Soft Dark Chocolate M&M Fudge

 

I realized that I never shared how my trip to California went. I went for a short week a the end of June :/ The day I landed, I headed off to San Diego for a conference. While there, my labmates went with me to get cupcakes :) Which is a plus, because although I am far behind on my reviews, I always love visiting new cupcakeries to share with you. After 3 days in San Diego in headed back to my parents to see my cousin get married.We headed up to Santa Barbara , CA for both a welcome dinner and the wedding ceremony (the next day). Both of which were beautiful. #loveindianweddings :)  I also got to spend time with my adorable niece, get together with my besties, and get more cupcakes before I headed off. It was definitely a packed week!

Side note: I hate selfies. I cannot stand the people on Facebook that takes pictures of themselves all the time. AND if I can see your phone (i.e., you) taking a picture of yourself in the mirror it is even more lame. AND if you are over the age of 22....STOP...and if you are a professional/graduate student REALLY STOP :) My advice to you ;) Well, I went on that rant because my sister agrees and so my niece, cousin and sister took one as a joke to post on FB under the comment #selfies. I think it came out pretty well.

And onto today's recipe.  I really try hard to improve my food photography and take pictures that I really think look good, showcase my recipes, and look like they belong on Pinterest (because you know that is the judge of everything ;) With this recipe, I cannot lie, taking pictures of this fudge was so hard- I am not sure why-- I can only guess the fudge was too dark and the M&Ms were too bright. Blah- so I am sorry for that. Just know, they are more amazing then they look. On the "bright" side, I  LOVED LOVED LOVED this fudge. This is not your traditional fudge. It is a super soft, immediately melts in your mouth type fudge, with bits of crunchy M&Ms in it. The hubby, who is not as much of a chocolate enthusiast as me, ate this up! He asked if we can make this both with no additions and one with nuts. So I can only imagine he loves it just as much as me. The biggest bonus: this is super, duper, amazingly easy! I mean EASY! Seriously, go make it NOW :)

 

SOFT DARK CHOCOLATE M&M FUDGE

Adapted from Texanerin

INGREDIENTS

1/2 c. butter, melted 

1/2 c. honey

1/2 c. + 3 tbsp. Hershey's Special Dark Cocoa Powder

2 tbsp. cookie butter (or almond butter)

1/2 c. mini M&Ms (or 3/4 c. see below)*

*If desired you can leave out any additions or add in a different ingredient (i.e., nuts)

DIRECTIONS

In a medium bowl, whisk together butter and honey until well combined. Then slowly add in cocoa powder (make sure cocoa powder is sifted first-- as you want to prevent any lumps). Next, mix in cookie butter. Finally add in mix-in, if desired. If no mix in is desired, pour fudge in loaf pan lined with aluminum foil (this will make cutting the fudge into squares much easier).

If you would like a mix-in, this can be done in two ways:

1. If you want it throughout the fudge: mix in 1/2 c. of the mix-in (M&Ms). Pour in loaf pan lined with aluminum foil (this will make cutting the fudge into squares much easier). Sprinkle the top of fudge with remaining mix-in (M&Ms).
2. If you do not want it throughout: Pour fudge into loaf pan lined with aluminum foil (this will make cutting the fudge into squares much easier). Sprinkle the top of the fudge with 1/2 c. of the mix-in (M&Ms).

Freeze for at least 1 hour (refrigerating overnight is recommended). Lift aluminum foil out of loaf pan. Using a greased knife, cut the fudge into small squares. Keep refrigerated until served.  This can be a little messy BUT have fun licking your fingers ;)

Enjoy,

Chika