Friday, October 29, 2010

IHCC: Cinnamon-Chocolate Fudge




This week's theme over at I Heart Cooking Clubs is "Chocolate Cravings." Oh yes, I have chocolate cravings. Often. But, I have to admit, it was hard for me to find a chocolate Giada recipe that was crave-worthy. So many of hers are combined with espresso, and, while I can tolerate it sometimes, I am not a coffee fan. So, I finally settled on this one chocolate recipe that I had bookmarked back when I had cable and would watch Giada's show almost every day. I wanted to save it for the holiday season, but I guess testing it out beforehand is a good idea.

I made the Cinnamon-Chocolate Fudge recipe, which is available on Food Network's website. It's easy to make. Very easy to make. Dangerously easy to make. Why is it dangerous? Because this stuff is GOOD! I would venture to say that the sea salt is NOT optional. It completely takes this fudge and elevates it to something special, something out of the ordinary, and something totally addictive. Sweet from the chocolate and sweetened condensed milk, warming from the cinnamon, and salty from the sea salt. The flavors all pop in your mouth, and before you know it, you're reaching for a second piece. My advice: Cut them in very very small squares so you won't feel so bad about going back for more.

Be sure to hop over to I Heart Cooking Clubs to see what other folks made for their chocolate craving week.

Cinnamon Chocolate Fudge
from FoodNetwork.com

Butter, for greasing the pan
1 (14-ounce) can
sweetened condensed milk
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon pure
vanilla extract
1 pound (about 2 cups) bittersweet (60 percent
cacao) chocolate chips (recommended: Ghiradelli) see Cook's Note
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch pieces, at room temperature
Kosher or flake salt, optional

Butter the bottom and sides of an 8 by 8-inch baking pan. Line the pan with a sheet of parchment paper, about 14-inches long and 7-inches wide, allowing the excess to overhang the sides. Set aside.

In a medium glass or stainless steel bowl, combine the condensed milk,
cinnamon, and vanilla. Stir in the chocolate chips and butter. Put the bowl on a saucepan of barely simmering water and mix until the chocolate chips have melted and the mixture is smooth, about 6 to 8 minutes (mixture will be thick).
Using a spatula, scrape the mixture into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Sprinkle with salt, if desired. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours until firm.
Run a warm knife around the edge of the pan to loosen the fudge.

Remove the fudge to a cutting board. Peel off the parchment paper and cut the fudge into 1-inch pieces. Store refrigerated in an airtight container or freeze.

12 comments:

Michelle B said...

Cinnamon and chocolate are so good together. I imagine the salt does add another level. Will have to give this a try...and will follow your advice about portion size!

Couscous & Consciousness said...

This looks and sounds great - I love the idea of the cinnamon with chocolate. You are right a lot of Giada's chocolate recipes seem to be combined with espresso - a combo that I love personally - but I imagine that you could replace the espresso with cinnamon in just about any one of them if that's a flavour combination that is more to your liking. With Christmas coming up I will definitely be making up some batches of this for gifts, along with some of her chocolate balsamic truffles.
Sue :-)

Kim said...

I thought about making this recipe too! I love the combination of cinnamon and chocolate and will definitely take your advice about cutting it into small pieces when I do make it. It looks delicious - great choice!

Anonymous said...

Ohh this looks divine! Love the cinnamon chocolate combo. I would love to join cookbook lovers unite. Thanks! At the moment I am traveling and will not be in my own kitchen for another month or so. But I will hop on the train somewhere down the line!

Heather S-G said...

I have to agree that this sounds far too awesome ;) And I would definitely add the sea salt, as well. YUM! This one's gonna make its way into my kitchen before this 6 months is over :D

The Chef In My Head said...

Sounds just too good, small pieces/less guilt. I like that! ~LeslieMichele

Deb in Hawaii said...

OK...you have me convinced! This looks perfect and I am always for anything where sea salt and chocolate are combined. Great pick!

Joanne said...

I absolutely love the thought of cinnamon and chocolate together. This fudge does sound dangerous. It should come with a warning.

Kelly said...

I love sea salt with chocolate. Such a great contrast!

NKP said...

Mmm, love that sea salt and chocolate combo - great choice!

Anonymous said...

I love the cinnamon and chocolate combination and of course, there is never anything bad about fudge :) Glad to have found your blog!

La Bella Cooks said...

Oh goodness, this would be absolute heaven for me! Love the cinnamon in there.