Perfect Chocolate Fudge

I found this in an ancient Betty Crocker cookbook- the novel with the cover half ripped off and corners extremely worn, on my grandma's cookbook shelf. She was going to throw it away, until we found this recipe. My grandma complains about something always going wrong with her fudge. But, with this...no complaints. It comes out perfect- and very addicting- every time.

• Ready In: 30 mins
• Serves: 48-96

Ingredients

• 2  cups sugar
• 2⁄3 cup milk
• 2  ounces  unsweetened chocolate or 1⁄3 cup  cocoa
• 2  tablespoons corn syrup
• 1⁄4 teaspoon salt
• 2  tablespoons butter or 2  tablespoons margarine
• 1  teaspoon vanilla
• 1⁄2 cup  coarsely chopped  nuts, if desired

Directions

1. Butter loaf pan (9”x 5”x 3”).
2. Combine sugar, milk, chocolate, corn syrup, and salt in 2-quart saucepan.
3. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until chocolate is melted and sugar is dissolved.
4. Cook, stirring occasionally, to 234 on a candy thermometer (or until small amount dropped into cold water forms a soft ball which flattens when removed from water).
5. Remove from heat.
6. Add butter.
7. Cool mixture to 120 without stirring (or until bottom of pan is lukewarm).
8. Add vanilla.
9. Beat vigorously and continuously 5-10 minutes with a wooden spoon, until candy is thick and no longer glossy. (Mixture will hold shape when dropped from the spoon.).
10. Quickly stir in nuts if desired.
11. Spread mixture evenly in buttered pan.
12. Cool until firm. (Then it is ready to cut and serve).