This recipe is a "Lunatic Fudge" variation of Opera Fudge (Bordeaux Fudge). This recipe is the backbone for all my non-chip based fudges.
Changing History: Opera Fudge (Bordeaux) was one of the first Fudge Recipes in the world. Fudge, an American Invention, was created in the mid-late 1800's in Women's Colleges. "Vassar Fudge," "Wellesly Fudge," and others were popular. The addition of melted chocolate was what totally changed everything and was the origin of all modern flavored fudges. This recipe is my original "lunatic" variation of Opera Fudge. I hope you like it.
A Solid Backbone: This recipe acts as the backbone of all kinds of non-chocolate based fudges. Reduce the vanilla extract and add maple extract and you have Maple Fudge. Add Rum Extract + Raisins and you have Rum-Raisin Fudge. This recipe is light and sweet and will accept almost any flavor you give it.
Classic Variations: Experiment with flavors available at the turn of the century... add 2 cups of ground almonds... add 2 cups dried fruits and nuts... taste the confection your great grandparents used to eat!
Wild Variations: Since this recipe will take up almost any flavor you can go wild. For example, try the following variation: omit vanilla extract, add 1 teaspoon lemon extract, zest from 2 lemons, and add 1/2 package of Kool-Aid™ Kiwi-Lime mix... voila! Kiwi-Lime Opera Fudge. The WILD variations are endless.
(Original recipe. (c) 1997 T. Skaarup. May be copied without modification. All rights reserved.)