Secret Fudge - cooking recipe

Ingredients

3 c. sugar
5 Tbsp. cocoa
dash of salt
1 c. condensed milk
1/2 c. milk
pinch of baking soda
1/4 c. butter
1 tsp. vanilla
1 c. chopped nuts or coconut (optional)

Preparation

Combine sugar, cocoa and salt in heavy pan; mix well to prevent lumping of cocoa. Add condensed milk and milk.
Cook on medium-high heat, stirring constantly, to a rolling boil. Reduce heat and add baking soda. Stir until mixture stops excessive bubbling. Add butter and continue to boil 13 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, to firm soft ball stage when tested in cold water (about 238\u00b0).
Remove from heat; let stand 10 minutes. Add vanilla and beat until mixture thickens and loses its glossiness. Add nuts or coconut (if desired) and continue stirring until very thick.
Pour into buttered pan or drop by spoonfuls onto waxed paper.
Let cool.