Cherry Walnut White Chocolate Fudge

• walnuts↗1 cup

  toasted, chopped

• granulated sugar↗3 cups
• whipping cream↗1 cup
• unsalted butter↗1⁄2 cup
• light corn syrup↗1⁄4 cup
• premium white baking chocolate↗8 ounces

  chopped

• vanilla extract↗1 teaspoon
• dried cherries↗1 cup

  chopped

Step-by-step instructions

1. 1

   Spray a 9"x9" pan with nonstick cooking spray, then spray the inside of a heavy large saucepan.

2. 2

   In the prepared saucepan, combine sugar, cream, butter & syrup, then cook over medium heat until sugar dissolves & mixture comes to a boil, stirring freuently. Re-incorporate any sugar crystals that accumulate on the sides of the saucepan.

3. 3

   Attach a candy thermometer to side of pan, making sure bulb is submerged in sugar mixture, BUT NOT TOUCHING BOTTOM OF PAN!

4. 4

   Comtinue cooking about 6 minutes or until sugar mixture reaches soft-ball stage (234 degrees F) on candy thermometer, stirring frequently.

5. 5

   Remove from heat & let stand 10 minutes ~ DO NOT STIR!

6. 6

   Add white chocolate & vanilla, then stir until chocolate is melted & mixture is smooth, about 1 minute.

7. 7

   Stir in cherries & walnuts, then spread evenly in prepared pan.

8. 8

   Score into 64 squares while fudge is still warm.

9. 9

   Refrigerate until firm, then cut along scored lines, separating into squares.