Nutella and Hazelnut Fudge

From the kitchen of One Perfect Bite...This simple recipe for Nutella fudge is a bit different than the one that was so popular on blogs during the run-up to the Christmas holiday. This version was developed by Elizabeth LaBau who writes the candy guide at About.com. It's a nice recipe and with Valentine's Day just ahead of us, I thought those of you who make candy for your sweet things might like to see the recipe before V-Day actually arrives. This fudge is made with Nutella and it gets an added flavor boost from the addition of toasted hazelnuts. Hazelnuts, or filberts, if you prefer, are a major crop in the state of Oregon, so I use them a lot in my cooking. As a matter of fact, I like them well enough to go for extra flavor whenever I can, so I use hazelnut rather than vanilla extract when I make this fudge. I realize that most of you live in areas where hazelnut extract can't be found. If you'd like to try it, a quick "google" search will return several sources from which it can be ordered. This fudge is fine when made with vanilla but its flavor is really enhanced by the addition of the hazelnut extract. It is smooth and creamy and if you like fudge, you'll like this version. Here's how it is made.

Nutella and Hazelnut Fudge...from the kitchen of One Perfect Bite courtesy of Elizabeth LaBau

Ingredients:

1-1/2 cups granulated sugar

2/3 cup evaporated milk

2 tablespoons butter

1/2 teaspoon salt

1-1/2 cups (9-oz.) semi-sweet chocolate chips

1 (7-oz.) jar marshmallow cream

1 cup chocolate-hazelnut spread, like Nutella

1 teaspoon vanilla extract or 1-1/2 teaspoons hazelnut extract

1/2 cup chopped toasted hazelnuts (optional)

Directions:

1) Prepare an 8x8 pan by lining it with aluminum foil and spraying foil with nonstick cooking spray.

2) Place sugar, evaporated milk, butter, and salt in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Stir until sugar and butter dissolve, then wash down sides of pan with a wet pastry brush to prevent sugar crystals from forming.

3) Insert a candy thermometer into syrup and cook, stirring constantly, until temperature reaches 236 degrees F (113 C). If you are not using a candy thermometer, bring candy to a rapid boil for 5 minutes.

4) After it reaches 236 F, or 5 minutes of boiling, remove pan from heat and add chocolate chips, stirring until they're completely melted.

5) Next add marshmallow cream, Nutella, and vanilla extract, and stir until everything is well-mixed. Add chopped toasted hazelnuts last, if you're using them.

6) Scrape fudge into prepared pan and smooth it into an even layer. Allow fudge to sit at room temperature to firm up, for about 2 hours, or refrigerate for 45 minutes.

7) Once set, remove fudge from pan using foil handles. Cut it into small 1-inch pieces to serve. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.