Although the actual word fudge can be defined differently, none are identical to the old time, family favorite, premium chocolate fudge. Almost always in the United States, the word fudge means a rich, creamy, delicious chocolate candy. Sometimes you'll find the word fudge is printed on boxes of cakes or brownies, but this simply means they have got additional chocolate flavoring.

In contrast with other favorite candies that date back thousands of years, fudge is a relative new comer. Some of the early flavors of fudge included chocolate, vanilla and brown sugar penuche. The state of Michigan has become the fudge capital of America. Nowadays, the fudge flavors or mixtures of fudge ingredients are nearly endless. A few of them are: raspberry coffee, vanilla caramel, lemon butter, vanilla cherry chocolate chip, chocolate cappuccino, maple walnut, chocolate cheesecake, chocolate caramel pecan, dark chocolate and peanut butter.

According to legend, (although disputable) fudge was accidentally invented by a failed batch of candy; likely caramels, around the year 1886. From this failed batch of candy came the phrase or the exclamation of 'oh, fudge!' The very first written documentation of fudge was in a letter from Poughkeepsie, New York. A college student from Vassar, Emelyn Battersby Hartidge, wrote that a schoolmate's cousin made fudge. In Baltimore in 1886, the candy was 40 cents a pound. Ms. Hartidge procured the recipe a few years later and made 30 pounds for the Senior Auction. Other colleges (Wellesley and Smith) later made recipes of their own for this sweet confectionery.

Fudge by definition is a rich and creamy confectionery treat. A softer confection, generally very smooth and made using sweet cream, sugar, fresh butter, corn syrup and sometimes some mouth watering flavorings. Flavorings can be chocolate, white chocolate, vanilla, butterscotch, flavored gelatin, peanut butter, kool aid, buttermilk, Kahlua, pumpkin, bourbon, maple or even mint. Fudge may have nuts, such as pistachios, pecans, hazelnuts, walnuts, roasted macadamia nuts, or almonds. Other possible ingredients that can be used in the more unusual or decadent fudge might be: cheese, crackers, crushed candy canes, popcorn, lime zest, pineapple chunks, coconut, candy bars, chocolate chips, cookies, caramel, espresso beans, cherries and other candied or dried fruit, chocolate chunks, or marshmallows.

Everybody enjoys rich, flavorful fudge, but it is thought to be to make. The earliest recipes for fudge were vague and really difficult. Difficulty depended on which recipe was used, the type of ingredients, the quality of equipment used and patience . Also, continual stirring and being certain of the cooking time, and precise measurements were pivotal for perfect fudge. Heating the ingredients to the right temperature, and stirring for the proper amount of time also will be needed in order for the fudge to be smooth and not gritty. It is also very easy to under cook or over cook this sweet confectionery treat, which results in it not setting up correctly or the unsatisfying taste of scorched ingredients.

Author's Bio: Anna McAnthony is a staff writer at Chocolate Gourmet Candy, and has been researching and writing articles on chocolate and chocolate candy for a number of years. Visit http://www.chocolategourmetcandy.com for more information.