Fudge comes in many varieties and can be added to ice cream, cupcakes and cookies. In whatever form you choose, it makes for a unique and special gift. Making homemade fudge though, can be a tricky feat if you haven’t ever used a candy thermometer and neither has your mom. The following are a few tips that will help you have a successful batch for your fudge gift.

• Purchase a heavy bottomed pan with straight sides. No stick pans will also work.
• Choose a cool and dry day to cook your fudge.
• Warm your candy thermometer in water first, and then add to your boiling pot. Cool in the water also.
• Do not let your thermometer touch the bottom of the pan, but is far enough in the candy mixture and not the foam at the top.
• Choose a wooden spoon for stirring.
• Once the sugar has dissolved, stop stirring
• Make no substitutions including real butter.

Adding candies, nuts or cookies can make your fudge more flavorful and special. Peanut butter fudge for the peanut butter lover in your life or mint chocolate fudge are flavors everyone will love.