Strawberries and Cream Fudge Recipe by Mia P. Manansala @MPMtheWriter

It was my husband’s birthday last week, so we had a small get-together to celebrate. As usual, he was in charge of the grill while I handled the dessert department. He insisted he didn’t need me to make anything for him, but you know I couldn’t pass up an opportunity to spoil him.

Bowl of strawberries and cream fudge

At the beginning of the month, we attended a comic book convention and there was a vendor selling fudge there. We hadn’t planned on buying anything there, but they offered free samples and of course we ended up falling in love with their offerings and ended up buying some to power us through the long weekend. My husband was obsessed with the strawberry cheesecake fudge, which surprised both of us since he’s not a cheesecake fan. Remembering how much he loved that fudge, I decided to try my hand at making a strawberries and cream fudge. I couldn’t find my cooking thermometer, so the more elaborate confectionery I’d hoped to make was out the window. Instead, I used a simple 3-ingredient fudge recipe you could make in the microwave. He absolutely loved it and I hope you all do too!

Strawberries and Cream Fudge

Ingredients:

• ¼ cup freeze-dried strawberry powder
• 1 (11 oz) bag of white chocolate chips
• ½ (14 oz) can of condensed milk
• Pinch of salt (optional)

Directions:

1. Spray and line an 8x8 baking pan (you can also use a loaf pan). Set aside.
2. Pour white chocolate chips and condensed milk in a microwave-safe bowl.
3. Microwave in 30-second intervals until the white chocolate chips are melted. Add the salt, if using, and stir until the condensed milk and melted white chocolate are fully combined.
4. Pour ⅔ of the mixture into the prepared pan and smooth until level with a spatula.
5. In the remaining ⅓ of the mixture, add the strawberry powder and mix until fully combined. You might need to microwave the mixture again if the mixture is too thick.
6. Dollop the strawberry mixture on top of the white chocolate mixture. Either smooth carefully into a top layer or swirl the mixture for an interesting pattern.
7. Chill in the fridge until firm and cut into small pieces.
8. Enjoy!

Cast of characters: Himalayan pink salt, condensed milk, freeze dried strawberry powder, white chocolate chips

Add the white chocolate chips and condensed milk to a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals until the chocolate is melted.

Add the salt, if using, and stir until the melted white chocolate and condensed milk are completely combined.

Add 2/3 of the mixture into a sprayed and lined pan, and smooth with a spatula.
I forgot to line my pan and ended up breaking a knife tip when I tried to dig the fudge out, so don't be like me.

Add the strawberry powder to the remaining mixture and stir until it's a uniform red color.

Dollop the strawberry mixture on top of the white chocolate layer and either smooth into a top layer or swirl to create a pattern.

Chill until firm, then cut into small pieces. Enjoy!

I'd love to make a proper strawberry and cream fudge (or a really good vanilla fudge) for my husband (maybe for Christmas?), so does anyone have a good recipe? Please let me know in the comments!

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BLACKMAIL AND BIBINGKA (October 4, 2022)

When her long-lost cousin comes back to town just in time for the holidays, Lila Macapagal knows that big trouble can’t be far behind in this new mystery by Mia P. Manansala, author of Arsenic and Adobo.

It’s Christmastime in Shady Palms, but things are far from jolly for Lila Macapagal. Sure, her new business, the Brew-ha Cafe, is looking to turn a profit in its first year. And yes, she’s taken the first step in a new romance with her good friend Jae Park. But her cousin Ronnie is back in town after ghosting the family fifteen years ago, claiming that his recent purchase of a local winery shows that he’s back on his feet and ready to contribute to the Shady Palms community. Tita Rosie is thrilled with the return of her prodigal son, but Lila knows that wherever Ronnie goes, trouble follows.

 She’s soon proven right when Ronnie is suspected of murder, and secrets surrounding her shady cousin and those involved with the winery start piling up. Now Lila has to put away years of resentment and distrust to prove her cousin’s innocence. He may be a jerk, but he’s still family. And there’s no way her flesh and blood could actually be a murderer . . . right?

Pre-order from The Book Table or Centuries & Sleuths for signed, personalized copies!