40 by 40
30 Dec
Because I’m not busy enough, I let myself be goaded into one of these birthday 40 by 40 challenges – no, it’s not to lose 40 pounds by the time I’m 40, or do some sort of amazing feat of fitness like running 40 races. While that would be a wise move, it’s nearly the opposite. Although, maybe if I do both 40s by 40 I’ll unlock some sort of rockstar status life badge.
What I really suck at – is baking. Well, anything involving following rules and having patience really. So, you know, baking, candy making – that sort of thing. I have plenty of exhibits to share with the jury, but just take my word for it. I have more baking failures than I do successes. This is all odd since I loved science and performing experiments in school, but for some reason, I cannot slow down and follow the instructions necessary for flawless baking.
And so, likely to benefit himself really, my husband challenged me to bake 40 things by the time I’m 40 (we agreed this could include candy making). This might just be because he got me two new baking cookbooks for Christmas and this challenge makes them that much more relevant, or maybe because he loves baked goods, but it still seems like a fun way to challenge myself and learn a new skill in the process. Maybe I’ll EVEN learn patience – but that seems less likely. And so, with a pile of baking books, and a list of things to try on Pinterest (and even in the archives of this blog) a mile long, I set out. . .just like Frodo. . .to cast my burden into the fire and hopefully emerge with perfect fudge. . .
First Up: Fudge
For my mother, it’s just not fudge if it’s not Fantasy Fudge. I would argue, but since I made this with her in mind, it just made sense to provide her with what she wanted and save any holiday disappointments.
Because Fantasy Fudge is a Kraft Foods recipe, and features all of their own stuff, I felt safe in straying a little bit from their recipe (I realize this is awfully cheeky for my first foray into following directions, but what can I say). You will also note that my version is walnut free. To each their own
-
-
-
-
12 oz semi-sweet chocolate (I used Ghirardelli chips)
-
-
flaky sea salt for finishing