NATIONAL FUDGE DAY
National Fudge Day comes around each year on June 16, allowing us to indulge in one of our favorite flavors--fudge! This delicious confectionery food holiday brings sweet joy to our taste buds!
Fudge has been around since about 1886 when the earliest records of documented reference are found. In a letter written by Emelyn Battersby Hartridge, a student at Vassar College, she mentioned fudge being sold to students at the college. However, many believe fudge actually originated as a mistake that when a baker may have "fudged" a batch of caramels for Valentine's Day. However it happened, fudge became extremely popular. By the late 19th century, shops on Mackinac Island, Michigan, began to produce similar fudge and sell it to summer vacationers. Interestingly, fudge is still made in a few of those original shops located on the island.
Some of the most familiar fudge flavors are chocolate, chocolate nut, peanut butter, maple, and maple nut. Fudge lends itself to experimentation when it comes to flavors. Blending favorites or even a moment of inspiration will create a new delicious kind of fudge. Adding bits of candy, nuts, or sprinkles on National Fudge Day can bring just the right celebratory burst of excitement to an old favorite.
Fudge became a symbol of American desserts and easy to make. A simple recipe of sugar, butter, milk or cream, and desired flavorings make it a favorite in candy shops and bakeries around the world. As different flavors emerge, so does the desire to grab every variation!
There is always a fudge counter in gift shops that entice you to try new flavors.
