The story of Wade and Kathryn Andrews, a couple from Utah, made headlines a few years ago for a heartwarming reason. Their joint headstone in a local cemetery not only features their birth and death dates but also prominently displays a recipe for “Kay’s Fudge.” Kathryn, affectionately known as Kay, was a beloved figure in her community. She was known for her love of poetry and her tradition of bringing fudge to gatherings.
After Wade passed away in 2000, Kathryn collaborated with her children to select images to engrave on their shared headstone, symbolizing Wade’s life. To maintain balance on the monument, her children asked Kathryn how she would like to be remembered. Her response was simple yet profound – she wanted her famous fudge recipe to be immortalized on their headstone.
The fudge recipe, passed down through generations, has now become a symbol of family tradition and love. To honor Kathryn’s legacy, food enthusiast Meg Smith took on the challenge of recreating Kay’s Fudge recipe. After testing the iconic recipe, Smith shared some valuable tips and tricks for perfecting the fudge-making process.
One key tip from Smith is to ensure that the fudge mixture reaches the “softball stage,” which is around 240 degrees Fahrenheit. This stage can also be confirmed by dropping a small amount of the mixture into cold water and checking if it forms a pliable ball. Another important step is to cool the fudge mixture to around 115 degrees Fahrenheit before beating it, as this helps achieve the desired consistency.
The original fudge recipe, as it appears on the headstone, calls for simple ingredients such as chocolate, butter, milk, sugar, vanilla, and salt. The method involves melting the chocolate and butter on low heat, then adding milk and bringing the mixture to a boil. Sugar, vanilla, and salt are added next, and the mixture is cooked to the softball stage before being poured onto a marble slab to cool, beat, and enjoy.
The legacy of Kay’s Fudge lives on not just through the recipe itself, but also through the memories and traditions associated with it. It serves as a reminder of the importance of family, tradition, and the simple pleasures that bring people together. In a world filled with constant change, Kay’s Fudge stands as a timeless symbol of love, connection, and the sweet moments that bind us together.
