Orange Chocolate Microwave Fudge

My father’s favorite Christmas candies are the chocolate-covered orange jelly sticks. When I can’t find them in the store, this makes a great alternative. It is one for those who love rich and sweet! Makes 16 small servings.

1    12-ounce bag milk chocolate chips
½   cup semisweet chocolate chips
1    14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk
1    teaspoon vanilla extract
2    tablespoons butter
6    ounces white chocolate chips
1+  teaspoons orange extract*
1    tablespoon orange zest
Orange gel food coloring (optional)

1. Line an 8x8-inch pan with wax paper.

2. In a medium microwaveable bowl, combine milk chocolate chips, semisweet chocolate chips, 1 tablespoon butter, 2/3 can of sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract.

3. Microwave 30 seconds to 1 minute at a time, stopping and stirring between times, until smooth.

4. Spread the mixture evenly across the bottom of the pan and set aside.

5. In a small microwaveable bowl, combine white chocolate chips, 1 tablespoon butter, remaining sweetened condensed milk, orange extract, orange zest and optional food coloring. (*When adding flavored extract, start with 1 teaspoon, taste, then add more to your liking.)

6. Microwave 45 seconds to 1 minute at a time, stopping and stirring between times, until smooth.

7. Spoon the mixture on top of the chocolate fudge and swirl the two colors together lightly with a knife.

8. Chill for 1 hour. Keep in the refrigerator between servings, as this fudge will get soft and melt if kept at room temperature.

Tip: The fudge needs to be stored cold. For gift giving, package it between 2 sheets of wax paper and place in a decorative tin or flat box. Refrigerate it or freeze it before you gift. By the time it gets to their table, it’ll be good for eating!