I promised to provide you with a couple more recipes for fudge. And yes I know. Fudge recipes are a dime a dozen. (Well actually they’re free. If of course you don’t take into consideration what you paid for your computer or fancy phone to begin with. And the exorbitant fee (really a hostage fee) you pay each month to be able to access information. But let’s get back to the matter at hand. Fudge!)

Like I said, there are a lot of recipes out there for fudge. (And God bless them, one and all!) But just like in every dish, some are better than others. Now I don’t mean to brag (but I’m going to do it anyway), this fudge is everything a fudge should be.

It’s chocolaty, it has a smooth not grainy texture, and you don’t really taste the bourbon as much as you “experience” it! Sounds crazy right? But it just happens to be the case. And of course the toasted pecan pieces offer their own little enhancement to the overall culinary delight. In other words – this is really, really delicious fudge! And super easy to prepare.

But please don’t just take my word for it. Make a batch of this for yourself. And I do mean for yourself! This is the kind of treat you just might not want to share with others. Let me explain.

Let’s say you gift a friend with a tin of this fudge. Next year, that friend will want more. It’s inevitable. And he or she may even have told your other friends about the fabulous fudge you make. And now you are the “fudge person”. It can only get more difficult as the years go by. So think before you gift!

But if in your zest for this most joyful of holiday seasons you decide to take a chance and share this candy with your loved ones, more power to you. That puts you in the same boat with me. And in my estimation, it’s a fine boat to be in. I love making holiday treats to share with my family and friends. And I adore receiving homemade gifts of any kind, but especially the ones that are edible.

So go for the gusto. Throw caution to the wind. Embrace the holidays rather than shrinking away from all the festivities. And make some fudge. It’s good for that inner kid in you that is still yearning to believe in Santa Claus. Now if Santa will just grant me my wish for world peace………………  

3½ c. semi-sweet chocolate chips (the better the chips, the better the fudge)

¼ c. (½ stick) unsalted butter

1 (14-oz.) can sweetened condensed milk

¼ c. bourbon

1 tsp. vanilla extract

¼ tsp. kosher salt

1 c. toasted pecans, roughly chopped

fleur de sel or other flaky sea salt

Place the chocolate chips in a large glass bowl. Microwave on medium heat until the chocolate is melted and smooth. Stir often.  

Add the butter and sweetened condensed milk. Microwave for 1-2 minutes until the butter is melted and the mixture is smooth. Stir often. Remove from microwave.   

Gently stir in the bourbon, vanilla, and kosher salt; mix well. Stir in the pecans and scoop the mixture into a parchment paper lined 9×9-inch square or 11×7-inch rectangular baking pan. Pat the fudge into place and smooth out the top. Sprinkle lightly with fleur de sel.

Place the fudge in the fridge for at least 2 hours. When the fudge is firm, remove the pan from the fridge. Lift the fudge out of the pan and place on a cutting board. Let sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes or so. Using a sharp knife, cut the fudge into small squares. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Serve at room temperature.