Rich Chocolatey Peanut Butter Fudge

Delectable and tempting, this fudge combines peanut-butter and chocolate for a perfect marriage of flavors. Whole, dry roasted peanuts add a crunchy contrast to the luxuriant smoothness of this confection.

Recipe Ingredients:

1 cup sweetened condensed milk
1/2 cup water
3 ounces unsweetened baking chocolate
3 cups granulated sugar
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup roasted peanuts
5 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cooking Directions:

1. Combine condensed milk, water and baking chocolate in a deep saucepan over medium heat. Stir until chocolate has melted.
2. Stir in sugar and salt. Bring to the soft-ball stage (see note) over moderate heat, stirring frequently.
3. Remove from heat; mix in peanuts and peanut butter, stirring just enough to incorporate. Cool to 150°F (use thermometer); add vanilla and beat until no longer shiny.
4. Pour into 9x9x2-inch buttered dish. Refrigerate until firm and cut into 1-inch squares, if desired.

Makes 81 (1-inch) squares.

Tip: The soft-ball stage is a test for candy that describes the point at which a drop of boiling syrup immersed in cold water forms a soft ball that flattens of its own accord when removed. On a candy thermometer, the soft-ball stage is between 234° and 240°F (approximately 115°C).