Coffee Fudge (Or Vanilla or Whatever You Want)

Simple, straightforward, tasty nuggets of goodness. Just by changing the coffee to vanilla or some other extract you can make something new.

• Ready In: 1 hr 10 mins
• Yields: 50 Pieces

Ingredients

• 8  ounces  fresh milk
• 4  ounces sugar
• 4  ounces butter
• 3  tablespoons  coffee extract (3 tsp instant coffee & 3 tbs hot water if you don't have the essence)

• Optional

•  walnuts, pecans or   almonds
•  vanilla, -omit coffee an add vanilla extract instead (or another flavor)

Directions

1. Pour the milk into a medium heavy-based saucepan, with a sugar thermometer attached, and bring slowly to the boil.
2. Add the sugar and butter. Heat slowly, stirring continuously, until the sugar dissolves and the butter melts. Bring to the boil, cover and boil for 2 minutes.
3. Uncover and continue to boil steadily, stirring occasionally, for 15 - 20 minutes, until the temperature reaches the soft ball stage 116°C (235-240°F), when a little of the mixture, dropped into a cup of cold water, forms a soft ball when rolled between finger and thumb.
4. Remove from the heat. Stir in the coffee flavoring (nuts if adding) and leave to cool for 5 minutes.
5. Beat the fudge until it just begins to lose its gloss and is thick.
6. Transfer to a greased 7 inch square tin.
7. Mark into 50 squares when almost set.
8. When firm and set, cut along the marked lines.
9. Store in an airtight container.