Cocoa Fudge

Directions

1. 1
   Combine cocoa, sugar and salt in large saucepan.
2. 2
   Add milk gradually.
3. 3
   Mix thoroughly; bring to bubbly boil on high heat. Stir continuously.
4. 4
   Reduce to medium heat; continue boiling, without stirring, until mixture reaches 232° or until a small amount of mixture forms a soft ball stage when dropped into cold water.
5. 5
   Be sure bulb of thermometer is not resting on bottom of saucepan.
6. 6
   Remove saucepan from heat.
7. 7
   Add margarine and vanilla to mixture.
8. 8
   Do not stir.
9. 9
   Allow fudge to cool at room temperature until it reaches 110°.
10. 10
    Add peanut butter.
11. 11
    Nuts are optional. Beat by hand or with electric mixer until fudge thickens and it loses some of its gloss.
12. 12
    Quickly pour and spread fudge in lightly buttered 8 x 8 x 2-inch glass dish.
13. 13
    Cut into squares.
14. 14
    Makes about 3 dozen squares.