Today, July 22, 2013, is National Maple Syrup Day. Maple syrup is a syrup usually made from the xylem sap of sugar maple, red maple, or black maple trees, although it can also be made from other maple species. It is also National Penuche Fudge Day Penuche Fudge is a fudge-like candy made from brown sugar, butter, and milk, using no flavorings except for vanilla. I looked & looked until I found a recipe that even I could probably make. 3 cups lightly packed brown sugar 1 cup white sugar 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 cup evaporated milk, not lowfat 2 tablespoons butter 1/2 cup chopped pecans 1 teaspoon vanilla Grease a 9-inch cake pan and set aside. In a saucepan, combine sugars, salt, evap milk (substitute cream if you wish) and butter; cook over medium heat, stirring, until sugars dissolve. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until mixture reaches the soft-ball stage (236F on a candy thermometer). Remove from heat and let cool, without stirring, until the bottom of the pan is lukewarm and you can touch it; the mixture will be about 110F on a candy thermometer. With a wooden spoon and a strong arm, beat until mixture loses its gloss, then quickly stir in the nuts and vanilla. Pour into prepared pan and when completely cool, cut into squares. Make 1-1/2 lbs fudge.
