National Fudge Day
National Fudge Day is celebrated on June 16th, and it is the perfect time to indulge in the gooey goodness and dive into the decadent deliciousness of fudge.
This day is made to celebrate the delightful flavor, rich history and the absolute joy that fudge brings into the lives of people across the world.
National Fudge Day is not only about indulging in the scrumptious treat, but also about celebrating traditions and creating everlasting memories.
Fudge is a sweet delight that brings smiles and sweetness to life's moments, shared with loved ones or savored alone.
National Fudge Day celebrates its rich history, delicious flavors, and joy it brings globally. Whether homemade or given as a gift, fudge's rich taste makes it perfect for special occasions.
The History of Fudge
It is believed that the term 'fudge' has its origin in the 17th century, derived from the verb 'fadge' that translates to 'fit together hastily'.
Sailors used the word 'fudge' during this time as an insulting response to nuisance or lies.
Fudge gained popularity as a sweet treat during the latter half of the 19th century, and recipes for fudge were published in several local newspapers and advertisements around 1880.
Fudge was the perfect amalgamation for people who wanted a cheap alternative for expensive deserts as it was inexpensive and made up of unprocessed ingredients
In 1887, specialized fudge stores began opening in tourist places like Mackinac Island, Michigan. The increased popularity of fudge was due to the convenient production process and the affordability, as ordinary people could make it in their homes without any hassle or expensive products.
Furthermore, the cost of refined white sugar decreased at the time, which led to the cutting of production costs.
Fudge-making was a very popular activity at women's colleges back then, especially in Vassar College, located in Poughkeepsie, New York.
A student of the same college, Emelyn Battersby Hartridge, wrote a letter where she recalls the story of purchasing a box of fudge weighing a pound for 40 cents in 1886 in Baltimore, Maryland.
Another student from Vassar claimed that she introduced fudge there in 1888 by selling her homemade 30 lb (13.61 kg) batch. There was another student, Elma Martin, who mentioned preparing fudges in 1892.
In an 1893 letter, Vassar College student Adelaide Mansfield described “fudges” as including sugar, fruit, chocolate, milk, and butter.
The Sun published a recipe for “Fudges at Vassar” in 1895 and called them “Vassar chocolates”.
The recipe had sugar, milk, butter, and vanilla. Wellesley College and Smith College also had their own fudge recipes from the late 1800s or early 1900s
How To Celebrate Fudge Day
You can celebrate Fudge Day by indulging in your favorite fudges or trying out to make your own fudge at home.
Try This Easy Peasy Chocolate Fudge Recipe
Ingredients
- Chocolate Chips
- A slab of butter
- A can of condensed Milk
Preparation
- In a pan, melt butter, chocolate chips and the condensed milk together. Mix it well.
- Pour the mixture into a pan layered with aluminum foil and refrigerate it overnight.
- Take it out and serve it however you want
You can also experiment with different flavors like butterscotch, mint chocolate, coffee, or nuts or anything you want.
You can also host a fudge tasting party where family and friends can bring their own fudge. Get as experimental as you want and add all the ingredients you feel like adding.
Discover fudge's history, share on social media, gift or learn new recipes, and enjoy Fudge Day with sweetness!
Fun Fudge Facts
- The first recorded sale of fudge occurred in 1886 at a Baltimore grocery store for 40 cents a pound.
- Food historians suggest that fudge was officially born on February 14, 1886.
- The Mackinac Island Fudge Festival in Michigan celebrates fudge-making traditions with events like fudge tastings, demonstrations, and competitions.
- The Guinness World Record for the largest slab of fudge is 2.61 metric tons (5,760 lb), made by Northwest Fudge Factory in Levack, Ontario, Canada.
- Around 1800, "fudge" started meaning "a trick or deception." The name comes from the expression "Oh, fudge!" used when a caramel maker's batch goes wrong due to sugar crystallization.
- A small island in Michigan proudly claims to be the "fudge capital of the world."
- First Lady Mamie Eisenhower was a big fan of fudge.
- While chocolate fudge is the most well-known variety, fudge can also come in flavors like peanut butter, vanilla, caramel, and even fruity flavors like strawberry or raspberry.
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