Caitríona Redmond: Perfect nights in on a budget - and my slow-cooker fudge recipe
Pic: iStock
As a budgeter, I promise myself that I will go on holiday when I have saved up enough. Or I will have a night out when the budget allows. It often feels like I am constantly in an anticipatory waiting room. I am not getting to the party and being absent from the fun.
Every week, when I grocery shop, I buy the same items. It’s a tried and tested method to stay on track. I spend similar amounts on meat, proteins, ingredients, fruits, and vegetables. I add oomph to my recipes with varied herbs and spices instead. These transport me beyond my kitchen to far-flung cuisines and sometimes not too far from home.
In my wardrobe, I’ve any number of lovely dresses and glitzy pieces to wear I’ve accumulated for years. Some date back to when I used to work in the corporate world, and black tie/fancy balls were the norm a few times a year. I have picked up others in the sales to keep for good occasions that I never seem able to justify.
In a press in the living room, there are some very special bottles of wine that I swear I’m keeping for a particular day. I look at them with longing and promise myself that I will have them at some point in the future.
We’ve had some upheaval at home the past month with builders in to insulate the house. That meant I had to move around everything, including the presses and cupboards. As I pulled the contents out of long storage, I began to feel flat. I’ve been waiting for that one, epic, night of celebration, and it still hasn’t come.
In the meantime, I’ve had everything in the house to create an extraordinary night in. Not a night out, but that’s okay; I don’t need to go out to have an incredible time with the best of people.
So much for delayed gratification; I’ve decided I will wear the fancy dress. Even if it’s to dinner at my dining table, I’ll drink the fancy wine and stop saving it for special occasions. I can spend my entire life waiting for things to change and life to improve dramatically.
In this waiting period, I missed the enjoyment of being dollied up and sipping a glass of something nice. What about the fun of anticipation and the joy of being present on a good day? There’s no reason to deny myself all of this pleasure.
At least I don’t have far to get to my own bed after a night on the (kitchen) tiles. Never mind how much I might save on the late bus or a taxi; there’s no hanging around in the cold, and I’m all the better for it.
When I walked into my local supermarket yesterday, there they were. A beautiful display of selection boxes, complete with unique offer stickers. I was tempted as they are a handy package in the house at Christmas time. When dropping by a house with kids or adults, having a few selection boxes makes me feel like I’m not arriving one arm longer than the other.
Except, those boxes are a false economy. They look lovely but are predominantly made up of paper and plastic packaging. Most of what is inside will go into the bin or the recycling. If you want to buy some chocolate bars, then purchase the bars without the ‘selection box’ element. You’ll find that your money will go further and the bin won’t get as complete this year.
This recipe makes 400g of fudge - divvy that up into however many servings you'd like! It’s perfect for gifting in the holiday season but just as lovely to share with family and friends or bring to a dinner party. Preparation Time Cooking Time Total Time Course Ingredients 1 tin sweetened condensed milk 500g chocolate, chopped (I prefer milk chocolate only, but dark is also fine and gives a richer flavour) 50g soft brown sugar 1 tsp vanilla extract Method I recommend placing a heatproof dish or jug inside your slow cooker to make this recipe. Simply because it makes it easier to lift out the contents when the ingredients are melted together, you can also make this recipe by placing the ingredients directly into the cooker. Pour the condensed milk and chopped chocolate into the cooker/container and stir in the brown sugar. Put the slow cooker on low. Stir the contents every 15 minutes or so, making sure to scrape down the sides of the container. After 1 hour, all your ingredients should be melted together and combined. If not, allow for a further 15 minutes. Turn off the slow cooker and remove the lid, allowing any steam to escape. Line a 20cm square baking tin with non-stick baking parchment. Pour the fudge mixture into the tin and leave to cool on the counter, uncovered (this prevents condensation on top). Once cold, cover the tin and refrigerate for at least 4 hours before tipping out the contents and slicing them into fudge cubes. Allow the fudge to come to room temperature before serving. Recipe Notes: This fudge will keep in a sealed tin in a cool, dark space for up to 3 months. It may crystalise a little if stored for over a month. I prefer to make it about a week in advance of gifting. Place in a pretty glass jar decorated with ribbon to give as a Christmas gift, and expect loads of oohs and aahs at how clever you are to make your handmade fudge!Slow Cooker Fudge
