Maple Pecan Fudge

Steps

1. 1

   In a large saucepan, combine one can of sweetened condensed milk, 2 1/4 cups of brown sugar, 2/3 cup of heavy cream, and one stick of butter.

2. 2

   Place the pan over medium heat (about 6 or 7 on the stove). Cook, stirring constantly to prevent scalding the bottom, until the mixture starts to boil.

3. 3

   Once boiling, continue to stir and let it boil for about 2 minutes, or until it reaches 240°F (116 °C) (115°C (239 °F)) on a candy thermometer.

   Start 2-minute timer
4. 4

   Remove the pan from the heat. Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 1/2 to 3/4 teaspoon of maple extract, adjusting to your flavor preference.

5. 5

   Let the mixture sit and cool in the pan for about 2 minutes.

   Start 2-minute timer
6. 6

   Transfer the mixture to a separate, room-temperature bowl to avoid the residual heat of the cooking pan.

7. 7

   Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, mix the fudge for about 5 minutes until it becomes very thick and loses its glossy sheen.

   Start 5-minute timer
8. 8

   Line a cake pan with crumpled parchment paper (greasing the paper is recommended). Pour the fudge into the prepared pan.

9. 9

   Sprinkle chopped pecans over the top of the fudge.

10. 10

    Let the fudge set completely, either at room temperature on the counter or in the refrigerator, before slicing.