Tutti-frutti Fudge

Ingredients

1/4 c unsweetened cocoa
14 oz sweetened condensed milk
1 c water
2 t orange peel
1 t corn syrup
4 c granulated sugar
1 c brown sugar
1 c dates
1 c nuts

Instructions

In a heavy 4-quart saucepan, combine cocoa, condensed milk, water, orange peel, corn syrup, granulated sugar and brown sugar. Place over medium heat and stir with a wooden spoon until mixture comes to a boil. Clip on candy thermometer. Cook to 236 F (115 C) or softball stage. Remove from heat and allow mixture to cool to lukewarm. Meanwhile, butter a 9-inch square baking pan; set aside. Add dates and nuts to fudge. Using a wooden spoon, stir until mixture thickens and begins to set up. Scrape into prepared pan. Refrigerate 3 hours or until firm. Cut into 1-inch squares. Serve immediately, or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Shared by ELLIE COLLIN (CMKD93F)