Indulging the Sweet Tooth
With National Fudge Day (June 16th) approaching, I felt the best way to prepare was to share a few favorite recipes while also highlighting some of the highest rated Fudge Shops in the Continental US. Now to some, this may seem excessive. What do I have to say about that? Simply put, that they are not my people. Fudge is a comfort food beyond compare. A small morsel is truly all I need to take me back to my childhood running through Grandma’s house on a hot summer day. And the vast variety is another reason you just can’t go wrong.
Where to Stop When Traveling
If you happen to find yourself cruising along the East Coast, make sure to stop in at The Fudge Shoppe in Flemington, New Jersey. Then you can continue up the coastline to Stoneham, Massachusetts for some old fashioned fudge at Winfrey’s. While The Fudge Shoppe only offers 4 options when it comes to their fudge, their belief is, “If it ain’t broke, why fix it”. On the other hand, Winfrey’s gladly offers 12-15 varieties of fudge ranging from the traditional- Chocolate to Cookies & Cream, to Cranberry Walnut.
While traveling the midwest, a prolonged stop on Mackinac Island is a must. Known for many things, it is also widely believed that fudge really was fine-tuned in these parts. And what’s better, a list of the best fudge on the island can be found on the town’s website. Then as you are passing through Chicago, make sure to add a pit stop in The Fudge Pot. Another stop that cannot be missed along the way is Original Wisconsin Dells Fudge.
When driving down the West Coast, there are also plenty of choices for the sweet lover. Stop on in at Z. Cioccolato in San Francisco, California for some wildly eccentric flavors like Beatnik Bourbon, Creamsicle, Fat Cat, and Turtle-licious. Then 8 hours south you can find Littlejohn’s Candies in Los Angeles. Originally a toffee shop, fudge has become a perfected mainstay on their menu.
But the top of my list, the place that feels most like home to me is The Fudge Shoppe of the Smokies. As someone who spent my formative years in Tennessee, walking the streets of Gatlinburg becomes a right of passage. And in doing that, smelling the sweet smells of the fudge as it cooled on the marble slabs is a memory forever etched in my brain.
Bringing the Flavors Home
Obviously, not everyone can make a cross-country trek in search of award-winning fudge. So that brings us to the home front.
Below are my favorite National Fudge Day options for making fudge at home.
Chocolate Walnut Fudge
If you are looking for something simple, but oh so delicious; look no further than A Wicked Whisk. With just six ingredients, this recipe is easy to follow. Admittedly, Chocolate Walnut Fudge will always be my favorite.
Peanut Butter Fudge
Let’s say Chocolate just isn’t your thing. Well, in that case, the Creamy Peanut Butter Fudge recipe from Barefeet in the Kitchen is to die for. Four simple ingredients and a few minutes are all you will need to get this piece of Heaven on its way. The hardest part of making this fudge will be trying to keep yourself from sampling it during its 4-hour cooling window.
Mint Chocolate Fudge
And when you want that chocolate flavor, but need a little something to break up the decadence of traditional fudge I vote for this Andes Mint Chocolate Chip Fudge from Sally’s Baking Addiction. Utilizing both semi-sweet and white chocolate to make this batch, the layers of deliciousness are sure to be a hit.
Cake Batter Fudge
And last, but definitely not least, is this super simple and super yummy Cake Batter Fudge from Chocolate, Chocolate, and More. With an abundance of sprinkles, this is sure to be a winner with all of the little people in your life. And the icing on the cake, so-to-say, you can go easy or heavy on the sprinkles depending on how your bunch feels about them.
“Everyone needs fudge, Hildy. It’s how God helps us cope.”
– Joan Bauer
So whether you decide to run out to your closest fudge shop or make a batch at home, there is absolutely no reason why you shouldn’t be celebrating National Fudge Day this year. Are you a fudge lover? What is your favorite flavor? Or do you prefer to celebrate a different national food day altogether? Drop your thoughts down in the comments below.