topic Re: 5 minute Fudge in Recipes

5 minute Fudge

sipp — Tue, 09 Jan 2018 07:32:44 GMT

I've been making 5 minute fudge (which actually takes much longer) FOR YEARS!!! -- (carnation evaporated milk- choc chips, vanilla, salt, mini-marshmallows) ---- but for the past year it hasn't been "setting up" firm- I went online and I see many complaints about this - but no explanations- Anyone else have this problem?

Re: 5 minute Fudge

qualitygal — Tue, 09 Jan 2018 12:09:56 GMT

I don't know, but something similar happened and I wondered, if to save money, if maybe the company didn't leave a little "extra" out of the old mix. I mean, they shrunk down packages of I think cake mixes. Probably some other things. But I've wondered on some of those things too.

Re: 5 minute Fudge

Stevie Nix — Tue, 09 Jan 2018 12:25:22 GMT

Are you using "evaporated" milk or "condensed" milk? . Big difference.

Re: 5 minute Fudge

GSPgirl — Tue, 09 Jan 2018 12:39:33 GMT

@qualitygal wrote:
I don't know, but something similar happened and I wondered, if to save money, if maybe the company didn't leave a little "extra" out of the old mix. I mean, they shrunk down packages of I think cake mixes. Probably some other things. But I've wondered on some of those things too.

Is it the kit or just the recipe like my mom used in the 60’s?

Re: 5 minute Fudge

Kachina624 — Tue, 09 Jan 2018 17:27:40 GMT

Its been years since i made this recipe but I recall it being made with condensed milk.*

*I referenced the recipe. Its called Mamie Eisenhower Fudge and it does call for evaporated milk. All the versions I could find called for marshmallow creme, not mini marshmallows. Don't know if that would make a difference.

Re: 5 minute Fudge

sipp — Wed, 10 Jan 2018 06:48:30 GMT

I'm using the exact same recipe I always did on the same recipe card- I know some fudge recipes use sweetened condensed- but I'm no spring chicken- I KNOW the difference and been making it for YEARS!---

Re: 5 minute Fudge

sipp — Wed, 10 Jan 2018 07:14:40 GMT

Yes- it's probably your mom's recipe made in the 60's-- not a mix. My recipe card is getting dog-earred by now! Check my picture of it below!

Re: 5 minute Fudge

sipp — Wed, 10 Jan 2018 07:10:29 GMT

No-- that is NOT the recipe I use- (check Carnation's website or even Nestle's) they both have almost identical recipes using mini marshmallows (3 cups) choc chips- vanilla- butter and the only difference i see it the amount of salt- It is called 5 Minute Fudge (but like i said- it takes more than 5 minutes)on occasion it require a bit more milk and butter if it seemed "grainy"

Re: 5 minute Fudge

sipp — Wed, 10 Jan 2018 07:17:05 GMT

I inserted a pic of my recipe card- I measure the ingredients so no, it's not the size of the product package- don't know what's causing it but as I said- I've read that other people are having the same problem of it not setting up . (my grandkids don't care-they just dig in with a spoon! but I'd like to know why it isn't solid like it used to be so i can cut it into squares.

Re: 5 minute Fudge

sweetee2 — Wed, 10 Jan 2018 17:47:43 GMT

I found this recipe in my mom's recipe box after she passed.

Re: 5 minute Fudge

Nightowlz — Wed, 10 Jan 2018 18:50:12 GMT

@qualitygal wrote:
I don't know, but something similar happened and I wondered, if to save money, if maybe the company didn't leave a little "extra" out of the old mix. I mean, they shrunk down packages of I think cake mixes. Probably some other things. But I've wondered on some of those things too.

@qualitygal I wondered this about the chocolate chips etc. I make Butterscotch Haystacks every Christmas. Now when I melt the chips they don't seem to melt as they used to. I would think these small changes are what's making old tried & true recipes not turn out.

@sipp

I made fudge using Ghirardelli Bittersweet chips at Christmas instead of using semi-sweet. I always use the original fantasy fudge recipe. The only other thing I did different was line my pan with parchment paper for easy removal.

It looked like it was not going to set up so I put it in the refrigerator & took out the next day it was fine & stayed set.

I have never had to put it in the refrigerator before to set up.

At any rate it was really creamy & good. Better with the bittersweet chips vs the semi-sweet.

I think it has to do with ingredient changes.

