Fudge-Making Tools

• Other than a stand mixer or a hand mixer, the only other special equipment you need for making a traditional fudge recipe is a candy thermometer. Choose a model that has a clip that allows you to attach it to the side of your pan, keeping your hands free, and preventing the thermometer from touching the bottom of the saucepan.

  Another helpful item to have on hand is parchment paper, waxed paper or foil to line the baking pan. Cut off a sheet that overlaps the sides of the pan to make it easier to remove the fudge once it has set.

Typical Ingredients

• Basic ingredients for dreamsicle fudge aren't unlike the basics needed for most classic fudge recipes: vanilla extract, cream, butter and sugar.

  White chocolate replaces the cocoa or other chocolate ingredients used to make traditional chocolate fudge. According to the book, "The Sweet Book of Candy Making," choosing white chocolate with at least 30 percent cocoa butter provides optimal texture and flavor.

  Orange flavoring or extract and food coloring give dreamsicle fudge its citrusy flavor and characteristic orange swirl. Use orange food coloring if you can find it, or mix red and yellow together in a separate bowl to create your desired shade.

Using the Classic Method

• After preparing a baking dish, combine the sugar, butter and cream in a saucepan and let it cook over medium heat. Stir the mixture just until the sugar dissolves.

  Place the candy thermometer in the pot and stop stirring. Bring the mixture to "soft-ball stage," which typically occurs at temperatures of 238 to 240 degrees Fahrenheit.

  Add the vanilla extract and orange flavoring to the mixture and pour it into the bowl of a stand mixer, or a large bowl deep enough to use with a hand mixer. Beat the mixture on medium-low for approximately 10 minutes, or until it's slightly thickened.

  Pour a third of the mixture into a separate bowl. Add the orange food coloring to the other portion, stirring to combine the coloring before adding it to the prepared baking dish. Pour the white mixture on top of that and use a knife or toothpick to create swirls.

  Cover the baking pan and refrigerate it for 6 hours or longer to let it set. Once the fudge is firm, remove it from the pan and cut it into pieces.

The Microwave Method

• Add white chocolate chips to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat it using the high heat setting for 1 minute or until all the chips melt. Stir in sweetened condensed milk and top the mixture with small pieces of butter. For every 2 cups of chips, use one, 14-ounce can of condensed milk and 2 tablespoons of butter. Microwave it for another 30 seconds and divide the fudge into two bowls.

  Add food coloring and orange flavor to one bowl before pouring it into a pan and spreading it into an even layer. Then, top it with the white mixture, swirling it as desired. Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours, or until it's firm.