Chocolate fudge

Chocolate fudge is a decadent dessert that will turn any meal into a memorable experience. With a smooth, mousse-like texture, it simply melts in your mouth, leaving an intense chocolate flavor that will make your heart race. This recipe comes from the renowned chef Wolfgang Puck, who has impressed over the years with his refined desserts, including at the Oscar after-party. While his fudge is often shaped like Oscar statuettes, you can give it any shape you desire. Get ready to indulge your taste buds with this exquisite dessert!

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Chilling time: 2 hours
Total time: 2 hours and 15 minutes
Servings: 16 servings

Ingredients

- 450 g dark chocolate, chopped
- 2 egg yolks
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 30 ml water
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk (approx. 397 g)
- 2 tablespoons whiskey (optional, but recommended for added flavor)
- 60 ml heavy cream

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Pan: Start by lining a 23 x 23 cm pan with aluminum foil. Make sure the foil is well-stretched so that you can easily remove the fudge once it has cooled.

2. Melt the Chocolate: In a heatproof bowl, add the chopped dark chocolate. Place the bowl over a pot of boiling water, ensuring that the bottom of the bowl does not touch the water (this is the double boiler technique). Gently stir the chocolate until it is completely melted. Once melted, remove the bowl from the heat and let it cool slightly.

3. Whisk the Egg Yolks: In another bowl, beat the egg yolks on medium speed for about 1 minute. This process will help incorporate air, giving the fudge a lighter texture.

4. Prepare the Syrup: In a small saucepan, add the sugar and water. Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Let it boil for a few minutes until the sugar is completely dissolved and the mixture becomes a clear syrup.

5. Combine the Ingredients: While continuing to whisk the egg yolks, gradually pour the hot syrup into the bowl. This technique will help temper the eggs so they do not scramble. Use a spatula to scrape the sides of the bowl and ensure the mixture is smooth.

6. Incorporate the Chocolate: Add the melted chocolate to the egg and syrup mixture. Mix the ingredients well using the spatula. Continue to stir and add the sweetened condensed milk, whiskey (if you choose to use it), and heavy cream. Make sure everything is well combined and smooth.

7. Pour into the Pan: Pour the mixture into the prepared pan. Use the spatula to level the surface so that the fudge has an even thickness.

8. Chill: Cover the pan with aluminum foil and place it in the refrigerator for 2 hours. This step is essential to allow the fudge to set and achieve the desired consistency.

9. Cut and Serve: Once the fudge has set, remove it from the pan using the aluminum foil. Cut it into squares or desired shapes. You can serve the chocolate fudge with fresh fruits, such as raspberries or strawberries, which add a touch of freshness and balance the richness of the dessert.

Practical Tips

- Choose quality chocolate: A high-quality dark chocolate will make a difference in the taste of your fudge. Ensure the chocolate has at least 70% cocoa content for the best results.
- Customize flavors: You can experiment with different types of alcohol, such as rum or coffee liqueur, to give the fudge a unique flavor. You can also add vanilla or almond extracts.
- Precautions when melting chocolate: Be careful not to overheat the chocolate, or it will spoil. Stir constantly and remove from heat as soon as it has melted.
- For an even smoother texture: You can use an immersion blender to emulsify the fudge after adding all the ingredients, which will enhance the texture.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

- Calories: approximately 250 kcal
- Fat: 15 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Protein: 3 g

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I substitute the egg yolks with another ingredient?
Yes, you can use an egg replacer or a chia seed mixture for a vegan version, but the texture may change.

2. Can I freeze the fudge?
Yes, the fudge keeps well in the freezer. Make sure to wrap it well in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil.

3. How can I make the fudge less sweet?
You can reduce the amount of sugar or use chocolate with a higher cocoa content, which is less sweet.

Combining with Other Desserts

Chocolate fudge is delicious served alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or with a cup of strong coffee. You can also use it as a filling for cakes or pastries, adding a decadent touch to your desserts.

In conclusion, chocolate fudge is a simple yet impressive dessert that will not only delight the taste buds but also turn any occasion into a celebration of flavors. So, act like a chef at home and enjoy this treat!