"Authentic" Pilgrim Fudge

From the "Wednesday" TV show...

 

It’s been way too long since I’ve had a chance to update the blog... You can probably tell by how the site looking like it was time-warped straight from 2012. Life’s been busy: I had some kids, wrote a few cookbooks, and I've been working on some very exciting projects that should be seeing the light of day in 2023 and 2024. But more on that later…

 

‘Tis the season for fudge! I've been a fan of The Addams Family since I was little. I loved catching reruns of the original TV series whenever they aired, but the 1993 film Addams Family Values will always hold a special place in my heart. The scene where Wednesday absolutely wrecks the Thanksgiving play is a holiday tradition for me, and I know I'm not alone. That match drop? Pure cinema magic! So, imagine my excitement when the new Wednesday Netflix series paid homage to that legendary scene.

 

In the show, Wednesday finds herself playing tour guide at Pilgrim World, which, for some inexplicable reason, has a "Fudge Shoppe." As Wednesday explains to the customers, "authentic pilgrim fudge" is not a thing. The earliest fudge recipes in America were recorded in the late 1800s. This recipe is an adaptation of those early versions, using flavors the pilgrims would’ve known, plus some Dutch-processed cocoa. This combination gives the fudge a deep, almost black color and a bittersweet flavor that just might make Wednesday crack the tiniest of smiles. Or maybe just a barely perceptible nod of approval... Heck, I’d settle for a faint blink.

 

Ingredients

 

• 1 cup Granulated Sugar
• 1 cup Dark Brown Sugar
• 3/4 cup Dutch-Processed “Black” Cocoa Powder
• 1/4 teaspoon Salt
• 1 cup Heavy Cream and/or Evaporated Milk
• 1/4 cup Unsalted Butter (plus more for greasing, use cultured butter for added flavor!)
• 1 to 2 teaspoons Molasses, Dark Maple Syrup, or Rye Honey (optional, for flavor depth)
• 2 teaspoon Vanilla Paste or Vanilla Extract
• Black Gel Food Coloring (optional, for a deeper black)
• Optional mix-ins: Nuts, Spices, Candy, Dried Fruit, Cookies, Sprinkles, etc.

 

Directions

1. Line a 9 x 13 inch baking pan with parchment paper and grease generously with butter.     
2. In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, dark brown sugar, cocoa powder, and salt. Stir in the cream and/or evaporated milk, mixing thoroughly until well combined. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture reaches a boil, about 8 to 10 minutes.     
3. Reduce the heat to medium-low, and continue cooking, stirring occasionally. Keep an eye on the temperature with a candy thermometer, and cook until it reaches 235°F (soft-ball stage), about 25 to 30 minutes. If you don’t have a candy thermometer, do the cold-water test: Drop a small spoonful of the mixture into a glass of cold water. It should form a soft, pliable ball. When you remove the ball from the water, it should hold its shape but feel soft.     
4. Remove the pot from the heat. Add in the butter, vanilla, and molasses (if using), but do not stir yet. Let the mixture cool to about 125°F.     
5. Once the mixture has cooled sufficiently, beat it with a wooden spoon for about 10 minutes, or use an electric mixer on medium speed for 2 to 3 minutes until the mixture loses its sheen and thickens up. Stir in any optional ingredients like food coloring, nuts, candy, or any other flavorings.     
6. Pour the fudge mixture into the prepared pan and use a spatula or wooden spoon to spread it evenly. Let the fudge cool at room temperature for 10 to15 minutes before adding any additional toppings or sprinkles (optional).     
7. Allow the fudge to set for 2 to 4 hours until firm enough to cut into squares. You can refrigerate it to speed up the process, but be sure to bring it back to room temperature before cutting.     
8. Once set, cut the fudge into 1 or 2-inch squares and enjoy!     
9. Store the fudge in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week, or in the fridge for up to 3 weeks.
10. Do the Wednesday dance!

 

 Makes 16 to 25 pieces

 

 

Scroll down for a recipe card

---------------------------------------------------------------- 

 

"Authentic" Pilgrim Fudge

Yield: 16 to 25 pieces

Author: Cassandra Reeder

Prep time: 15 MinCook time: 35 MinInactive time: 2 HourTotal time: 2 H & 50 M

A recipe for "authentic pilgrim fudge" from the Wednesday TV show on Netflix.

Ingredients

• 1 cup Granulated Sugar
• 1 cup Dark Brown Sugar
• 3/4 cup Dutch-Processed “Black” Cocoa Powder
• 1/4 teaspoon Salt
• 1 cup Heavy Cream and/or Evaporated Milk
• 1/4 cup Unsalted Butter (plus more for greasing, use cultured butter for added flavor!)
• 1 to 2 teaspoons Molasses, Dark Maple Syrup, or Rye Honey (optional, for flavor depth)
• 2 teaspoon Vanilla Paste or Vanilla Extract
• Black Gel Food Coloring (optional, for a deeper black)
• Optional mix-ins: Nuts, Spices, Candy, Dried Fruit, Cookies, Sprinkles, etc.

Instructions

1. Line a 9 x 13 inch baking pan with parchment paper and grease generously with butter.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, dark brown sugar, cocoa powder, and salt. Stir in the cream and/or evaporated milk, mixing thoroughly until well combined. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture reaches a boil, about 8 to 10 minutes.
3. Reduce the heat to medium-low, and continue cooking, stirring occasionally. Keep an eye on the temperature with a candy thermometer, and cook until it reaches 235°F (soft-ball stage), about 25 to 30 minutes. If you don’t have a candy thermometer, do the cold-water test: Drop a small spoonful of the mixture into a glass of cold water. It should form a soft, pliable ball. When you remove the ball from the water, it should hold its shape but feel soft.
4. Remove the pot from the heat. Add in the butter, vanilla, and molasses (if using), but do not stir yet. Let the mixture cool to about 125°F.
5. Once the mixture has cooled sufficiently, beat it with a wooden spoon for about 10 minutes, or use an electric mixer on medium speed for 2 to 3 minutes until the mixture loses its sheen and thickens up. Stir in any optional ingredients like food coloring, nuts, candy, or any other flavorings.
6. Pour the fudge mixture into the prepared pan and use a spatula or wooden spoon to spread it evenly. Let the fudge cool at room temperature for 10 to15 minutes before adding any additional toppings or sprinkles (optional).
7. Allow the fudge to set for 2 to 4 hours until firm enough to cut into squares. You can refrigerate it to speed up the process, but be sure to bring it back to room temperature before cutting.
8. Once set, cut the fudge into 1 or 2-inch squares and enjoy!
9. Do the Wednesday dance!

Notes

Store the fudge in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week, or in the fridge for up to 3 weeks.

Created using The Recipes Generator