Mom's Recipes 10

Everyone, not just Gregg and Steve, agrees that Mother's fudge was different from anyone elses. Which is odd, since I know where she got it, off the back of a Hershey's Cocoa can. I have the one I peeled off somewhere and when I get the chance, I'll check it against this one. I tried to make it a couple of times, but making candy is just too hard. Even Mother didn't get it right but about half the time. Don't tell me about candy thermometers. They fog up, or maybe that was my glasses. Or maybe only people under 50 can make candy. And that little "wait until it makes a ball" thing is pure voodoo. Anyway, even when it doesn't turn out right, it tastes good. Has a buttery texture and taste that is unique, and since I grew up with it (every Christmas), all other fudge is just okay. One other fudge story: Dad made it once and accidently put in maple instead of vanilla flavoring. We ate it, and the consistency was perfect. If Dad could make candy, why can't I?

Cocoa fudge

2 1/2 T. cocoa
2 c. sugar
1/2 t. salt
1 1/2 c milk
4 1/2 or 3 1/2 T. butter
1 t. vanilla