I’ve just recently read the Betsy-Tacy book series for about the billionth time (an exaggeration, but only slightly), and enjoyed them as much as ever. I first read them as kid, but I still love them; like Anne of Green Gables they can be read over and over again by anyone at any age and still work their charm. The first book starts with Betsy meeting Tacy at her fifth birthday and the series continues through Betsy’s elementary and high school years, with Betsy’s wedding in the tenth and final book. If you’ve never read them before, do, they’re fantastic! I remember wishing I could just jump into Betsy’s world, with the Sunday Night Lunch and The Crowd and all the family jokes. In particular, I’m always enthralled by the fudge making parties; every time Betsy and her friends get together they unfailingly make up a pan of fudge. After finishing one of the books the other day I had a craving for chocolate fudge and promptly made a batch. So the next rainy day, or snowy day, or sunny day, or any day when you need something to do, dig up a copy of Betsy-Tacy and make a pan of fudge.
Here’s an easy microwave fudge recipe.
3 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 14-oz can condensed milk
4 T. butter
1 t. vanilla extract
1/4 t. salt
Line an 8×8 pan with aluminum foil and spray it withe nonstick cooking spray. In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips, condensed milk, and butter. Microwave one minute at a time until melted, about 2-3 minutes. Stir until all the chocolate is melted, then add the vanilla and salt. Stir until the candy is smooth and well-mixed. Pour the fudge into the prepared pan and smooth it into an even layer. Place the fudge in the refrigerator to set for at least 2 hours. Once set, cut into 1-inch squares and serve at room temperature. Store excess fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
