Growing up in a small town has its advantages.  One is the childhood memories of a candy shop on the main street.  Back then, we children could gather our pennies and nickels, walk with fearless abandon to this shop, and purchase a hand-dipped chocolate, piece of fudge or caramel apple.  Upon returning to this town as an adult, the candy shop was going out of business.  The downtown area was all but still and silent as businesses had moved to shopping centers and malls, with some specialty shops and small businesses closing their doors forever.

Sadly but fortunately, one morning I walked into this shop on the day when the owner had decided to call it quits.  She was relieved in  a resigned way, and I was blessed to purchase the professional candy thermometer, some flavorings–and, most prized of all, their candy making recipe book.

Within the pages I found a fudge recipe that, along with some hermit-type tweaking of types and amounts of fine chocolates utilized, brings to fruition the best fudge this hermit ever hopes to taste.  I must add (in due humility) that friends say the same.  One could even suggest with sensibility:  Fortitude Fudge hints a taste of courage to its creamy texture that emboldens both body and soul!

Sold for months of December and February, Joyful Hermit’s hermitage-made Fortitude Fudge comes with a variety of choices.  You may select: Dark Night of the Soul Fudge that is the darkest of fudge; Dark Night of the Senses Fudge that is semi-dark; or Milky Way Fudge that is lighter.  You may also select Sea-Salted, and/or Pecan, Walnut or Almonds, and/or Caramel Drizzle.

Click on The Joyful Hermit Shoppe in the side bar (under Pages) to learn the particulars; then place your orders by email.  Choose from the enticing varieties of Fortitude Fudge offered and combinations therein!