Fruitcake Fudge

This chocolate fruitcake fudge is chock-full of nuts, dried fruits and candied fruits. A festive addition to your holiday candy platter or for gift-giving.

Recipe Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups flaked sweetened coconut
18 ounces milk chocolate, finely chopped
12 ounces semisweet chocolate, finely chopped
1 (1-ounce) squares unsweetened chocolate, finely chopped
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 (7-ounce) jar marshmallow creme
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1/2 cup chopped blanched almonds, toasted
1/2 cup hazelnuts, toasted, skinned and chopped
1/2 cup chopped dates
1/2 cup raisins
1/2 cup dried figs, chopped
1/2 cup candied pineapple, diced
1/2 cup red and green candied cherries, chopped
4 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1 (12-ounce) can evaporated milk
1/4 cup butter
1/2 teaspoon salt

Cooking Directions:

1. Sprinkle coconut into a generously buttered 18 x 12 x 1-inch jelly roll pan; press coconut lightly into butter. Chill.
2. Combine milk chocolate and the next 3 ingredients in a large bowl. Add marshmallow creme and stir well. Add nuts, dried fruit and candied fruit; stir well. (Mixture will be very thick.) Set aside.
3. Combine sugar, evaporated milk, butter, and salt in a large sauce pan; stir well. Cook over medium heat until mixture reaches soft ball stage or candy thermometer register 238°F (115°C), stirring occasionally. Remove from heat, and pour over reserved chocolate mixture, stirring until chocolate and marshmallow creme melt.
4. Pour into prepared pan; spread evenly. Cool completely. Cut into small squares.

Makes about 7 pounds.