September 23, 2011

Chunky Raisin & Peanut Fudge

Do you remember Chunky Bars?; Do they even still make them?

Well, this weekend is my best friend from high school’s birthday, and she and I had this bond over Chunky’s and Clearly Canadian water.; Oh, it was something, I tell you.; No matter what boy we were swooning over, what girl we were hating on, Chunky bars and Clearly Canadians were sure to be around.

Now Dayna is a big shot in the education field, and I’m well…a food blogger.; But before that, I didn’t even own a bowl scraper.; It was she that mailed me one four years ago.; I own like, 16 now…; And I bake.; A LOT.; So I owe her.

But there are no Chunky bars to be found.

I can, however, make fudge. And I can make fudge that tastes like a Chunky. Maybe even better than a Chunky… Because I can use top quality chocolate (I used Scharffen Berger). Homemade vanilla. Chocolate covered raisins. Salted peanuts. Yes, I can make it better.

And I DID.

Thick, deep dark chocolate fudge, studded with roasted peanuts and milk chocolate covered raisins. Chewy, salty, verifiably delicious.

fudgeplate

Dark Chocolate, Raisin & Peanut Fudge

3 ounces Milk Chocolate, chopped
6 ounces Semisweet Chocolate, Chopped
2 ounces Unsweetened Chocolate, Chopped
1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups sugar
8 ounces heavy cream
1 1/2 cup roasted peanuts
1 1/2 cups chocolate covered raisins

Line a 9×9 pan with parchment or aluminum foil, leaving an overhang on two opposing sides. Set aside.

In a large bowl, combine chopped chocolates, and butter. Set aside. In a medium saucepan, combine sugar and cream. Boil, stirring vigorously the entire time, until the mixture reaches 234 degrees, about 10 minutes. Pour hot mixture over the chocolate and butter, and whisk until combined. Beat on high speed with a hand mixer under smooth and creamy. Stir in the vanilla, nuts and raisins. Pour the fudge into the prepared pan, spread it evenly, and refrigerate uncovered for 3 to 4 hours, until set. Cut into pieces, then store refrigerated in an air tight container for 2-3 weeks.

fudge