Chocolate Fudge: An American Invention
Culinary legend has it that fudge was invented in America. On Valentine's Day, 1886, a confectioner and chocolate maker in Baltimore, Maryland "fudged" a batch of French caramels. The delicious result? The very first batch of "fudge" ever.
In France they say that caramel and fudge are "cousins".Fudge is also similar to French fondant candy.
American fudge is a simple, rich and luscious indulgence. Many people across the country have special family recipes for fudge. Often times it is remembered as a favorite that "Grandma used to make".
Not all fudge is chocolate, however the chocolate fudge variety is the most popular. Chocolate fudge is often thought of when people hear the word "fudge".
Some people mistakenly believe that fudge is a British invention. There are versions of fudge in the Midlands region of England as well as in Scotland. However, even the most well-known fudge maker in Britain likes to set the record straight by clarifying that fudge is a uniquely American invention!
Readmore: History of Chocolate
FAQs
Fudge's story began in the United States around the 1880s. The first documented instance of fudge being made was at Vassar College in Poughkeepsie, New York when a student named Emelyn Battersby Hartridge heard of a fudge recipe and made 30 pounds of it for a senior auction.
Where did fudge originate? ›
Culinary legend has it that fudge was invented in America. On Valentine's Day, 1886, a confectioner and chocolate maker in Baltimore, Maryland "fudged" a batch of French caramels. The delicious result? The very first batch of "fudge" ever.
Is fudge a British thing? ›
Fudge almost certainly has its origins in 19th century USA where it was popular in the women's colleges of the time. The generally-accepted line is that it all began with a certain Emelyn Battersby Hartridge, a student at Vassar College in New York.
Why do they call fudge fudge? ›
The story goes, a baker was trying to make chocolate caramels. However, they didn't get the recipe quite right. When the candy came out as the creamy treat we know today, they said, “Oh, fudge!” and that's how the candy got its name. The first recorded mention of fudge came from 1888.
Why is fudge so popular on Mackinac Island? ›
As Mackinac Island evolved from a center of fur trade into a summer resort destination, Victorian-era vacationers began to identify the island with sweets. At first, the most common candy was maple sugar harvested by Native Americans. Other treats, including fudge, soon followed.
Who first made fudge? ›
Fudge's story began in the United States around the 1880s. The first documented instance of fudge being made was at Vassar College in Poughkeepsie, New York when a student named Emelyn Battersby Hartridge heard of a fudge recipe and made 30 pounds of it for a senior auction.
What state is famous for fudge? ›
On Michigan's world-renowned Mackinac Island, the sweet aroma of fudge wafts out onto the street from four unique Ryba's Fudge Shops.
Why is fudge sold at the beach? ›
Though it contains no saltwater, taffy—and fudge, its sister seaside treat—may benefit from being made in a beach climate. Perhaps the salty air simply gives people a hankering for something sweet; it's also possible that the candies' decelerated drying and oxidation in humid air give them a unique “coastal” flavor.
What do Americans call fudge? ›
fudge in American English
1. a soft candy made of butter, milk, sugar, and chocolate or other flavoring, etc.
Is fudge a rude word? ›
Fudge and the F-bomb do not have the same meaning, even if you use it in the manner you might use an F-bomb. You are actually being more polite, in your expression of upset or distaste.
Some people will try to tell you that tablet is a form of fudge. However, proper tablet aficionados (and we have been doing a lot of sampling) will tell you that there is a clear difference in texture between tablet and fudge. Fudge tends to be softer, while tablet has a grainier and more brittle texture.
Why is fudge a Michigan thing? ›
By most accounts, the first batch of fudge was concocted in Baltimore in the 1880s. By the turn of the century, fudge-making arrived on Mackinac Island in northern Michigan, which today has a legitimate claim as the modern day fudge capital.
Was fudge invented in Scotland? ›
While fudge was created in America, we feel pretty confident that with the finest Scottish ingredients, Gardiners Fudge is truly one of the best in the world.
Where is the best fudge made in United States? ›
A Mackinac tradition for more than 60 years, today Ryba's has two locations on both Mackinac Island and in Chicago. Its fudge is made by hand on big marble slabs, with flavors including Oreo, chocolate pecan, chocolate macadamia, German chocolate, and maple pecan.
What celebrities own property on Mackinac Island? ›
Do any celebrities live on Mackinac Island? Yes, celebrities have houses on Mackinac Island. A few are actor Vince Vaughn, Director Ron Howard, and Michigan's own Bob Seger.
Who owns most of Mackinac Island? ›
While all of Mackinac Island, the landform, is located within the corporate limits of the City of Mackinac Island, today 82 percent of the island's landmass is owned by the State of Michigan and managed by the Mackinac Island State Park Commission (MISPC).
Is fudge scottish or British? ›
And while many would assume that fudge originated in the UK, it is actually a creation from America!!!
Where and when was fudge invented? ›
Unlike many of your other favorite candies and treats, fudge is a relatively new product, dating back to just the 1880s. In fact, one of the first recorded mentions of fudge was in a letter written by Emelyn Battersby Hartridge, a student at Vassar College in Poughkeepsie, New York, in 1886.
Is Scotland known for fudge? ›
Scottish fudge is a true classic. For many in Scotland, it's not just a sweet treat but a trip down memory lane. Think about special family times, holiday gatherings, or simply a comforting snack on a chilly day. Made with a few basic ingredients, its rich taste and smooth texture make it a favourite for all ages.
