My Mother's Cocoa Peanut Butter Fudge

My mother makes this all the time. When I was a little girl, she would make it Christmas eve. The smell, for me, is what Christmas should smell like.

• Ready In: 21 mins
• Serves: 18
• Yields: 18 pieces

Ingredients

• 2  cups sugar
• 1⁄3 cup  cocoa
• 2⁄3 cup milk
• 2  tablespoons light corn syrup
• 1  dash salt
• 2  tablespoons butter
• 1⁄2 cup peanut butter (creamy or chunky)
• 1  teaspoon vanilla

Directions

1. Mix sugar, cocoa, milk, syrup, and salt in a heavy, deep pot.
2. Turn to high and bring to a boil, stirring constantly. When the mixture is at a rolling boil, turn down to medium and cook until soft ball stage or 236°F.
3. Stirring constantly once it's at the right temperature, remove from heat, add the butter, peanut butter and vanilla; stir until well mixed.
4. Quickly pour into an 8x8 square pan that has been buttered. Allow to cool before cutting.
5. If you like nuts, you may add 1/2 cup of chopped pecans, walnuts, or peanuts when you add butter, peanut butter and vanilla.