There are; of course, many differences between the UK and the USA, but I do love that both our nations can get patriotic with anything red, white and blue. As can at least 27 other countries including France and Russia, but I suspect the French are more likely to go for pâtisserie rather than fudge.
For my patriotic treat I made a simple vanilla fudge, beaten for a creamy soft set and filled and topped with red, white and blue cake sprinkles. If you eat within a day the sprinkles are crunchy, or leave for a few days and they soften up and apart from the colour you would not know that they were there.
Adapt the sprinkles according to your patriotic leanings, or favourite colour scheme. I know that this will be a welcome addition to any party or potluck – can you stop at just one or two pieces?
Recipe: Patriotic Red, White & Blue Vanilla Fudge
Ingredients
- 240 ml /1 cup milk – semi skimmed
- 240 ml /1 cup double/ heavy cream
- 700 g /4 1/2 cups white sugar
- 160 g /1 2/3 sticks butter
- 1 tsp vanilla essence
- 3 tbs red (white & blue cake sprinkles)
Instructions
- Line an 8” / 20cm square tin or gratin dish with oiled parchment paper or foil.
- Place all the ingredients into a large, heavy bottom pan and heat until it reaches a gentle simmer.
- Turn the temperature up and allow to boil gently until the mixture reaches the soft ball stage, or 240F/115C on a sugar thermometer this will take about 20 minutes.
- Remove from the heat and allow to cool for a few minutes.
- Beat with an electric mixer on a slow speed (or by hand if you are feeling strong) for about 5 minutes, until the mixture starts to thicken and losses its gloss.
- Stir in 2 tablespoons of the sprinkles.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared tin and scatter the remaining sprinkles over, and gently press them into the surface of the fudge.
- Allow to cool, then pop into the fridge for a few hours to firm up before cutting into bite sized pieces.
London Unattached
very cute! I love fudge too – I like the way you’ve written this recipe out in American too!
Helen
I need to be International these days Fiona, and it is perfect for the US market!
Urvashi
I love these! So simple but they look brilliant. Could change the sprinkles for different colours too. Was thinking Indian Independence Day on my penda!
Helen
Exactly! Swap the sprinkles and cater for everyone!
Johanna GGG
very cute – Australia also had red white and blue on our flag but the national colours we go with often are yellow and green – a sign of a country with a permanent identity crisis – but am sure this would do us for some patriotic cheer – and be delicious whatever the colour or country :-)
Helen
Hi Johanna,
You could make two batches and cater for everyone!
Choclette
I haven’t made fudge in years Helen – used to make a lot as a teenager, but generally find it too sweet these days. Although it does rather depend on my mood.
Helen
I thought that this one was rather fun, and was playing with ideas whilst developing a commission.
Heidi Roberts
I can’t eat just one piece of fudge – so difficult to stop once you start!
Helen
Tell me about it Heidi. It is so moreish.
Sylvia
Fudge are my OH favourite sweets ;) I’m going to surprise him one day by making those!
Helen
Go for it Sylvia!
Janie
Very cute, especially with the patriotic theme ;)
Janie
Helen
Endless adaptable too don’t you think?
Tina @ The Spicy Pear
That fudge looks soo cute! Can you freeze fugde? I’m afraid if I leave it in the fridge I will keep sneaking small pieces until the entire tin has finished by me in one day.
Helen
I am sure you could freeze it Tina. Willpower goes out of the window with fudge!
Katie Bryson
I’m going to bookmark this for July 4th, what a fab idea!!!!
Helen
And a great way to use up cake sprinkles Katie!
Ren Behan
Very sweet, I’ve made lots of truffles in my time, but never fudge, I’ll have to give it a go x
Helen
Very easy too Ren, as well as endlessly adaptable.
Dannii @ Hungry Healthy Happy
Yum! I am a big fan of fudge.
Helen
I love fudge, the problem is stopping at just one piece!
Jude - A Trifle Rushed
Gorgeous, I often make my mother-in-law’s scrumptious fudge, but have never decorated it. The dual measurements are something I’m going to do too, hopefully it will become second nature over time!
Helen
Thanks Jude. Let’s see is US measurements make a difference to my readership
Franglais kitchen, Nazima
I love fudge. Not made it for ages. Must give your recipe a try and the sprinkles make it looks so pretty
Helen
It is a treat – and a good way to use all those sprinkes up!
Deena Kakaya
Goodness, they look so perfect Helen! And they are simple to make per your guidance, I must give them a go. x
Helen
Thank you Deena!