1. Gather all your ingredients for the Mackinac Island Fudge recipe. This includes milk, butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, salt, vanilla extract, confectioners’ sugar, cocoa, and optional mix-ins like nuts.
2. In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine milk, butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and salt.
3. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
4. When the mixture starts to boil, maintain a steady boil for exactly six minutes, stirring continuously to ensure even cooking and avoid crystallization.
5. Remove the saucepan from heat and immediately stir in the vanilla extract and cocoa powder.
6. Using a whisk or hand mixer, beat the mixture until smooth and thick, ensuring there are no lumps in the fudge.
7. Gradually sift in confectioners’ sugar while whisking continuously to combine. Add small amounts at a time to prevent clumping.
8. If desired, stir in any optional mix-ins like chopped nuts, crushed cookies, or dried fruit for added flavor and texture.
9. Prepare a buttered or parchment-lined pan and evenly spread the fudge mixture using a spatula.
10. For a more authentic texture, pour the mixture onto a marble slab and fold it repeatedly to cool and incorporate air into the fudge.
11. Refrigerate the pan or slab for about 20 minutes or until the fudge is firm enough to cut.
12. Once set, remove the fudge from the pan or slab and slice it into small, evenly sized pieces.
13. Serve the finished fudge on a decorative plate, package it for gifting, or store it in an airtight container to maintain its freshness.
14. Enjoy your homemade Mackinac Island Fudge and share this sweet treat with family and friends!