Old Fashioned Fudge Made Simple

Ingredients:
3 cups sugar
3/4 cup unsalted butter
5 ounces evaporated milk
12 ounces semisweet chocolate chips
1 cup chopped nuts (optional)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
Line an 8-inch square pan with parchment paper and set aside.
In a large saucepan, combine the sugar, butter, and evaporated milk.

Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture comes to a boil.
Reduce the heat to low and continue to cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture reaches the soft ball stage (236°F on a candy thermometer). Remove the pan from the heat.
Add the chocolate chips and stir until they are melted and the mixture is smooth. Stir in the nuts (if using) and the vanilla extract.
Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Let the fudge cool completely at room temperature.
Once the fudge is cool, use the parchment paper to lift it out of the pan and transfer it to a cutting board. Cut the fudge into small squares. Enjoy!