I consider myself lucky to have grown up next door to my grandparents because I learned so much from the both of them. My siblings, parents and grandparents were all very close and we spent most of our time together. My grandfather was an engineer for the Santa Fe railroad and when he wasn’t out on the road he was at home in his garage building or fixing something. He had almost any tool you can think of including welding torches, drill presses, belt saws, sanders and the list goes on and on… I spent many hours with him in that garage (starting at an early age) which is where I picked up my love for trying to fix anything that breaks and not being afraid to try something new. I may not be as good at fixing things as my grandfather, but I learned that if I don’t try, it won’t happen.
Meanwhile, my grandmother was constantly cooking great food. We ate dinner at their house several nights per week and we always loved whatever she cooked, except for Lima beans! Our house was about 100 yards from our elementary school, so my brothers and I would walk home for lunch, my favorite lunch meal was her ‘grilled’ cheese sandwich that my grandmother made in the broiler.. so cheesy, buttery and delicious, I can taste it now! :)
I previously shared my grandma’s Hungarian rolls (Click here for my Easy Monkey Bread recipe), but that is just one of the many special treats and desserts she so lovingly made. Another one my favorites was her fudge and my mom has continued to make it from the original recipe every holiday season. I always look forward to eating a little.. or a lot. I decided this last Christmas to ask my mom for the recipe so that I could try making it myself. I remember helping her make it while growing up (many years ago) but have never attempted to make it myself. This year I decided to finally give it a try. When we talked about it she told me that it was Mamie Eisenhower’s fudge recipe. Mamie was the wife of President Eisenhower and this recipe became popular during his time in office. She texted me a picture of her recipe card which I used for the recipe and now am passing on to all of you… Enjoy!
- 4 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- Pinch of salt
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tall can evaporated milk (12 oz)
- 12 oz German’s sweet chocolate (3 – 4oz bars)
- 12 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 pint marshmallow cream
- 2 cups nutmeats (Chopped nuts – pecan or walnuts)
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Combine sugar, salt, butter and evaporated milk in a medium sized sauce pan and boil for 6 mins. When boiling, the sauce will expand 2 to 3 times so use a large enough sauce pan, keep stirring and be careful it gets very hot!
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In a large bowl, add chocolate bars (break into small pieces), chips, marshmallow cream and nutmeats (optional). Tip: I prepare this part before boiling the items in step 1 so that it’s ready to go.
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Pour boiled syrup over chocolate, marshmallow and nutmeats and beat until chocolate is melted.
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Pour into buttered 16 x 11 baking pan (half sheet pan).
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Allow to sit and cool for a few hours (or better over night) before cutting into 1 in squares. Place in the refrigerator to speed the hardening process.
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Store in an air tight container.
My mom makes a slight variation of this recipe that I like to call, ‘Multi-Million Dollar Fudge‘… She replaces 2 of the 3 – 4oz German’s sweet chocolate bars with: 1 bar – semi-sweet chocolate and 1 bar – unsweetened chocolate. She likes this version best because the fudge is a little less sweet. I love both options.
Whether you make Mamie’s original or my Mom’s Multi-Million Dollar variation, I think you will enjoy this ageless treat!
-Jeff
Just in time for Valentines Day! Love your story with your grandparents growing up. I think if more kids had grandparents around to teach them value, compassion and work ethics this world would be a better place. Nice family you have Jeff!
Jeff, thank you for sharing the famous Mamie Eisenhower’s fudge recipe along with the variation your mom makes to the recipe! Can’t wait to try it once my kitchen renovation is finished!
Sandy
SANDY M Illustration
Hi Jeff, which version did you make?your grandmotber’s or your mum’s? Looks great.
Many thanks!
Hi Kim, Thanks! On this day I made my Mom’s. It’s our favorite. :) – Jeff
I love that you added the old recipe card … isn’t it wonderful that we have memories from our grandparents !! The fudge looks yummy Jeff !!
Thanks Sherry! Yes, I love having the copy of the card from my grandmother in the post. The memories are so great… Thanks for all the kind words. :)
-Jeff
Hi Jeff!
I’m a new follower of your insta because I enjoy your beautiful wife’s insta and I like to cook! You and Kristy are a joy to watch. It is very apparent that you love each other. It’s lovely.
I too grew up a couple doors down from my grandparents. We spent a lot of time at their house as well as ours. My grandfather came over every morning to pick up my dad so that they could walk to work together. My grandpa would pick a bachelor button from my mom’s garden and put in in his jacket lapel. So many wonderful memories!
I plan on making this fudge soon! Thanks!
Love this so much Fritzi! Thank you so much for sharing! Your family sounds wonderful.. xx
My grandfather worked for Santa Fe Railriad also.
Do you use Kraft Marshmallow creme (7oz jar) or Marshmallow Fluff (7.5 oz) container?
Fudge looks delicious!