Welcome to our series celebrating Food Holidays: June 22nd, 2022. Today is National Penuche Day which I wasn’t sure what it was but after learning it’s Fudge I can’t wait to try it. If you’ve had the opportunity to try Penuche what did you think of it and why?
Five Facts about Penuche:
- Penuche or Italian: Panucci a fudge-like candy made from Brown Sugar, Butter, and Milk, using no flavorings except for Vanilla. Penuche often has a tannish color, and is lighter than original Fudge.
- Penuche is formed by the caramelization of Brown Sugar, thus its flavor is said to be reminiscent of Caramel. Nuts, especially Pecans, are often added to Penuche for texture, especially in the making of Penuche candies.
- Penuche is primarily a regional food, found in New England and some places in the Southern United States, though in the latter Penuche goes by a different name Brown Sugar Fudge candy”.
- Penuche is also used as a Boiled Icing Flavor which was once very popular in Hawaii, the name was localized as Panocha or Panuche.
- Panocha is said to come from the Spanish word for Raw Sugar (but also Spanish slang for “vulva”).
National Penuche Fudge Day on July 22nd recognizes the Fudge candy with an Italian name. If you like Maple flavor, this Nut-filled Fudge is a candy you will like hands and it’s hands down the best Fudge to make.
#NationalPenucheFudgeDay
Penuche (pə-ˈnō-chə) is pronounced pe-new-chee. The Italian form of the word is Panucci. This Fudge-like candy includes the following ingredients: Brown Sugar, Butter, Vanilla, and Milk. Lighter in color than original Fudge, Penuche tastes like Maple thanks to the Brown Sugar. If you are looking to celebrate, many shops in New England sell Penuche. There they will add Pecans or other Nuts, especially if making a candy form of Penuche.
Of course, the holiday provides an opportunity to test recipes, too. Add Walnuts or Pecans for a Nutty texture to any recipe. However, if you prefer the creamier version, Nuts are optional. Cook the Sugar mixture in a heavy saucepan. Making good candy or Fudge is no time to go cheap. No matter what recipe you use, keep stirring and watch the temperature. Always use a candy thermometer. Fudge is finicky and will seize up on you.
Whether you taste a homemade bite, store-bought, or your first bite, be sure to savor Penuche.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
