluff
- 3/4 teaspoon of Vanilla Extract
- 1/2 cup of Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
- 1/2 cup of Chopped Walnuts (optional)
- 1/4 cup of Mixed Dried Fruit (Raisins, Cherries, Apricots, etc.)
Method
Step One
Take a medium-sized saucepan and combine 1 cup of sugar, 1/2 cup of milk, 2 tablespoons of butter, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Stir them over medium heat until the sugar is fully dissolved.
Step Two
Once the sugar is dissolved, increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil. Keep a constant watch and stir occasionally to prevent the mixture from sticking to the pan or burning.
Step Three
When the mixture begins to boil, reduce the heat and let it simmer without stirring. Allow it to simmer until it reaches a soft-ball stage. You can test this by dropping a little of the mixture into a bowl of cold water. If it forms a soft ball, it is ready.
Step Four
Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in 3/4 cup of marshmallow fluff. Keep stirring until it’s completely integrated into the mixture. After the marshmallow fluff is fully blended, add 3/4 teaspoon of vanilla extract and stir again.
Step Five
Add 1/2 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips into the mixture while it’s still hot. Stir until they are fully melted and the mixture is smooth.
Step Six
If you want to use chopped walnuts, add 1/2 cup of them at this stage along with 1/4 cup of mixed dried fruit, and mix them well within the fudge.
Step Seven
Transfer the mixture into a buttered baking dish. Smooth the top with a spatula and let it cool at room temperature. Once set, you can cut the fudge into squares before serving.