Re: 5 minute Fudge

qualitygal — Wed, 10 Jan 2018 19:00:01 GMT

@sipp, I'm looking at 2 recipes and can't quite make out the one pictured, what do you think this is due to? Not setting up?

OK the 2nd recipe is the same as on your page. See the post above about the chips. Who knows that could be it. Mine is the same Nestle 1994 recipe as posted here.

Re: 5 minute Fudge

RedTop — Wed, 10 Jan 2018 19:02:46 GMT

My mother has been making different fudge recipes for years, and has experienced different issues she relates to the overprocessing of the granulated sugar.

Adding a heaping teaspoon of cornstarch to the sugar will insure firm fudge, regardless of what recipe used.

Re: 5 minute Fudge

grandma r — Wed, 10 Jan 2018 21:56:36 GMT

I have been making this for years. I skip the marshmallows, though. Anyway, I only use Eagle Brand Sweetened Condensed Milk. (I only use evaporated milk in my sweet potato pies.). For certain recipes I will spend the extra money for brand name ingredients. In some cases, I think there is a difference.

Re: 5 minute Fudge

Nadine O — Thu, 11 Jan 2018 00:55:17 GMT

I would look at the evaporated milk. Who knows when they decide to take things out.

Re: 5 minute Fudge

ECBG — Thu, 11 Jan 2018 04:48:57 GMT

I remember when everyone started backing away from butter 20 years ago. Kraft Marchmello Cream cut their butter by an entire stick. The fudge wouldn't set up at all and was useless as a gift unless you wanted to give thick goo.

I found an old jar in the back of my cabinet and remade it. This was before we googled recipes.

I don't have a problem at all with Kraft's Fantasy Fudge. I do use a candy thermometer and never have a fail.

3 cups white sugar
3/4 cup margarine
2/3 cup evaporated milk
1 (12 ounce) package semisweet chocolate chips

1 (7 ounce) jar marshmallow creme
1 cup chopped walnuts
1 teaspoon vanilla extrract

Directions

Prep
10 m
Cook
10 m
Ready In
1 h 20 m

Grease a 9x13-inch pan.
Mix sugar, margarine, and evaporated milk in a large, heavy saucepan over medium heat, stirring to dissolve sugar. Bring mixture to a full gentle boil for 5 minutes, stirring constantly.
Remove from heat and stir in chocolate chips until melted and thoroughly combined. Beat in marshmallow creme, walnuts, and vanilla extract. Transfer fudge to the prepared pan and let cool before cutting into squares.

Cook's Note:
To make in microwave, melt margarine in a 4-quart microwave-safe dish and mix sugar and milk into the margarine. Microwave mixture until it begins to boil, about 5 minutes on high, and stir after 3 minutes. Scrape bowl and continue to boil on high for 5 1/2 more minutes. Remove from microwave and stir in chocolate chips until melted, then stir in marshmallow creme, walnuts, and vanilla extract. Pour into prepared baking pan.
Tip
Aluminum foil can be used to keep food moist, cook it evenly, and make clean-up easier.

Re: 5 minute Fudge

BeccaLou — Thu, 11 Jan 2018 07:42:33 GMT

dgluvr, Did you change the depth of your pan? Maybe it's coming out to thick. My friend always poured hers on a large Dinner plate. Try that and see if that works better for you. Best of Luck to you. But butter the plate slightly.

Re: 5 minute Fudge

BeccaLou — Thu, 11 Jan 2018 07:48:24 GMT

dgluvr, Also some cooking pans can cause issues. I tried to make homemade hard candy and I never could get it to the correct boiling point. Non-stick pans can't be used, and this might the problem with your fudge. Did you change to a different pan maybe ??

Re: 5 minute Fudge

sipp — Thu, 11 Jan 2018 09:34:38 GMT

Thankyou to EVERYONE for your suggestions- I use the same pans I've always used- I don't use "non-stick"-teflon etc. I too, always use name brands- and the best vanilla -not imitation , I measure everything according to the recipe and I don't double my recipe. Everything is the same way I've done it for -- well YEARS! -- so best guess is maybe some of you who suggested the manufacturer is the reason- may be correct- I might try that cornstarch idea-- Again- thanks to all.

Re: 5 minute Fudge

sipp — Thu, 11 Jan 2018 09:45:55 GMT

I have some of my mom's recipes in her own handwriting as well- Whenever i go to my recipes- I pause and think of her and the yummy things we made together as well-- I'm not young anymore- maybe my children and grandchildren will pause if they keep mine too. Baking makes cherished memories-Sometimes lost on today's busy world.