Sunday, May 17, 2015

Oh, Fudge! Welcome our guest, Nancy Coco! #bookgiveaway

Hi, I’m Nancy J Parra writing as Nancy Coco. In my Candy Coated series (Kensington Books), I have included 10 original fudge recipes in each book. In the latest book, “Oh Say Can You Fudge,” I decided on fudges based on different types of pie. One of my favorite pies is chocolate chip pecan pie. So I made this fudge recipe to match and it was a hit with my tasters. They even fought over the crumbs.

I hope you enjoy this fudge as much as I did. 

Cheers! 
Nancy

Chocolate Chip Pecan Pie Fudge

4 cups pecans chopped

1 ½ cups granulated sugar

1 ½ cups packed dark brown sugar

1 cup half and half

3 tablespoons dark corn syrup

1 stick butter + 1 ½ teaspoon butter for pan prep

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

2 cups mini dark chocolate chips


Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place the pecans on a baking sheet and toast them in the oven for about 8 minutes, stirring halfway through. Remove from the oven and allow the pecans to cool.


Prepare a 9x9 pan by lining it with aluminum foil and butter the foil with 1 ½ teaspoons butter. Place 2 cups of dark chocolate mini chips in the bottom of the pan.


In a large heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the brown and granulated sugars, the cream, and the corn syrup over medium heat. Stir until the sugars dissolve, insert a candy thermometer-ensure it does not touch the bottom or sides of the pan, and bring to a boil, stirring occasionally. Allow the mixture to boil, stirring frequently, until it reaches 238 degrees on the candy thermometer. This takes approximately 10 minutes. (I set the timer to help understand how long it takes for the temperature to reach this point.) Once at 238, remove from heat. Take out the thermometer and stir in the butter, maple and vanilla extracts, and chopped pecans.


Stir the fudge vigorously with a heavy wooden spoon. (I break more spoons making fudge. It will get thick.) Stir constantly for 10-15 minutes until the fudge loses its shine and holds its shape.


Pour fudge into the prepared pan and smooth it into an even layer. Refrigerate the fudge to set it, for at least 1 hour. Once set, remove the fudge from the pan using the foil as handles. Cut the fudge into small 1-inch pieces to serve. Store fudge in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.

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Nancy is offering a copy of  OH SAY CAN YOU FUDGE to one lucky MLK reader. Leave a comment for a chance to win!


OH SAY CAN YOU FUDGE is the third book in Kensington's Candy Coated Mystery series by Nancy Coco, also known as Nancy J Parra.

Inspired by the gentile Victorian feel of Mackinac Island, Nancy asked the people at The Island Bookstore if anyone had ever written a mystery series set on Mackinac Island. The answer was no. Nancy went to work with a poll of Island visitors and locals. If an amateur sleuth lived on Mackinac Island, what would she do for a living? The overwhelming answer was run a Fudge Shop, of course. Mackinac Island is known for its world famous fudge. The rest is history. Nancy’s alter ego, Nancy J Parra, has an MA in Popular Fiction and a day doesn’t go by when she isn’t working on a new story or walking her own bichonpoo known affectionately on line as Little Dog.

104 comments:

  1. Love fudge your book sounds perfect for me.

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  2. I'm not a fudge (food) fan but I am a fan of fudge books!

    ElaineE246 at msn dot com

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    Replies
    1. Hi Elaine,
      It's okay to not like fudge- I'm glad to hear you are a fan of fudge books.
      Cheers~ Nancy

      Delete
  3. Fabulous fudge treat recipe! And the book sounds absolutely wonderful! EMS591@aol.com

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  4. Oh my gosh! Sounds so delicious! Both the fudge and the book! Thanks for sharing!
    angelhwk68@yahoo.com

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  5. I never heard of the a fudge pie before but Chocolate Chip Pecan Pie Fudge looks so good! Thank you for the recipe.
    myrifraf(at)gmail(dot)com

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    Replies
    1. Hi Jen,
      All the recipes in this book are based on pie flavors. I hope you enjoy!
      Nancy

      Delete
  6. Never would have thought of this but love fudge and this sounds great. Love all your series. Thanks for the giveaway.
    sallycootie@gmail.com

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    Replies
    1. Hi Grandma Cootie,
      I always love hearing from you. Thanks for the comment.
      Cheers, Nancy

      Delete
  7. Looks fantastic; thanks for the chance to win :)
    jslbrown2009 at aol dot com

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    Replies
    1. Hi Lisa, Thanks for the note.
      I hope you enjoy~
      Nancy

      Delete
  8. I'm definitely going to try this series because I am a fudge lover. Don't make it except at Christmas time - too tempting. However, my husband and I love to find a fudge shop when we are vacationing. It's a little treat.

