Sea Salt Dark Chocolate Fudge #FoodieReads

I made this batch of fudge after reading the third book in the Moonstone Bakery series by Nova Walsh: Fudge and Felons.

On the Page

The Moonstone Bakery crew returns in this third installment when Ginny and Vince race to find the real murderer and exonerate Ginny's new baker, James.

There was plenty more than just sweets on the page of this culinary cozy. Vince makes Ginny his mom's spaghetti and meatballs. "I wandered into the kitchen despite his assurance, drawn by the rich aroma of garlic and herbs. 'It smells amazing.' 'My mom’s spaghetti and meatballs,' he said, a hint of pride in his voice as he drained the pasta. 'One of the few recipes I actually wrote down before...' He trailed off, but I understood. Before the car crash that took his parents."

And for Ginny's 30th birthday, her parents bring dinner..."I began unpacking the Tucci’s bag, revealing containers of my favorite pasta—bolognese with freshly made noodles and mushroom ravioli in brown butter sauce—along with Caesar salad and garlic bread. The familiar aromas transported me instantly back to countless family celebrations."

But it was James' fudge that inspired me.

A spark returned to his eyes. 'Fudge, actually. When I get stressed, I experiment with recipes. I thought maybe we could offer chocolate fudge as a weekend special—sea salt dark chocolate, and this one with toasted walnuts and maple.'

On the Plate

I don't normally make fudge except at Christmas time. These dense chocolatey squares are a wonderful addition to my treat platters.

Ingredients

• 3 cups bittersweet chocolate chips

• 14 oz sweetened, condensed milk

• 3 Tablespoons butter

• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla paste

• sea salt flakes for garnish

Procedure

Cook the above ingredients - except the sea salt - over a medium flame till smooth. Remove from heat. Pour the mixture into a parchment paper-lined and buttered baking dish. Press the sea salt into the top. Let cool completely. Cut into small cubes.

I am linking this to the August #FoodieReads link-up.