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Can't wait to let you in on my spin of the famous McDonald's spring shake transformed into melt-in-your-mouth fudge! This velvety delight sports the most adorable green hue and tastes like pure vanilla bliss. It's ideal for your St. Patrick's Day gatherings or whenever you're in the mood to whip up something that'll bring smiles all around.
Why This Fudge Stands Out
Whenever I craft this fudge, memories of sipping those minty green shakes during childhood flood back. The fudge turns out incredibly silky with that eye-catching green shade that just yells festivity. And guess what? It's much simpler to create than most folks think!
Shopping List Items
- Sugar: 2 cups total (try using superfine for best results)
- Butter: 1/2 cup unsalted, go for European type if available
- Ice Cream: 1/2 cup vanilla, allow it to soften
- Salt: Only 1/4 teaspoon needed
- White Chocolate: 1 cup chips (worth getting Guittard)
- Marshmallow Creme: 1 jar (7 oz)
- Vanilla: 1 teaspoon genuine extract
- Green Color: Several drops for visual appeal
Fudge Creation Steps
- Preparation Step
- Cover your 8x8 baking dish with parchment for easy removal later on.
- Begin The Cooking
- Combine sugar, butter, ice cream, and salt in a saucepan. Warm it up while continuously stirring until everything blends and starts to bubble.
- Monitor The Heat
- Continue cooking and mixing until you reach 234°F on your thermometer – that's your sweet spot for perfect fudge texture.
- Mix In Extras
- Remove from heat, add white chocolate chips and stir until melted. Then blend in marshmallow cream, vanilla, and enough green coloring to achieve desired shade.
- Setting Process
- Transfer mixture to your prepared pan and level the surface. Let it sit at room temperature for two hours before refrigerating.
- Ready To Enjoy
- Slice into squares and enjoy watching them quickly vanish! Store leftovers in a container – they'll remain fresh for a week.
Customization Options
Craving more mint flavor? Try adding mint extract. I sometimes throw in crushed mint candies too. A dusting of green sugar crystals on top makes it look even more festive!
Pro Cooking Tricks
Invest in a reliable thermometer, it'll save you trouble. Pick the highest quality butter and chocolate you can afford, you'll taste the difference. And if you can't find superfine sugar, just pulse regular sugar in your blender for a bit!
Keeping Your Fudge Fresh
This treat tastes better when slightly warmed up, not straight from the fridge. It stays delicious for a week in an airtight container. Want to keep it longer? Wrap it tightly and freeze it – good for up to two months that way!
Decorative Suggestions
I occasionally top pieces with swirls of whipped cream and cherries to mimic the actual shake! For adult gatherings, consider adding a dash of Irish cream liqueur – it's absolutely delightful!
Tools You'll Want
You'll need a sturdy pot, candy thermometer, parchment paper, and robust spatula for mixing. A quality 8x8 baking dish helps with proper setting and makes cutting into portions much easier.
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Irresistible Celebration Treat
This fudge triggers so many wonderful memories of those seasonal spring shakes! Its charming green color and silky texture make it a hit for St. Patrick's Day celebrations. Everyone always wants to know how I made it!
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What should I do if I can't find green chips?
Regular mint chips work perfectly — add some green coloring. Or mix white chocolate chips with extract and a dab of coloring for a minty look.
- → Why do I need a thermometer?
Hitting the exact temperature is key to great fudge texture. If the temperature's off, the result could be sticky or crumbly. Double-check your tool's reading first.
- → Can I swap out the ice cream flavor?
Stick to vanilla since it provides creaminess without overpowering the mint. Other flavors might mess with the texture or color.
- → What if my fudge won't set right?
It probably didn't cook hot enough. Make sure you hit 234°F. Also, avoid making it on days with a lot of humidity.
- → How should this be stored?
Pop it in an airtight box and keep it at room temperature for up to one week. Skip the fridge—cold storage can ruin the texture.
Conclusion
This tasty mint fudge adds a bit of festive flair, taking inspiration from the popular Shamrock Shake. Just right for St. Patrick's Day festivities.