Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Pan: Line an 8×8 inch square baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it with butter.
2. Mix the Ingredients: In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the sugar, milk, cocoa powder, and salt. Stir the mixture until smooth.
3. Cook the Mixture: Place the saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring continuously, until the sugar dissolves and the mixture comes to a boil.
4. Boil Without Stirring: Once it reaches a boil, stop stirring. Allow the mixture to cook until it reaches the soft-ball stage (234-240°F or 112-115°C on a candy thermometer). This will take about 15-20 minutes.
5. Cool the Mixture: Remove the saucepan from the heat and add the butter and vanilla extract. Do not stir yet. Let the mixture cool to about 110°F (43°C). This can take about 20-30 minutes.
6. Beat the Mixture: Once cooled, beat the mixture with a wooden spoon until it thickens and loses its gloss. This can take about 5-10 minutes. The fudge should be thick but still pourable.
7. Pour and Set: Pour the fudge into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Allow it to cool completely at room temperature before cutting into squares.
8. Serve and Store: Cut the fudge into squares and serve. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.
Enjoy your homemade old-fashioned fudge!
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