Substitute chopped toasted pecans or walnuts for the peanuts.Penuche (pronounced pan-OU-see) is an old-fashioned candy made with brown sugar and butter. It’s most popular on the Eastern Seaboard, where it contains anything from a variety of nuts to marshmallow cream. It’s a great addition to a Christmas selection, especially for those who are avoiding chocolate.
Yield: 64 pieces
Active time: 15 minutes
Start to finish: 11/2 hours, including 45 minutes to chill
2/3 cup evaporated milk
2 cups firmly packed light brown sugar
12 tablespoons (11/2 sticks) unsalted butter, sliced
Pinch of salt
3/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
12/3 cups confectioners’ sugar
1 cup roasted peanuts (not dry-roasted)
Vegetable oil spray
1. Line an 8 x 8-inch baking pan with heavy-duty aluminum foil, allowing it to extend over the top of the sides. Spray the foil with vegetable oil spray.
2. Combine evaporated milk, brown sugar, butter, salt, vanilla, and cinnamon in a heavy saucepan, and whisk well. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves.
3. Reduce the heat to low and simmer, stirring frequently, for 25 to 30 minutes or until mixture registers 238°F on candy thermometer, the soft ball stage.
4. Add confectioners’ sugar, 1/4 cup at a time, at medium speed with an electric mixer. Beat for 3 to 4 minutes, or until fudge is thick and smooth. Stir in peanuts.
5. Spread fudge evenly in the prepared pan, and refrigerate, uncovered, for 45 minutes, or until firm enough to cut. Remove fudge from the pan by pulling up on the sides of the foil, and discard the foil. Cut fudge into 1-inch squares with a sharp paring knife.
Note: The squares can be stored refrigerated for up to 1 week. Place them in an airtight container with sheets of plastic wrap in between the layers.
Variations
Substitute chopped toasted pecans or walnuts for the peanuts.
Substitute pure almond extract for the vanilla and omit the cinnamon.
Believe it or not, there’s actually a National Penuche Day. It’s celebrated on July 22, although it is unclear how this was chosen.