Cashew Nut Fudge

Intro

Ilove fudge, just love it but the perfect fudge is a rare thing. I hate sugary, grainy fudge and I don't like it when its too hard either. I like it creamy but with a 'bite' to it. One summer I got a book out of the library, a whole book of fudge recipes, and I cooked my way through many of them. This is the best recipe from the book - really yummy and the perfect texture. I usually double the recipe so I can use up the whole tin of condensed milk. Several times in the last 20 years things have been a bit tight financially - especially around Christmas time - and thats when this recipe has come very handy as its a great Christmas present when wrapped in cellophane and the cashew nuts make it a bit posher than normal. 

Recipe

Combine the following into a large heavy saucepan:

• 450g sugar
• 150 ml sweetened condensed milk (can you get this outside of NZ?)
• 150ml milk
• 100g butter

Heat gently until the sugar has dissolved, stirring constantly. Bring to the boil and boil until mixture reaches 115 degrees celcius, stirring occasionally. It will catch really easily but don't panic if wee flecks of brown start appearing - its a warning to watch it like a hawk coz its on the edge of being done. Remove from the heat, add a few drops of vanilla, then beat until the mixture leaves a trail on itself. Quickly stir in 50g cashew nuts. Pour the fudge into a lightly oiled 18cm square tin. Mark into squares as it begins to set. When completely cold and set turn the fudge out and cut into the marked squares.

Chocolate Trufffles

Intro

Divinely disgustingly rich and rummy - another one of Fran's recipes. 

Recipe

Soak together for 10 minutes:

• 2 tablespoons chopped raisins
• 2 tablespoons rum

Melt:

• 150g good chocolate (darkish but not bitter)

Mix in:

• 1 lightly beaten egg yolk
• 25g soft butter
• a half cup icing sugar
• the soaked raisins (from above)

Rest in the fridge for 30 minutes then roll into small balls. Set in fridge for a bit, then dip in chocolate and and roll in coconut:

• 150g melted chocolate
• 1 cup coconut.