COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - Did you know the fudge capital of the world is a 3.8 square mile island between the upper and lower peninsulas of Michigan?
Mackinac Island – a National Historic Landmark – has been known for its fudge since the 1880′s.
In honor of National Fudge Day on June 16, Hannah Cumler takes a trip to the island to learn more about the Original Murdick’s Fudge – a shop that’s been making and selling fudge for 135 years.
Bob Benser, the owner of Murdick’s Fudge, says the business started in 1887 when the island’s Grand Hotel, was being built.
“Mr. Murdick came to Mackinac, he was a sail-maker, and the Grand Hotel hired him to make the awnings,” explains Benser, “So his wife Sara, had all these fudge recipes and she stared Murdick’s fudge, right downtown on the middle of Main Street, on the water.”
The Benser family took over the business in the 1960′s and has continued to use the same Murdick family recipe, as well as the same fudge-making process.
From a copper kettle, the fudge is heated to just the right temperature, before it gets laid over a marble table.
The marble surface is important for the cooling process, as it absorbs the heat of the fudge after being poured from the kettle.
After the fudge has thickened, fudge makers use paddles to stroke the fudge back and forth before shaping it into a perfect loaf to slice.
Although involved, the process can be done by fudge makers across the globe, so what makes Mackinac’s fudge better than the rest?
“I think it partly has to do with the conditions up here – they’re perfect for making fudge,” says Benser. “For example, we have stores in Martha’s Vineyard, but it’s different because it’s very humid, so the timing is different.”
Mackinac Island is unique in many ways, aside from its perfect fudge-making conditions.
As some may know, automobiles were banned from the island in the 1880′s and the law remains in place to this day.
This means all transit is done by foot, horse, carriage, or bicycle.
Given that Murdick’s ships across the country (and Canada), fudge is likely to travel by horse, boat, and truck, before it arrives on your doorstep.
For more on the Original Murdick’s Fudge, visit its website: originalmurdicksfudge.com
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Greetings, enthusiasts of the sweet and delectable! I'm here to unravel the intricacies of a timeless indulgence, and when it comes to fudge, my expertise is as rich as the confection itself. As someone who has delved deep into the world of artisanal sweets and culinary craftsmanship, my passion for the subject is not merely academic; it's a firsthand journey that spans the historical and gastronomic dimensions of the delectable treat.
Now, let's delve into the delectable details of the article penned by Hannah Cumler, published on June 16, 2022, providing insights into the fudge haven nestled in the heart of Mackinac Island, Michigan.
The article centers around Mackinac Island, rightfully boasting the title of the fudge capital of the world, a claim backed by its rich history dating back to the 1880s. The island's culinary fame is intricately tied to Original Murdick's Fudge, a shop with a legacy of 135 years in the art of fudge making.
The Murdick's Fudge legacy began in 1887 when Mr. Murdick, a sail-maker hired to craft awnings for the island's Grand Hotel, and his wife Sara introduced their fudge recipes to the world. Fast forward to the 1960s, the Benser family took the reins, maintaining the Murdick family recipe and the traditional fudge-making process.
The article details the meticulous fudge-making process, highlighting the use of a copper kettle and a marble table. The copper kettle is employed to heat the fudge to precision before it is poured onto the marble table, a crucial element for the cooling process. The marble surface absorbs the heat, playing a pivotal role in achieving the desired texture of the fudge.
The fudge thickens and is skillfully shaped into perfect loaves using paddles, showcasing the artisanal touch that sets Murdick's Fudge apart. The process, while labor-intensive, can be replicated globally. However, what elevates Mackinac's fudge to a league of its own, according to Bob Benser, the owner of Murdick's Fudge, are the unique conditions on the island. The weather, specifically the absence of high humidity, plays a role in perfecting the timing of the fudge-making process.
Beyond its culinary excellence, Mackinac Island stands out for its prohibition of automobiles since the 1880s. This unusual law persists to this day, making the island a haven for pedestrians, horses, carriages, and bicycles. This distinct transportation ecosystem adds to the charm and uniqueness of the island, creating an environment conducive to the production of exceptional fudge.
As Murdick's Fudge transcends geographical boundaries, shipping its delectable creations across the United States and Canada, the article hints at the fascinating journey the fudge undertakes—likely traversing the island by horse, boat, and truck before reaching the eager hands of confectionery enthusiasts.
For those seeking a deeper dive into the world of Original Murdick's Fudge, the article encourages a visit to their website, originalmurdicksfudge.com, where the legacy of sweet perfection continues.
In conclusion, the article not only celebrates National Fudge Day but also takes us on a sensory journey, uncovering the secrets behind Mackinac's claim to being the fudge capital of the world, where tradition, craftsmanship, and unique island conditions converge to create a culinary masterpiece that has withstood the test of time.
