Family Meal - Brenda's Fantastic Fudge
Brenda Bakos and her husband, Bill, were the stars of our first Living Heirloom documentary. Over the span of a few months, we spent countless hours together as they shared a wealth of memories and life stories.
Cooking has always held a special place in Brenda's life.
Growing up, her grandmother made biscuits every morning to feed Brenda and her siblings. Later in life, Brenda's mom taught her how to make biscuits herself.
Brenda cooking with her mother, Viola.
Now, she cherishes every opportunity to cook with her own children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Whether they're making biscuits, cookies, or fudge, being together in the kitchen gives them a chance to create new memories and keep their family traditions alive.
We asked Brenda to demonstrate how she prepares a cherished family recipe for the Time:Stamp community.
She decided to share a holiday staple — Fantastic Fudge.
Brenda's recipe for maple-flavored Fantastic Fudge:
Ingredients:
5 cups sugar
12 oz. evaporated milk
2 sticks of butter
2 bags of white chocolate chips
7 oz. marshmallow cream
1 tsp. maple extract
2 cups chopped English walnuts
Modifications:
Substitute the white chocolate chips, maple extract, and walnuts to create your own desired flavors.
For classic chocolate fudge, use milk chocolate chips and vanilla extract.
Throw in some pecans if you prefer them to walnuts.
Instructions:
Bring sugar, milk, and butter to a boil over medium heat in a large, heavy pot, stirring constantly.
Cook to 240°F using a candy thermometer, or for 8-9 minutes.
Remove from heat and fold in chocolate chips, stirring well.
Stir in maple extract, then add marshmallow cream.
Add chopped walnuts, if desired.
Pour into a greased 9x13 pan and cool in the refrigerator.
Cut into squares and serve.
Brenda's children with their cousins and aunt Freda.
Some of our best memories are of gathering in the kitchen and chit-chatting with loved ones before sitting down to share a meal together.
The conversations don't have to be deep and meaningful. Sometimes it's the simple act of being present together in a shared space that provides the emotional nourishment we all need.
It's a wonderful learning opportunity, too.
Watching closely as our loved ones prepare meals and sweet treats that bring us comfort offers us a chance to pay the act of kindness forward.
Learning family recipes allows us to offer the same comfort and nourishment to those we welcome into our home, keeping our family's traditions and legacy alive.
Bill and Brenda with their grandson, Austin.