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    Replies
    1. Hi Kay,
      I love to fudge shop on vacation, too.
      Cheers, Nancy

      Delete
  9. The fudge looks delicious. I think I just gained five pounds thinking about it.

    bevarcher AT me DOT com

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    Replies
    1. Hi-
      :D I know about the gaining five pounds - I have to taste all the recipes. Then I give away as much fudge as possible. lol.
      Cheers, Nancy

      Delete
  10. The Chocolate Chip Pecan Pie Fudge sounds delicious! Oh Say Can You Fudge sounds equally delightful! Put them together and I see a little bit of heaven on earth for me.
    bree62@outlook.com

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    Replies
    1. Hi Loretta,
      Thanks! Your comment made my day.
      Cheers, Nancy

      Delete
  11. I've never made fudge but this makes me want to try ... okay, I just want to eat it! =)

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    Replies
    1. Hi Lisa,
      Someone else told me that I should open a fudge shop because they just want to eat it. lol.
      Cheers, Nancy

      Delete
  12. Welcome to the Kitchen, Nancy! Mackinac Island fudge (cue angels signing) is the best on the planet. Once a year, Marc and I treat ourselves to an online purchase from a fudge maker there. What a fantastic setting for a culinary cozy series.

    Warm congrats on the newest entry in your bestselling series, OH SAY CAN YOU FUDGE (fudge for the Fourth, woot!), and thanks for the amazing recipe!

    ~ Cleo

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    Replies
    1. Hi Cleo,
      Thank you so much. What a warm and wonderful note. I get the joy of going to Mackinac Island once a year to sign books. My parents live nearby.
      Cheers, Nancy

      Delete
  13. Never ate fudge, but would love to read this book.

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  14. The recipe sounds delicious. Thank you for this chance! areewekidding@yahoo.com

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    Replies
    1. Hi Robyn,
      Thanks for the note. I hope you enjoy the recipe.
      Cheers, Nancy

      Delete
  15. The recipe sounds very good but the book sounds better! Thanks!

    ElaineE246 at msn dot com

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    Replies
    1. Hi Elaine,
      Thank you!
      I hope you enjoy the book.
      Cheers, Nancy

      Delete
  16. Always up for a good recipe and a good book. Thanks for providing one and a chance at the other.

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    Replies
    1. Hi P.J.
      Thanks and I hope you enjoy! Let me know if you try the recipe.
      Cheers, Nancy

      Delete
  17. Ok so I have mever made fudge, but since my favorite pie is chocolate pecan I guess I'm gonna have to!!! I also have a bichonpoo his name is Sammy. :) This book looks great! It's ironic because my brother is a July 4th baby. I'd Love to read this series! It looks great, thanks for the giveaway! :)
    magicgirl2357@yahoo.com

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    Replies
    1. Abby,
      How wonderful that you have Sammy. My bichonpoo is a girl. They are the sweetest, smart little dogs. Let me know if you try the recipe.
      Cheers, Nancy

      Delete
  18. Delectable recipe and a great book. Thanks for this feature and giveaway. elliotbencan(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  19. Oh say can you say -- popular subject, fudge! I admit, I was drooling when I put up Nancy's recipe and photo! Glad to see so many fudge and mystery lovers here!

    We westerners are a bit behind the rest of you -- Nancy lives in the Bay Area now -- but she'll be along shortly to leave a comment or two!

