Chocolate Fudge made into cute little monsters to celebrate Halloween. It's spooktacular!
Hi folks.
I am here today proclaiming my undying love...
My eternal gratitude...
For you!
The ones who read...
The ones who comment...
The ones who send me cute emails...
The ones who keep coming back no matter what...
The ones who share my stuff on facebook...
The ones who tweet my food...
The ones who pin my food...
You complete me!
Okay that was going too far. We'll blame that one on me watching Jerry Maguire the other night.
But you make me happy...
You make the time I spend cooking worthwhile...
You make the cold food I eat worth it every single time you show up.
For those who are vocal I appreciate it...
For those who hide and are too afraid to comment, I appreciate you...but come on in out of the shadows and say hello.
I won't bite...
Hard!
Just try...
say hello...
or I had a sandwich from the street vendor today and it blew...
or I don't like sugar but your pictures make me smile...
or I had to go to the dentist after chipping a tooth on your Trix Krispies...
just take that leap of faith and let me know you're out there.
Cuz I adore every single one of you.
For realz!
Not swimfan love...
but I think it's cool you think I'm cool and worth reading kind of love!
So there you have it.
Some love from a lunatic...
for whatever that's worth...
and I hope its worth it's weight in sugar!
Ingredients
- 1 cup minus 1 tablespoon milk
- 2 cups white sugar
- â…› teaspoon salt
- 2 oz unsweetened chocolate grated
- 2 tbsp butter heaping
- 1 tsp vanilla
- Optional: ½ to 1 cup chopped nuts
- Topping:
- Icing
- Food Colour
- Googly Eyes
Instructions
- Bring milk to a boil in a large pot.
- Remove from heat and add sugar, salt and chocolate. Stir until the sugar dissolves.
- Bring back to a boil and cook for 5 minutes, then you want to reduce the heat to about medium and let it bubble gently without stirring it. The candy thermometer should read appr 234 degree F which is the soft ball stage. This takes about 20ish minutes, give or take a bit.
- Remove from heat and let stand to cool. You want the thermometer to read about 110 degree F. This should take about 15ish minutes, give or take a bit.
- Add the butter and vanilla, beat the fudge until it starts to thicken up and loses its sheen or gloss (takes about 5ish minutes).
- If adding nuts do this now.
- Pour into a parchment lined pan.
- Allow to cool.
- Cut into squares.
- Topping:
- I took pre-made icing and mixed in colours, then piped a little swirl on top of each piece of fudge.
- Pop your googly eyes into the icing where you want them.
- If layering with confetti pieces lay the confetti first then take a touch of icing and dab it on the back of the googly eyes and then press them in place over the confetti.
- Let dry.
- Serve with a big old monstery smile!
Nutrition
A quick note about the googly eyes. If you are making these for a party or event, do not put the eyes on too far in advance. They absorb the moisture from the icing and will only stay cute and creepy for a short time. So if you can affix them the day of that's what I would recommend. Mine held up nice for two days. Don't chance it, put them on as late as possible.
Hope you liked the Monster Fudge. While we're in sharing mode there's a few things I'd like to share with you. Please take a minute to continue reading and follow the links to the articles below. There's some great stuff out there on the web. Stuff you should be reading, besides me. I mean I love when you read me, but there's so many other more important things out there right now.
The blogging world is abuzz with a post from Less Cake More Frosting about manners and how pinning affects bloggers. If you have not read it yet I encourage you to go forth and read it. It will change your view on how we all relate to one another and how we share things. It hits home. It makes an impact. I hope you take the time to read it and let her words of wisdom resonate.
I would also like you take the time to read a post by a wonderful lady named Donna who blogs at Cookistry. Donna's husband is having some serious health issues. They have been through the wringer, and my heart just aches for her. She has faced her hubby's illness head on and has been there by his side. Needless to say with both of them not working the bills are surmounting. You know I don't usually make pleas for help from you all but this family could use it. Donna is an amazingly generous blogger who is always there to help others out. She is kind, caring and thoughtful. I adore her and think she is such a huge asset to the blogging community. If you can afford to donate please do so. You will be helping out a loving couple who could really use a helping hand right now. That's just good karma folks.
