Chocolate Fudge

One might call this recipe a cheap trick since it involves zero baking.  That said, who can resist the siren song of a perfect, decadently sweet, dense square of chocolate fudge?  Let's charge ahead into whipping up this no-bake delicacy.

Yield:  36 fudge squares (9x9 in. baking tin)

Recipe (Brands Tested):

• 3 cups chocolate chips (SMART Selection Gotas Sabor a Chocolate)
• 14 oz. (1 can) sweetened condensed milk (Nestle La Lechera Leche Condensada)
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract (La Reposteria Saborizante Sabor a Vainilla)

Executive chef lazily observing in the background

Line a 9x9 inch baking dish with foil.  [I'm not sure you really *have* to do this, but it makes fudge removal and cutting and cleanup a lot easier.]

In a medium saucepan, over medium-low heat, combine the chocolate chips and the condensed milk.

Stir until the chocolate is partially melted, and then add the vanilla extract.

Keep stirring until the chocolate is fully melted and the mixture is smooth and shiny.

Pour the mixture into the foil-lined pan, using a spatula to ensure even spreading.

Leave the fudge alone at room temperature until it sets completely.  This takes about four hours.  

Invert the pan onto a cutting board and gently peel the foil away from the fully set fudge.  Cut into four smaller squares, and cut each of those into nine equal pieces.

Enjoy immediately and store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to a week.