Chocolate Fudge

Time consuming, but well worth the effort.

I make this fudge once a year as a special Christmas tradition.

Ingredients:
4 cups white sugar
1 can evaporated milk (14 oz)
1 cup butter
1/2 lb marshmallows (1 pkg.)
1 tsp. vanilla
3 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

Method:

In heavy saucepan, melt butter and add sugar and evaporated milk. Bring to a slow boil. Cook syrup over very low heat stirring constantly until it reaches the softboil stage (236 degrees on a candy thermometer). You can test by drizzling a little of the syrup into a glass of cold water. If it forms a stiff toffee, then the mixture has boiled long enough. It takes from 1 to 1 1/2 hours to achieve this stage.

Remove mixture from the heat. Very quickly stir in vanilla and chocolate chips until they melt. Add marshmallows, stirring constantly. Pour mixture into greased 11 by 14 inch pan. Allow to set overnight at room temperature before cutting into small pieces.

Option: If you wish, you can add 1 cup of finely chopped pecans or walnuts to the mixture after you add the chocolate chips.