Orkney Fudge

A Sweet Slice of Orkney's Culinary History

Orkney Fudge is a delightful confectionary treat hailing from the idyllic Orkney Islands, located off the northeastern tip of Scotland. These islands are renowned not only for their stunning landscapes and ancient history but also for their rich food traditions. Orkney Fudge, with its creamy texture and distinctive taste, exemplifies the craftsmanship and dedication to quality ingredients that define Orkney's culinary heritage.

Dating back several decades, the recipe for Orkney Fudge has been passed down through generations, typically cherished as a family secret. Originally, fudge was made in Orkney homes using basic ingredients that were readily available, often involving local cream and butter, adding an unmatched richness to the candy. Over the years, this fudge has become a staple gift item, shared among friends and visitors to the islands.

Ingredients

To make the authentic Orkney Fudge, you'll need a select list of ingredients easily accessible to most. Here is the complete list you will need:

• Sugar - 450g
• Full Cream Milk - 150ml
• Sweetened Condensed Milk - 397g (1 tin)
• Unsalted Butter - 115g
• Golden Syrup - 2 tablespoons
• Vanilla Extract - 1 teaspoon

Preparation

Gathering Your Tools

Before diving into the preparation, ensure you have the following kitchen tools at your disposal:

• A heavy-bottomed pan
• A wooden spoon for stirring
• A candy thermometer
• A 20cm square baking tin
• Parchment paper to line the baking tin

Method

1. Begin by greasing your baking tin and lining it with parchment paper. This will prevent the fudge from sticking and make it easier to lift out once it's set.
2. In your heavy-bottomed pan, add sugar, full cream milk, sweetened condensed milk, unsalted butter, and golden syrup. Warm over low heat, stirring consistently to dissolve the sugar and melt the butter.
3. Once the mixture is smooth, increase the heat to medium and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Using your cooking timer, maintain a steady boil for approximately 10-15 minutes, or until the mixture reaches 115°C/240°F on your candy thermometer (known as the "soft ball" stage).
4. Remove the pan from heat and allow it to cool for about 5 minutes.
5. Add vanilla extract and beat the mixture vigorously with your wooden spoon until it begins to thicken and the glossy sheen begins to dull (this can take about 10-15 minutes and provides the desired texture and gentle crumb of good fudge).
6. Pour the mixture into the prepared tin and smooth the surface with the back of the spoon. Let the fudge cool completely at room temperature before handling, which could take a few hours.

Enjoying Your Orkney Fudge

Once set, remove the fudge from the tin using the edges of the parchment paper, and cut into bite-sized squares or rectangles. Store them in an airtight container to maintain freshness and enjoy within two weeks.

Orkney Fudge pairs beautifully with a nice cup of afternoon tea or can be an indulgent treat on its own. Its smooth, creamy texture coupled with the subtle hint of vanilla makes it an enduring favorite, perfect for enjoying with family and friends, sharing as a gift, or savoring while you dream of the breathtaking landscapes of Orkney.

As you savor each piece of this luscious fudge, imagine the stretches of rolling hills, ancient stone circles, and the relentless sea breezes that have inspired countless traditions in the Orkney Islands, connecting each bite to a wider tapestry of history and culture.