Now while we're on the subject of other blogs I thought I'd share something else with you. I would love for you all to go visit  Lynne from Design The Life You Want To Live. Lynne is a friend I've made through blogging. She is standing strong alongside her hubby who has cancer, fighting the good fight every day. This woman is beyond brave, beyond courageous, and she inspires me every single day. She wrote a post that will literally change your life. I know we all joke about cupcakes that will change your life and ice cream that will change your life. And that's all fun and good times. But this, this my friends, will actually change your life. She will make you think twice about bitching over stupid little things in life. The kicker is she does it all with a wicked wit that will make you love her. Like swimfan kind of love. She's that awesome.
So to put this all in lunatic point form as you all know I love to do, here's a recap:
I love you...but not swimfan love!
I love when you comment...it makes me tingly inside!
I watch too much tv!
You should read that post about manners...cuz it rocked my socks off!
If you've got some spare cash rattling around your pockets please donate and help a fellow blogger in the process. Do good in the world! Karma people!
You should read about Lynne and her hubby...cuz I want you to take a step back and realize life is short so grab it by the balls and don't let go!
Oh and I love Lynne...swimfan style!
Yup, that's about it.
Who loves ya baby...
I DO!
I love you so much I decided to have a giveaway. Now it's not a new mixer or a dishwasher or a bazillion dollars. I mean I would love to give you those things. Â But you know I'm poor and, breaking news just in, hubs is laid off again. So times are tough and while I'd love to give you the moon, I sadly cannot afford the moon. What I can afford to do is this:
I will be drawing 3 names with random.org and sending each winner 1 batch of fudge, made by yours truly. Just to sweeten the pot each package will also contain a candy thermometer, a fancy shmancy wooden spoon I love for making  fudge,  and a package of chocolate for you to whip up your own batch of this stuff.
To enter just leave a comment. Simple. Tell me anything you like, what you ate for breakfast, your fave kind of fudge, what you want from Santa this year. The possibilities are endless.
To get an extra entry just follow me by email. Leave a SEPARATE comment saying you did so.
Giveaway open to all residents in Canada and the US. Giveaway closes on October 31, 2012 at midnight. Good luck! (GIVEAWAY NOW CLOSED, WINNERS HAVE BEEN CONTACTED.)
Quick note to the winners, fudge will be sent minus googly eyes and frosting. Just fudge. Since some of you live farther the frosting and eyes won't hold up. The eyes will start to absorb the moisture from the icing after a day or two.
Toodles and smoochies! xx
ps. don't expect this kind of love-fest every day. Feelings and touchy feely crap make me gag most days!
Anne@Have a Cookie!
I would love to win the "fudge" kit!
Kim Bee
Good luck Anne!
Anne@Have a Cookie!
And I follow you by email too!
Kim Bee
Yah!
Kim Bee
Congrats Anne. You are one of the winners. I've sent you an email. Look forward to hearing back from you.
catherine wong
Hi there, i have donated to Donna after reading her blog. thks for sharing her storey in your blog.
Kim Bee
You are a treasure Catherine. Thanks for helping them out.
Ann
*sigh* you're made of awesome!
Kim Bee
Lol, thanks Ann. Thanks for help with the pics.
Alice @ Hip Foodie Mom
You are hilarious. Love this post. You complete me. 🙂 and not swim fan love? LOL! 🙂 and the fudge is amazing. my daughter will love this!
Kim Bee
Thanks Alice. Loving life...and fudge.
Anna @ hiddenponies
What. I can have fudge from you? Yes pleeeease. Those monsters are adorable, and you are loved right back. Sorry to hear about your hubs again...argh.
Kim Bee
Why yes, yes you can. Thanks Anna. Hope you win.
