Ingredients

2 1/4 cups granulated sugar
1 [5 oz] can evaporated milk
3 cups miniature marshmallows
1 cup smooth peanut butter
2 Tbsp butter
1/8 tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 cup roasted peanuts, roughly chopped

Instructions

Before you begin gather all of your ingredients. It's important to work quickly and not allow the mixture to cool before adding the peanut butter and marshmallows. Butter a square 8 x 8 dish liberally with butter and set aside. Roughly chop 1/2 cup of peanuts.
In a stove top pan, melt the butter with the sugar and evaporated milk. Bring to a boil then lower the heat and let it continue to boil on medium-low for 7 1/2 minutes, stirring constantly. The mixture is supposed to come to the "soft ball" stage. To test for this, drop a small amount into a cold glass of water. You should then be able to roll the mixture into a ball between two fingers. If you're using a candy thermometer, it should read around 240°F. I usually set my microwave timer for this step, and it always works out perfectly just by watching the time.After 7 minutes, stir in the marshmallows and peanut butter as well as the salt and vanilla. Remove from the heat. Stir vigorously until the marshmallows have melted and are completely incorporated.Pour into the buttered dish and quickly smooth the top with the back of the spoon or an offset spatula. Sprinkle the chopped peanuts on top and press them gently into the fudge.Let the fudge cool completely before you attempt to drizzle with chocolate or cut into squares. You can set it into the fridge to speed up this process, if you like. Drizzle with chocolate, and store tightly covered. Yield: 36 1 inch pieces. To prepare the chocolate drizzle:
Melt 1/2 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips with 1-2 tablespoons of cream in the microwave until smooth and thin enough to drizzle. Drizzle lightly over the fudge squares and refrigerate until the chocolate hardens.


Cook's note:
If you place this fudge into the refrigerator to harden, allow it to sit on the counter for 15-20 minutes before attempting to cut into squares.