Easiest Fudge Ever

Have you ever had a real chocolate craving? I don't mean one of those days when you're thinking "Ooh, a candy bar would be nice right about now...". I'm talking about that moment when you feel like if you don't get some chocolate in you right this very second, you're going to explode. Have you ever had one of those days?? Me too, and this fudge is the answer.

It's the answer when can't run to the store and get your fix. It's the answer when you need something to fill in the holes in your Christmas cookie tray. It's the answer when you don't want to admit that you will, in fact, eat chocolate chips straight from the bag. It's the answer to EVERYTHING.

Does it taste like fudge you get on the boardwalk in Atlantic City? No.

Does it taste like fudge you get at the mall? No.

Does it taste like fudge made from two ingredients that will keep you from going nuts on those days you really really need a chocolate hit? Yes. Yes it does.

Easiest Fudge Ever
Makes 64 squares, 1 inch each

What I use:

• 12 oz. bag chocolate chips
• 14 oz. can sweetened condensed milk

How I do it:

1. Place the chocolate chips in a medium bowl.

2. Pour the milk over the chips.

3. Microwave for 1 minute; stir.

4. Continue microwaving and stirring in 30-second intervals until smooth.

5. Line an 8 x 8-inch square baking pan with waxed paper.

6. Pour the mixture into the pan and spread evenly.

7. Chill in the fridge for 4 hours, or until firm.

8. Cut into squares (make 8 long even slices, then cut those into 8 even pieces each - I use a pizza cutter).

9. Try not to eat them all at once.

This recipe is a jumping-off point. Add anything you want. Peanut butter, coconut, chopped nuts, whatever you like. You can also play around with the chips. Use dark chocolate, white chocolate, peanut butter, mint, cinnamon. Make half-batches in different flavors and layer the fudge in the pan (cool between each layer).

Almond Joy Fudge: Add chopped almonds to the melted chocolate mixture and sprinkle shredded coconut on top before chilling.

Andes Fudge: Use a 1/3 batch of chocolate on the bottom, 1/3 batch of green mint in the middle, and a 1/3 batch of chocolate on top.

Chocolate Covered Cherries Fudge: Use cherry cordial flavored kisses instead of chocolate chips and follow recipe above.

What is your favorite variation?