Cranberry-Orange Fudge

This is a true old fashioned candy makers fudge...no cheating with this one. It takes a bit of extra work, but once you taste it you will agree that it was worth all the effort. Cooking time includes 2 hours of chilling time.

• Ready In: 3 hrs 45 mins
• Serves: 24
• Yields: 4 dozen pieces

Ingredients

• 1  cup dried cranberries
• 2  tablespoons  orange juice
• 2  cups sugar
• 1  cup  whipping cream
• 1  tablespoon light corn syrup
• 2  tablespoons butter
• 1  teaspoon vanilla
• 1⁄2 cup  finely chopped  candied orange peel

Directions

1. combine cranberries and orange juice in a small microwave-safe bowl.
2. cover and microwave on high 2 minutes, stirring after 1 minute.
3. allow to stand covered 10 minutes.
4. coarsely chop cranberries.
5. line and 8" square baking pan with greased foil that extends over on two sides.
6. butter sides of a heavy large saucepan.
7. combine sugar, whipping cream and corn syrup.
8. stirring constantly, cook over medium-low heat until sugar dissolves.
9. using a pastry brush dipped in hot water, wash down any sugar crystals on the sides of the pan.
10. attach a candy thermometer to pan, make sure it does not touch the bottom of the pan.
11. increase heat to medium and bring mixture to a boil.
12. cook, without stirring, until mixture reaches soft ball stage (234-240 degrees).
13. test 1/2 tsp mixture in ice water (mixture will form a ball in the water but will flatten in your hand).
14. place pan in 2" of cold water in the sink.
15. add butter and vanilla; do not stir.
16. cool to approximately 110 degrees.
17. remove from sink.
18. using medium speed of and electric mixer, beat until fudge thickens and begins to lose its gloss.
19. stir in orange peel and cranberries.
20. pour into prepared pan.
21. cover and chill two hours.
22. cut into 1" pieces.