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    Replies
    1. Hi Leslie,
      Thanks for the opportunity to visit the kitchen. What fun!
      Cheers, Nancy

      Delete
  20. I've read 2 of your other Fudge Shop books and have bookmarked every fudge recipe - they all sound so delicious! This recipe sounds even better since pecan chocolate pie is one of my favorites! Thanks for sharing!!! kimdavishb@gmail.com

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    Replies
    1. Hi Kim,
      Thanks! Your comment made my day. I hope you enjoy making the fudge.
      Cheers, Nancy

      Delete
  21. Pecan is my favorite pie----and now I just may have a recipe for my favorite fudge!! Thanks for both the recipe and the contest.
    suefarrell.farrell@gmail.com

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    Replies
    1. Hi Sue,
      I agree. I love pecan pie!
      I hope you enjoy.
      Cheers, Nancy

      Delete
  22. Fudge is my downfall! I've never met a piece I didn't enjoy. Thank you for the recipe and the chance to win this giveaway. - j_mazur@msn.com

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    Replies
    1. Hi John,
      I agree. I love all fudge. :D
      Cheers, Nancy

      Delete
  23. What an amazing recipe. Looks really yummy!! Thanks for the giveaway.
    scarletbegonia5858@gmail.com

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    Replies
    1. Hi-
      Thanks, I hope you try it out and enjoy.
      Have a super day!
      Nancy

      Delete
  24. Love the cover!! The book sounds great!! Thanks for the giveaway!!
    jawdance@yahoo.com

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    Replies
    1. Hi Judy,
      Thanks for the wonderful comment.
      I hope you enjoy your day.
      Cheers, Nancy

      Delete
  25. Who doesn't love a good cozy mystery and Fudge recipes .

    xzjh04@ Gmail.com

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  26. What a cute cover! And fudge? OK, how did this series escape me? One I will look into and of course would love to win the one pictured! Thanks!

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    Replies
    1. Hi Janet,
      Book one is "All Fudged Up" - If you like to start at the first.
      Cheers, Nancy

      Delete
  27. I love the location, it is a place I love to go to and the fudge is amazing. If the book is anything like the location and fudge it is going to be a wonderful book to read. I cannot wait to get a copy of it.

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    Replies
    1. Hi April,
      I love Mackinac Island, too.
      I hope you enjoy!
      Nancy

      Delete
  28. Sounds like a great fudge recipe. I love Mackinac Island so excited about this new book.

    Bettyjo.English@gmail.com

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    Replies
    1. Hi Bettyjo,
      Thank you!
      I hope you have a great day.
      Cheers, Nancy

      Delete
  29. Sounds like a great fudge recipe. I love Mackinac Island so excited about this new book.

    Bettyjo.English@gmail.com

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  30. Mackinac Island is one of those places I would love to visit. It seems so quaint. Your fudge sounds good. Ten recipes in each book! I'd get huge reading your book if I made all of the fudge. I'd just have to read and make the best ones, I guess.

    lkish77123 at gmail dot com

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    1. Hi Linda,
      Love your comment- I have to make all that fudge. Luckily I have plenty of volunteers to eat it.
      Cheers, Nancy

      Delete
  31. this fudge recipe sounds so good. The book sounds so good too thanks for the chance darholley1 (at) (aol) dot com

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  32. The fudge recipe sounds delicious and I'm excited about reading a new Cozy Mystery! Thank you for the chance to win this giveaway! ruthmazur46@gmail.com - Ruth Lyons Mazur

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    Replies
    1. Hi Ruth,
      Thank you- let me know if you make the fudge and how you liked it.
      Cheers, Nancy

      Delete
  33. Replies
    1. Oh Joann,
      You made my day, too!
      Thanks and cheers, Nancy

      Delete
  34. Love the fudge recipe and it would be delicious and delightful to win your book!

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    Replies
    1. Hi Karlene,
      I hope you enjoy both!
      Cheers, Nancy

      Delete
  35. Fudge is a real treat which I love. What a wonderful book. Love to read this delightful series. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

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  36. I love exploring the many flavors of fudge. I admit I haven't read one of your books but just added them to my wish list. Mackinac Island sounds like a perfect vacation stop. Thank you for the chance to win.

