Why is fudge a Michigan thing?

The first written record of fudge's existence was at a bake sale at Vassar College in 1886. One year later, in 1887, Sara Murdick and her family arrived at Mackinac Island and would soon kickstart Mackinac's fudge empire. The men of the Murdick family worked on canvas awnings at the then-new Grand Hotel.

Why is fudge so popular in Michigan?

As Mackinac Island evolved from a center of fur trade into a summer resort destination, Victorian-era vacationers began to identify the island with sweets. At first, the most common candy was maple sugar harvested by Native Americans. Other treats, including fudge, soon followed.

What state is known for fudge?

Mackinac Island, between Michigan's Upper and Lower Peninsulas, is the self-proclaimed "Fudge Capital of America." The car-free oasis has more than a dozen fudge shops. During the summer, fudge-loving tourists (affectionately called "fudgies") flood the island.

Where did fudge originate?

Culinary legend has it that fudge was invented in America. On Valentine's Day, 1886, a confectioner and chocolate maker in Baltimore, Maryland "fudged" a batch of French caramels. The delicious result? The very first batch of "fudge" ever.

What island in Michigan is known for fudge?

Just as Mackinac Island was at one time the center of the world's fur trade, it now attracts people from around the globe to taste world-famous Mackinac Island Fudge! Visitors get to enjoy delicious samples from the many fudge shops downtown and also see the fudge making process in action.

The history of fudge

Is fudge a Michigan thing?

By most accounts, the first batch of fudge was concocted in Baltimore in the 1880s. By the turn of the century, fudge-making arrived on Mackinac Island in northern Michigan, which today has a legitimate claim as the modern day fudge capital.

Why is fudge a big deal on Mackinac Island?

To understand why there's so much fudge, here's the backstory on why Mackinac Island fudge is such a big deal. The gist of it is that people on vacation like to enjoy a sweet or two. And that has been true since Victorian travelers popularized Mackinac Island as a vacation destination way back in the 1800s.

Why is fudge called fudge?

The story goes, a baker was trying to make chocolate caramels. However, they didn't get the recipe quite right. When the candy came out as the creamy treat we know today, they said, “Oh, fudge!” and that's how the candy got its name. The first recorded mention of fudge came from 1888.

What is the slang word fudge mean?

1. : foolish nonsense. often used interjectionally to express annoyance, disappointment, or disbelief. 2. : a soft creamy candy made typically of sugar, milk, butter, and flavoring.

What is fudge in American slang?

When fudge is a verb, it means to avoid straightforwardly answering a question or addressing a subject: "Just answer my question and don't fudge the issue!" Fudge is an American word from college slang meaning "a made-up story."

Why is fudge a beach thing?

Though it contains no saltwater, taffy—and fudge, its sister seaside treat—may benefit from being made in a beach climate. Perhaps the salty air simply gives people a hankering for something sweet; it's also possible that the candies' decelerated drying and oxidation in humid air give them a unique “coastal” flavor.

Is Mackinac Island Fudge good?

Fudge is delicious, perfect for gifts. We went to a wedding on Mackinac Island and they had a fudge tasting bar with toffee, taffy, fudge and Carmel corn! Neat addition to a wedding. Free boxes of fudge to take home too.

What is in Mackinac Island fudge?

Ingredients. Milk, cream, sugar, corn syrup, skim milk, high fructose corn syrup, whey, water, chocolate liquor, hydrogenated coconut oil, peanut oil, alkalized cocoa, mono and diglycerides, buttermilk, butter, natural flavors, soy lecithin, pectin, salt, cellulose gum, xanthan gum, guar gum, annatto (color), vanilla.

What is Michigan's fav candy?

According to Candystore.com, the most popular candy in Michigan is Starburst. Following that, Candy Corn ranks as the No. 2 most popular candy in the state. Candy Corn took the top spot in previous years but was surpassed by Starburst in 2022.

Is fudge popular in Michigan?

Through the generations, Murdick's Fudge on Mackinac Island has been recognized as an iconic Michigan favorite.

Why is fudge unhealthy?

Fudge and chocolate can both be high in calories and sugar, so they can contribute to weight gain if consumed in large amounts. Fudge is typically made with ingredients like butter, sugar, and condensed milk, which can make it high in fat and calories.

Is fudge a rude word?

While using substitutes like "fudge," "frick," and "freak" instead of the actual F-word may seem like a way to avoid using explicit language, these substitutes can still carry the same negative connotations and meanings. It's important to choose words that are respectful and considerate of others.

Who invented the word fudge?

In fact, one of the first recorded mentions of fudge was in a letter written by Emelyn Battersby Hartridge, a student at Vassar College in Poughkeepsie, New York, in 1886. Hartridge wrote about a classmate's cousin who made fudge in Baltimore, Maryland.

Is fudge a British thing?

While the creation of fudge (in the history books) is a bit fuzzy, the first mentions of the sweet confectionery began appearing in journals and diaries towards the end of the 19th Century. And while many would assume that fudge originated in the UK, it is actually a creation from America!!!

What is the old meaning of fudge?

The term fudge is said to have originated in the 17th century from the verb fadge and means "to fit together in a clumsy manner".

What is fudge called in Scotland?

Tablet (taiblet in Scots) is a medium-hard, sugary confection from Scotland. Tablet is usually made from sugar, condensed milk, and butter, which is boiled to a soft-ball stage and allowed to crystallise. It is often flavoured with vanilla and sometimes has nut pieces in it.

Why don't you stir fudge?

Never stir the mixture during cooking or sugar could crystallize again. The mixture may seize and become grainy. Use a candy thermometer or conduct a cold water test to check if the fudge is done.

What celebrities own property on Mackinac Island?

Do any celebrities live on Mackinac Island? Yes, celebrities have houses on Mackinac Island. A few are actor Vince Vaughn, Director Ron Howard, and Michigan's own Bob Seger.

Why do so many jamaicans work on Mackinac Island?

The literature confirms that Jamaican workers were brought to Mackinac Island in the summer to make money on work visas issued by the United States government.

Who owns most of Mackinac Island?

While all of Mackinac Island, the landform, is located within the corporate limits of the City of Mackinac Island, today 82 percent of the island's landmass is owned by the State of Michigan and managed by the Mackinac Island State Park Commission (MISPC).

---