Mom's Fudge and Ron Santo, Part 2

I have been making my Mom's fudge recipe every year for Christmas since I was a teen.  We always had it on Christmas. Eve.  For awhile I was putting walnuts in it, but them I started making it for gifts for various people, so some people didn't like nuts. Now there are so many nut allergies, I just decorated a few pieces with walnuts. Lately I've been making it plain, but now Lindsey from Gingerbread Bagels blog is rubbing off on me.  Now I feel compelled to try out different topping for the fudge, crushed candy canes, chopped up Snickers, walnuts and , M&M's. I'm pretty sure that I don't have the candy stash that Lindsey does.

This fudge recipe is very versatile and you can vary the toppings, or you can vary the flavor extracts: rum or peppermint,, or even add peanut butter.. You can even add liqueurs, Kahlua, Bailey's Irish Cream, or Grand Marnier. You get the idea depending on the recipient..  This particular recipe makes five lbs, so it  good for giving as gifts. I have no idea where my Mom got this recipe and I never asked her. So here's the recipe, which is very simple.

Ingredients

4 1/2 c. sugar
8 Tbsp butter, (1 stick)
1 large can of evaporated milk, 12 oz.  don"t use condensed milk
3 C. (1 /1/2 12 oz bags) semi sweet chocolate chips  You could also mix in some dark chocolate
7 oz jar of Marshmallow fluff
1 1/2 Tsp vanilla extract

Spray with cooking spray a 15X10X1 pan.

Combine, sugar, butter, and evaporated milk in a dutch oven. , Bring to a FULL  rolling boil, stirring over medium heat, stirring constantly. Boil for 5 min, or until mixture gets to 234 degrees on candy thermometer, stirring constantly.

Remove from heat.  Add chocolate and beat well. Add in marshmallow fluff and vanilla stir until well combined. Spread into prepared pan and cool.  Cut in squares and Enjoy!

Ron Santo, iconic radio broadcaster for the Chicago Cubs, passed away early today. My husband and I feel like we lost a member of our family.  It is ironic that  I'm blogging about this on my My Mom's Fudge post because my Mom was a devout Cub fan and loved Ronnie. That is somewhat amazing , a Cub fan who grew up near St. Louis in Cardinal country, was a Cub fan, much to to the chagrin to my Dad, who is a lifelong Cardinal fan. In my Mom mom's later years, we took her to some Cubs games and my Dad was very quiet during those games. Had it be known, I think she liked the Cubs, just to bug my Dad.  They were married 65 years, however, so the Cub- Cardinal rivalry didn't really come between them..

 Here is my well worn Cub shirt, which I will wear today, in memory of Ron. Chicago, the Cubs, and his fans have lost an ambassador to baseball and JDRF, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. He was the color commentator for the Cubs games for many years.  Ron also sponsored walks and has raised millions for juvenile diabetes research He was one of the first athletes to compete the Diabetes, Type 1, and was very passionate about finding a cure.  I could go on, but if  you want more information or remembrance, turn on your radio or computer to WGN, 720 a.m.. RIP Ronnie.