Candy Recipes - Fudge, Penuche and Divinity

Cream Cheese Rum Fudge

6 ounces cream cheese, softened
2 tablespoons milk
4 cups sifted confectioners' sugar
1 1/2 cups chopped walnuts or pecans
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 to 1 teaspoon rum flavoring*
3 ounces unsweetened chocolate, melted and cooled

Line an 8-inch square pan with foil, then butter the foil.

In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese and milk. Gradually add the confectioners' sugar, beating the mixture until smooth. Stir in 1 cup of the nuts, the vanilla extract and rum flavoring. Stir in melted chocolate. Immediately turn fudge mixture into prepared pan, pressing evenly into pan. Sprinkle with remaining nuts, pressing nuts lightly. Cover and chill for at least 1 hour before cutting into squares.

Store the fudge in the refrigerator.

Makes 36 pieces.

Variations: Substitute other flavors for rum, such as almond, peppermint or orange extract.