Oy, this going back to school thing just is not seeming worth it. We thought for sure we were finally in the clear and he had a career with that company. No dice. Moving on. He'll find something else I'm sure. Till then I'm not allowed to shop. I am however not cancelling my plans to hit the states tomorrow. A girls gotta live man.
DB-The Foodie Stuntman
Good stuff as always, Kim. I hope everything is well on your end.
Kim Bee
Thanks DB. Doing well, just tired from starting a new job. But I'm sure I'll get used to it quickly. Hope you are well too. We should catch up.
Jen
I follow you by email
Kim Bee
Thanks Jen.
Jen
and i'd absolutely love to win this more for the candy thermometer then anything as it's on my christmas list... however i'd be crazy to say i didn't want the fudge... mmm, love candy that stares back, teehee
Kim Bee
I love a good candy thermometer. I have two but one is better than the other. Good luck.
Choc Chip Uru
My friend I think you already know how much everyone loves your delish kitchen antics - you give us reason to come back 🙂
Your monster fudge looks ridiculously incredible, in taste and cute... I mean... Scariness 😀
I wish I was eligible to taste your homemade fudge but alas teleportation is not invented so good luck to all the entrants!!!
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
Kim Bee
Awe you are so sweet Uru. I adore ya.
I wish I could ship international. Just doing it to the states might be a challenge. I may have to take it over the border then send it. Looking into the best way to do it.
ColleenB.
I don't do facebook and I don't tweet but do have a computer for me to enjoy blog land. :}
I'm fairly new to your blog and I must say, I love your sense of humor.
All your recipes look so yummy and you take great photos by the way. Your fudge looks Wonderful and oh, sooooooooo cute for Howl-oween. Only time I make fudge is around Christmas time. One batch makes alot...........7 lbs worth in fact; so I do have plenty to give as gifts, etc. I sure would love to win your fudge package and eat someone else's fudge for a change. :}(would make for a great belated birthday gift as I had my birthday just a couple weeks ago.)
Nope, don't mind a bit about telling my age. I turned 63 on the 12th and just had my 9th grandchild the 20th of Sept.
Thank you for this giveaway opportunity. Got my fingers crossed on this end.
Oh, sorry, but one more thing. It's Never the size of the gift that counts; It's the thought and love behind it.
ColleenB.
Texas
'smile and the world smiles with you.'
Kim Bee
Hi Colleen, so nice to meet you. So happy you found me. I have a bit of a snarky side so glad to know people know I'm kidding and I'm not really arrogant or crazy.
I've never netted that much fudge off a recipe before. Most of mine seem to do small batches. This one is just a great fudge to eat. Tricky to make but so worth it when it turns out.
Happy Birthday. Hope you win so you can have this for your birthday present. I'm 43 and proud of it. Aging is a riot. While I hate the wrinkles and dark spots I love that I just get more comfortable in my own skin with each passing year. There's a calmness that settles in after 40. No grandkids for me yet. I do look forward to it though. Hopefully not any time soon since both the hooligans are in university but after that I hope there's lots of munchkins forthcoming.
You are too sweet and I'm so glad you came by. Smiling a big old smile as I write this.
Cindy's Recipes and Writings
For some reason, I feel like somebody's watching me! Oh its your fudge! Uummm fudge! Kim you have a kind soul, don't ever change!
Kim Bee
Lol, I know the feeling. And thank you. xx
Lora @cakeduchess
so you know I adore you. And you also know I appreciate you and your friendship. You rock, lovely lady. these are SO much fun! Love this giveaway:)xx
Kim Bee
Awe thanks so much Lora. That made my day. Love right back at ya! xx
Kristen
You are sweet to the core...sorry, lost my train of thought - pancakes were burning on the stove. Oh yes, fudge and you. Sweet and wonderful and certainly welcome in my house!!
Kim Bee
Thanks Kristen. Hope your pancakes are okay. Maybe it was a sign you should make fudge pancakes??
