Uncle Jim's Easy Chocolate Fudge

Uncle Jim claimed that this recipe came from See's Candies.

Whether or not See's is the true source, this is an easy, 

no fail recipe that makes lots and tastes great.

Ingredients:
parchment paper

1 tall (12 ounce) can evaporated milk
4 1/2 cups of sugar
1 cup (2 sticks) butter
3 cups (18 ounces) semi-sweet chocolate chips
14 ounces miniature marshmallows
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 cups chopped walnuts(optional)
walnut halves for garnish (optional)

Method:
Line a 9x13 inch pan with parchment paper and lightly butter. Set aside.

Bring evaporated milk, sugar and butter to a rolling boil. Boil, stirring constantly, for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and add chocolate, marshmallows and vanilla. Stir until smooth and chocolate & marshmallows are thoroughly melted and blended. Stir in chopped nuts. Pour into the prepared pan. Spread evenly and, if desired,  press walnut halves onto top of fudge. 

Cool. Cut into small pieces. Place in container with waxed paper between layers of fudge. Store in refrigerator. Makes 5 pounds.(I take the time to wrap each piece of fudge in a square of plastic wrap, especially if I am giving as gifts or shipping in a package.)

Some family members do not like nuts, so I often make a
pan without them. For a more festive look, I topped this batch
with white candy sprinkles. I lightly pressed the sprinkles into
the the fudge, right after pouring into the pan.

Here are some other variations to try:

• For peanut butter fudge, substitute peanut butter chips for the chocolate chips and top the fudge with chopped peanuts.
• For white chocolate fudge, substitute white chocolate chips for the semi- sweet chips and stir in 1 cup chopped pecans and 1 cup cried cranberries or cherries