Fudge, Glorious Fudge!

Fudge has long been a staple of many suppliers of wholesale confectionery here in the UK. But fudge is in fact an international sweet, with countries and cultures around the globe having many different variations on this simple yet so comforting confectionery.

First, the Basics

All fudge begins with three basic ingredients – sugar, milk and butter. Making fudge sounds simple, but does require concentration to get it just right.• First, put all the ingredients in a good saucepan and gently melt until the sugar has completely dissolved. • Now bring the mixture to the boil and let it simmer for about 15 minutes (be careful – it is VERY hot), stirring and scraping the bottom of the pan constantly. The mixture needs to reach 118O C. (use a sugar thermometer or drop some of the mixture into some ice water – it should form a soft ball). • Quickly take the mixture off the heat and start beating vigorously. It can take up to 10 minutes but this is an important stage because you’re adding air to the mixture so that it becomes soft and creamy. You’ll know when it’s ready because it will become very thick and start to set. • Spoon into a pan lined with greaseproof paper and leave to set.• Enjoy!

Now Get Adventurous

Wholesale confectionery companies take this one stage further. From their manufacturers, they get an amazing variety of fudges with different ingredients and tastes: chocolate cheesecake, lemon meringue, strawberry ripple, white chocolate cookie dough, salted caramel, peppermint chocolate, eggnog – the possibilities are endless and manufacturers are always adding new flavours to keep the fudge-loving public happy.

But you can also get in on the act. Add dried fruit, maybe some almonds or hazelnuts to your homemade fudge. Stir in some pure essence like orange, coffee or passion fruit. Be adventurous and experiment. The the results will surprise and delight you. Just remember that most of the "extras" should be added when you remove the pan from the heat to begin beating.

Globetrotting Fudge

In Sweden, fudge is made with cream instead of milk, and includes the addition of golden syrup. The Swedish knack is harder than regular fudge but is an amazing treat for your taste buds. Polish krówki ("little cows") uses cream along with milk, sugar and butter. It’s amazingly rich and a real treat. Barfi is a version of fudge found across South Asia. It’s made with condensed milk and sugar, and each culture adds different ingredients. In India, it’s a treat served all year round but especially during the Diwalli festival.

Back to the Home Country

After gallivanting around the globe, what better place to get some great fudge than in the UK. As we said, wholesale confectionery companies have a huge range of fudges to offer. Whatever your taste, whatever your preference – you’re sure to find the fudge of your dreams on your local sweet shop’s shelves.

Angelina Moufftard works for hf Chocolates, established wholesale confectionery suppliers with decades of experience supplying sweets and high-end chocolates to retailers across the UK. Working with the most dedicated suppliers from France, Spain, Germany, Holland, Belgium, the USA and the UK, hf Chocolates' great tasting and beautifully packaged products add panache to any sweet display.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.