INGREDIENTS
2 cups sugar
3/4 cup milk
2 tablespoons salted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup peanut butter
DIRECTIONS
Boil sugar, milk and butter until it simmers. Allow it to boil until it reaches a temperature of 235 degrees or when you can spoon the mixture into a bowl of cold water and gently form it into a ball with your finger (a practice called “soft-balling”).
Remove from heat, and add vanilla, salt and peanut butter. Stir until the fudge is smooth and creamy and begins to harden. Spread the mixture in a 9×9-inch pan. Place the pan in the refrigerator until fully hardened.
Cut into squares and pair with a glass of cold milk!
This recipe was submitted by Denise Boyd, parishioner at St. Michael the Archangel Parish in Canton and niece of Father Richard Pentello. About the recipe, she said, “We cannot have a family function without it. I hope you all enjoy it as much as we do!”
THE CATHOLIC KITCHEN
A reflection by Father Richard Pentello, retired priest for the Diocese of Youngstown and pastor emeritus at St. Patrick Parish and the University Newman Center in Kent.
Every calendar season has its unique holidays and holy days. From Fourth of July picnics to Thanksgiving Day feasts, family and friends gather with one another to celebrate and to share so much more than food. This month’s celebration of Valentine’s Day is no different, for it centers around more than food and laughter. The partaking in meals—whether it be a romantic dinner between a couple or the community meal around a sacred altar—is often the setting for life and love to be experienced on a deeper and fuller level.
Like many, when my family gathers around the table, we greatly anticipate dessert—knowing that the best is yet to come. And while this family recipe for Peanut Butter Fudge may not necessarily be thought of as a dessert, my family continues to make sure that this popular treat is part of our family gatherings.
A box of chocolates seems to be the “go-to” Valentine’s Day treat, but perhaps this year, you might want to try something just a little bit different. And always remember, whether gathered with loved ones around a table, or around the holy altar to share a sacred meal—the best is yet to come. Indeed, the best is yet to come!
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