FESTIVE FUDGE

This vanilla treat keeps for ages, but it’s so tempting it probably won’t be around for long!

MAKES 45 squares, with leftovers * PREP 20min, plus cooling * COOK about 15min

* 450g (1lb) caster sugar * 125ml (4fl oz) semi-skimmed

or whole milk

* 397g tin condensed milk * 1tsp salt

* 1tsp vanilla extract

❶ Line a 15cm x 24cm x 4cm (6in x 9½in x 1½in) roasting tin (or one with similar dimensions) with baking parchment. Heat sugar and milk over a medium-high heat in a heavybased pan, stirring occasionally, until the sugar is dissolved.

❷ Stir in the condensed milk and salt and heat until bubbles appear around the edges of the pan. Bubble for 7-8min, whisking constantly to avoid the mixture scorching – it should be a light butterscotch colour.

❸ Take the pan off the heat, add the vanilla and beat with a whisk for exactly 2min (you will see the mixture thicken slightly). Quickly and carefully empty into the prepared tin. Smooth the surface.

❹ Set aside for 5min, or until just hardened. Lift out of the tin using the baking parchment, then mark out 45 squares (cutting halfway down into the tablet). If the mixture sticks to the knife, let the tablet set for another minute. With the help of the baking parchment, return tablet to the tin and leave to cool completely.

❺ To serve, break the tablet into its marked squares. Any leftover tablet will keep in a tin or paper bag at room temperature for up to two weeks.