Chocolate Fudge

Ingredients:

• 3 cups granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons corn syrup
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3 squares (ounces) unsweetened chocolate
• 3/4 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Instructions:

In a large saucepan combine sugar, syrup, butter, chocolate and milk. Cook over medium heat, stirring only until sugar and chocolate are melted, until a little dropped into cold water forms a soft ball -- 238°. Remove from heat and let cool. When mixture is cooled, add vanilla and beat until fudge loses its glossy appearance and is firm enough to hold its shape when a little is dropped from a spoon. Stir in nuts, if used and pour into a 9x13-inch pan. Let cool and cut into squares when firm.

From The Rumford Complete Cookbook, 1948 edition