Anita at Hungry Couple
You buried it a bit but I'm sorry to hear that hubs is out of work again. That blows.
Kim Bee
Awe thanks Anita. I didn't want to make a big hoopla over it. Hopefully he lines sometime else up asap. The joys of going back for a degree then trying to work your way up through the ranks. Been wondering if it was worth all the sacrifices we've made. But I'm optimistic. Barely. Lol.
Joan
I read the post by the person whose husband has cancer. My son-in-law is fighting stage IV kidney cancer. This family pretty much knows where she is coming from.
I read the post on internet manners. Most people tend to hide behind the impersonal curtain that is the internet. The net makes everything so impersonal. Breaking that barrier is going to be a hard sell. But, worth it.
Joan
ps - I'd rate the recipe higher, but I failed the soft-ball test when I tried the recipe. I guess I need a candy thermometer that works!
Kim Bee
Hi Joan.
My dad had lung cancer and I took care of him for almost a year till he passed. He wanted to be at home and I just happened to live 2 blocks from him so I was able to balance both so he could be at home till the end. It's rough watching people you care about get sick. Sending positive vibes your way for your son in law.
I agree. People are just catty and mean on the internet. I highly doubt anyone would say half the things they do if they had to stare that person in the face.
You already made it? That's wild. It's a tricky recipe, I had 3 successes and one epic failure. The upside is unless you burn the stuff it's still awesome even if it's too soft. The soft ball stage bites me in the butt sometimes too. I am not overly patient so I have a tendency to rush it. A working candy thermometer helps. Also the pan you use seems to make a big difference. I actually have the best results using a good quality stock pot. I think the bubbling stage works better cuz it's more spread out. Also little things like making sure if you use a big pot that you use the big burner on your stove so the temp is even across. I need to write another post with video on fudge making. The good old fashioned kind is not easy to make.
Ramona
Kim these fudge monsters are simply awesome!! My kids will love them. 🙂
Kim Bee
Thanks so much Ramona.
Kristina
you are awesome. and you link to some very good posts - my heart goes out to Lynne and I have an idea of the fight - doing the same with my dear father since January.
Donna's story is scary as well, brings a huge perspective to your every day.
sending you HUGE hugs!
Kim Bee
Thanks Kristina. I am so sorry about your dad. If you ever want to talk let me know. I took care of my dad for almost a year when he had cancer. He wanted to pass at home so since I lived two blocks away I made it happen. I just bounced back and forth, and somehow managed to get through it without much sleep. It's rough. If I can say anything positive about it though it was that it was the best, most enlightening thing I've ever done. I got to know him in a way I never did before. So I'm grateful for the time I spent with him.
I agree, Donna's story hits home. I can't imagine having both people not working and huge bills for the care but no way to pay it all. Frightening. I love her to bits and hope posting the link helped in some small way.
Huge hugs right back at ya!
Jen
Leaving a comment to scatter some joy....
I made fudge this past weekend... Great minds think alike... 😉
I already follow you on email.....
will go back tonight and read the articles.... @ work right now...
Kim Bee
Thanks Jen. Joy is always welcome here.
Ah a fellow fudge maker. It's so tricky. I'd love to say I nail it every time I make it but that would be a total lie. I try but some fail.
Charlie
Kim:
I just want you to know that I love your blog. I look forward to every email sent.
Praying that DH gets back to work real soon!
I love fudge.
I don't eat a lot, because chocolate hates me.
But fudge ...... well I armour myself with super strength motrin before hand, and then I indulge.
Fudge is just one of those things I can't say no to.
I would love to win yours!
Have a Joyful Day :~D
Charlie
Kim Bee
Awe thanks so much Charlie. I adore when you stop in.
I'm hopeful a job will come along. I'm trying not to worry. Worry won't get me anywhere but sick.
Lol, you poor dear. I am the same way when I eat corn of all things. I know it's going to bug me but I just gotta do it from time to time.
I hope you win.
xx