Päronkola Pear Fudge

Christmas in Sweden brings a beautiful blend of traditions with festive flavors tantalizing taste buds all around. One such delight is the Päronkola Pear Fudge – a delightful Christmas baking recipe that encapsulates the essence of the season in a sweet treat. Combining the juicy sweetness of pears with the creamy indulgence of fudge, this recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to add a touch of Scandinavian charm to their holiday celebrations.

**Päronkola Pear Fudge**

**Ingredients:**
– 2 cups of fresh pears, peeled, cored, and finely chopped
– 1 cup of granulated sugar
– 1 cup of brown sugar
– 1/2 cup of unsalted butter
– 1 cup of heavy cream
– 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
– Pinch of salt
– Parchment paper for lining the baking dish

**Instructions:**
1. Begin by preparing a square baking dish, approximately 8×8 inches, by lining it with parchment paper. This will make it easier to remove the fudge once it has set.

2. In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the chopped pears, granulated sugar, brown sugar, butter, and heavy cream over medium heat. Stir the mixture continuously to ensure the sugars dissolve and the mixture starts to simmer.

3. Once the mixture reaches a simmer, reduce the heat to low and continue cooking, stirring occasionally. Use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature. Cook until the mixture reaches the soft ball stage (about 238°F or 114°C). This should take around 20-30 minutes.

4. Once the mixture reaches the soft ball stage, remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. The aroma of sweet pears and caramel should be heavenly at this point.

5. Pour the hot fudge mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly with a spatula. Allow the fudge to cool at room temperature for about an hour.

6. After the fudge has cooled, place it in the refrigerator to set for at least 2-3 hours, or overnight for best results. The fudge should become firm and easy to cut into squares.

7. Once the fudge has set, remove it from the baking dish using the parchment paper as handles. Place it on a cutting board and slice into bite-sized squares or rectangles.

8. Your Päronkola Pear Fudge is now ready to be enjoyed! Serve it on a festive platter or wrap it up in pretty packaging to gift to friends and family. The combination of the juicy pears and rich caramel flavors will be a holiday favorite for years to come.

Indulge in the decadent flavors of this Swedish-inspired Christmas treat and make your celebrations even more memorable with the delightful Päronkola Pear Fudge. Share the joy of the season with every delicious bite!