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    Replies
    1. Good afternoon, :D
      The first in the series is called "All Fudged Up" - I hope you enjoy them.
      Cheers, Nancy

      Delete
  37. Thanks for the giveaway! A special reward I got as a child was fudge from Fanny Farmer. So good!!! smmolloy1105@yahoo.com

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    Replies
    1. Oh my goodness Shannon,
      I remember Fanny Farmer fudge. :D
      Thanks for the memory.
      Cheers, Nancy

      Delete
  38. Fudge....milk chocolate with nuts! Yummy! Thanks for the giveaway. Kuzlin at AOL.com

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  39. Where I used to live there was a little shop that sold homemade fudge, I think my favorite was a maple one. Great now I'm drooling, LOL. I used to stop in there whenever I had a chance. I guess it's a good thing that we moved, take temptation out of my way. Congrats on your release, I love the cover!

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  40. This book sounds good; I adore fudge! Thank you for the chance to win. :)

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    Replies
    1. Hi Jane,
      Thanks for the comment.
      Have a great day! Nancy

      Delete
  41. Nancy, cute title! Lovely recipe. How do you come up with so many fudge recipes? Do you know the best online place to buy fudge to ship to a friend? Thanks!

    Daryl / Avery

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    Replies
    1. Hi Daryl,
      The best part about fudge is it's gluten free! :D
      I get mine from http://joannsfudge.com/
      Cheers, Nancy

      Delete
  42. Sounds yummy both the fudge and the book. Can't wait to try both! Thanks for the giveaway.

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  43. Now that sounds like a prize winning fudge! I do love fudge but finding quality fudge, unless one makes one's own, is VERY difficult!
    This sounds like a series I'd like!

    Kathleen Bylsma h5apby@yahoo.com

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    Replies
    1. Hi Kathleen,
      I agree that homemade fudge is the best!
      Cheers, Nancy

      Delete
  44. Thank you for joining us today, Nancy! I love this cover. The fireworks are gorgeous! And the recipe sounds yummy.

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    Replies
    1. Hi Krista,
      It's always such a pleasure to guest blog here.
      Thanks for having me!
      Nancy

      Delete
  45. I love your book cover! I love fireworks! The recipe sounds yummy. crossxjo@hotmail.com

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  46. The book is great fun.
    You mention maple flavor in the instructions, but it is not listed in the ingredients.

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    Replies
    1. Hi Libby,
      I thought I answered you, but I don't see it listed here any more.
      It's 1/2 Teaspoon of maple flavoring.
      Thanks for the catch.
      Cheers, Nancy

      Delete
  47. You had me at fudge ! I love the added feature of receipes. I cannot wait to read this book. Itsacatslife17@yahoo.com.Thank you for the opportunity.

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  48. Thanks for having me here.
    It's always so much fun to visit Mystery Lover's kitchen.
    Now I'm off for a hike to try to work off some of the fudge calories.
    Cheers, Nancy

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  49. I love the series and own the first two books. The stories are fun reads and the recipes are to die for. I'd love to add the third one to my library.

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  50. LOVE this series!
    Woofmew@aol.com

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  51. Posted on behalf of Ruth Nixon: "Sounds yummy -- I'd love to win!"

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  52. I am always looking for something new and different to share with the ladies where I live and I think I am am going to need to try this recipe. I can see that there is a new series in my near future..

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  53. Oh - that recipe is right up my alley!

    jenne(dot)turner@unt(dot)edu

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  54. Thanks to our sweetheart of a guest, Nancy, for replying to every post until I told her that was above and beyond! So if you didn't get a word back from her, blame it on me!

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  55. Fun series. I haven't tried making any of the recipes yet, but this one sounds irresistible. I'll have to do it! Hope I win your book. Thanks for the generous opportunity.

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  56. Congratulations to our winner, Sue Farrell! Nancy and I will be in touch.

    Thanks to all of you for helping us welcome Nancy and celebrate her new book. Now go eat -- and read -- some fudge!

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  57. I have not yet read your series but am looking forward to starting. I do love my mysteries. Welcome, Bonnie (bmalic610@yahoo.com)

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  58. oh yumz!!!
    would love to read this book!!!!

    cyn209 at juno dot com

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