The history of fudge: Did a mistake create a sweet treat? (2024)

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The history of fudge: Did a mistake create a sweet treat? ›

That appetite for fudge dates back more than a century. Food historian Joyce White says fudge is based on a recipe for chocolate caramels, which was very similar. "What probably happened is that there was someone in Baltimore, messed it up, or 'fadged' it," she said. "Fadge is a word that means you messed up.

The exact origin and inventor of this delicious confection are hotly debated. However, many believe the first batch of fudge was created by accident when American bakers “fudged” a batch of caramels. Hence the name “fudge.”

Culinary legend has it that fudge was invented in America. On Valentine's Day, 1886, a confectioner and chocolate maker in Baltimore, Maryland "fudged" a batch of French caramels. The delicious result? The very first batch of "fudge" ever.

Fudge is a decadent confection that has been enjoyed for over a century. This creamy, smooth, and rich treat is made from sugar, milk, and flavorings, and has become a staple in candy stores and homes around the world.

By most accounts, the first batch of fudge was concocted in Baltimore in the 1880s. By the turn of the century, fudge-making arrived on Mackinac Island in northern Michigan, which today has a legitimate claim as the modern day fudge capital.

It's largely speculated that, somewhere in America, a homemade batch of caramel was ”fudged” (not a pun, although very apt) and went horribly wrong leading to a result that was terribly and deliciously right.

Fudge on Mackinac Island Today

Ford came to Mackinac Island in 1975 he opted for vanilla pecan.) Whether you visit Mackinac Island on National Fudge Day in June or any other day – maybe during the Mackinac Island Fudge Festival in August – come find your favorite flavor and experience the fudge capital of the world!

That appetite for fudge dates back more than a century. Food historian Joyce White says fudge is based on a recipe for chocolate caramels, which was very similar. "What probably happened is that there was someone in Baltimore, messed it up, or 'fadged' it," she said. "Fadge is a word that means you messed up.

Tarte Tatin

This upside-down French dessert was stumbled upon in a hotel owned by two sisters in the 19th Century. When making an apple tart, one of the sisters accidentally over-cooked the apples. To rescue it and disguise the error, she popped the pastry over the top. Et voilà – a dessert favourite was born!

fudge in American English

a soft candy made of butter, milk, sugar, and chocolate or other flavoring, etc.

Why did butter separate from fudge? ›

Fudge is basically an emulsion between sugar, butter and milk. If the butter gets too hot, it can separate, causing the fudge to become oily on top. This is easy to prevent by monitoring the temperature with a candy thermometer, but separated fudge can also be fixed.

Although fudge often contains chocolate, fudge is not the same as chocolate. Chocolate is a mix of cocoa solids, cocoa butter and sometimes sugar and other flavorings and is hard and brittle. Fudge is a mixture of sugar, dairy and flavorings that is cooked and cooled to form a smooth, semi-soft confection.

Fudge typically contains more sugar than chocolate, so it may not be the best choice for those looking to limit their sugar intake. On the other hand, dark chocolate is a good source of antioxidants and can provide health benefits when consumed in moderation.

When fudge is a verb, it means to avoid straightforwardly answering a question or addressing a subject: "Just answer my question and don't fudge the issue!" Fudge is an American word from college slang meaning "a made-up story."

Chocolate causes a wide variety of issues in dogs, including vomiting, diarrhea, racing heart rate, and even death. The chocolate in the fudge would contribute to these issues. Dogs also shouldn't be given dairy depending upon their sensitivity, so the milk/cream in the fudge might cause issues there.

Fudge's story began in the United States around the 1880s. The first documented instance of fudge being made was at Vassar College in Poughkeepsie, New York when a student named Emelyn Battersby Hartridge heard of a fudge recipe and made 30 pounds of it for a senior auction.

On Michigan's world-renowned Mackinac Island, the sweet aroma of fudge wafts out onto the street from four unique Ryba's Fudge Shops.

Ingredients. Milk, cream, sugar, corn syrup, skim milk, high fructose corn syrup, whey, water, chocolate liquor, hydrogenated coconut oil, peanut oil, alkalized cocoa, mono and diglycerides, buttermilk, butter, natural flavors, soy lecithin, pectin, salt, cellulose gum, xanthan gum, guar gum, annatto (color), vanilla.

If there is too much evaporation, when the cooking time is too long, there will not be enough water left in the fudge and it will be too hard. Conversely, if the cooking time is too brief and there is not enough evaporation, too much water will remain and the fudge will be too soft.

He made several desperate attempts to retain his position but was eventually sacked from it in complete disgrace. He was replaced as Minister for Magic by Rufus Scrimgeour, but stayed in an advisory capacity and communicated news of the Second Wizarding War to the Muggle Prime Minister if Scrimgeour was unable to.

Is there fudge in France? ›

A Tradition of Excellence: French fudge, known as "caramel mou" or "mou de caramel," has a long-standing tradition in French confectionery. With a history rooted in artisanal craftsmanship, French fudge has been perfected over the years, combining traditional techniques with a touch of innovation.

Fudge is best stored at room temperature for 2 to 3 weeks wrapped up in its original wax paper. NEVER REFRIGERATE your fudge as this will draw out the moisture and leave you with dry, crumbly fudge.

They started making fudge in 1956, calling themselves Mackinac Island Fudge. They moved to the island in 1960 where they changed the name to Ryba's Fudge Shops. Ryba's now has five locations on Mackinac Island and two in Chicago.

In 1905 year, an 11 year old Frank Eperson mixed soda, juice and water in a cup and accidentally left it with a spoon inside on a cold winter day. On the second day the cup was frozen and instead of drinking juice, Frank had to eat an ice-cream. After 18 years, Frank refined and patented his own invention.

If your fudge turned out super sticky, or it didn't set as it cooled, it probably never got hot enough.

This was partly due to the Azkaban escapee Sirius Black, who Fudge believed to be seeking to return to Voldemort. However, in a misguided attempt to protect Harry, Fudge was too reluctant to tell the boy about Black's supposed goals, as well as Harry's importance as Black's godson.