The History of Fudge
The Grand Hotel – Mackinac Island, Michigan
American folk lore has it that fudge was invented the United States. The exct origin is disputed, but most stories claim that the first batch of fudge resulted from a bungled (fudged) batch of caramels make in 1886 – hence the name fudge.
In 1887, a candy maker moved to Mackinac Island, Michigan to work at the famous Grand Hotel. The beauty of the tiny island in Lake Huron captivated the candy maker and he decided to stay. As the tourist trade grew, the candy maker started his own business. One day, a mistake was made during the preparation of a chocolate fondue, causing it to set up on the marble slab. The result, a fudge with a smooth, creamy texture, never before experienced. This encouraged the candy maker to refine and develop this marble slab unique creaming technique to form a fudge unequaled in excellence to this day. As the candy business grew, fourteen flavors of fudge were made along with the finest dipped and molded delicacies.
Some people mistakenly believe that fudge is a British invention. There are versions of fudge in the Midlands region of England as well as in Scotland. However, even the most well-known fudge maker in Britain likes to set the record straight by clarifying that fudge is a uniquely American invention!