Cinnamon-Chocolate Fudge Recipe -- Mmm!

You have got to try this chocolate fudge recipe!  It is absolutely delicious, & the easiest fudge I've ever made.  The cinnamon seems like a strange ingredient, but it really adds something to the chocolate that is both unusual & divine!  Also, the recipe suggests the option of sprinkling kosher salt on the top of the fudge after spreading it in the pan.  I did this, a bit unsure of how it would taste, but it was also so good!  The recipe usually knows best, don't ya think?!  Mmm!!  Let me know what you think of this delicious dessert if you decide to try it!  You won't be disappointed :)

Cinnamon-Chocolate Fudge

Recipe courtesy of Giada De Laurentiis

Ingredients

• Butter, for greasing the pan
• 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 pound (about 2 cups) bittersweet (60 percent cacao) chocolate chips (recommended: Ghiradelli) see Cook's Note
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch pieces, at room temperature
• Kosher or flake salt, optional

Directions

Butter the bottom and sides of an 8 by 8-inch baking pan. Line the pan with a sheet of parchment paper, about 14-inches long and 7-inches wide, allowing the excess to overhang the sides. Set aside.

In a medium glass or stainless steel bowl, combine the condensed milk, cinnamon, and vanilla. Stir in the chocolate chips and butter. Put the bowl on a saucepan of barely simmering water and mix until the chocolate chips have melted and the mixture is smooth, about 6 to 8 minutes (mixture will be thick). Using a spatula, scrape the mixture into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Sprinkle with salt, if desired. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours until firm.

Run a warm knife around the edge of the pan to loosen the fudge. Remove the fudge to a cutting board. Peel off the parchment paper and cut the fudge into 1-inch pieces. Store refrigerated in an airtight container or freeze.

Cook's Note: The fudge can also be made using 1 pound (about 2 1/2 cups) of semisweet chocolate chips.