Melt-In-Your-Mouth Chocolate-Peanut Butter Fudge - cooking recipe

Ingredients

2 tablespoons butter, softened
3 2/3 cups powdered sugar, sifted
1/2 cup butter (one whole stick, solid)
1/2 cup cocoa powder
1/2 cup peanut butter
1/4 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup walnuts (optional)

Preparation

With two tablespoons of softened butter (not melted), use clean bare hands to grease a 9-inch x 13-inch glass cake pan. Make sure to completely and evenly coat the pan.
Place the following ingredients in an extra large microwavable glass mixing bowl in the order listed: powdered sugar, butter, cocoa, peanut butter and milk. Do not toss or mix. (Note: It is important to ensure there are no clumps in the powdered sugar, as you do not want unsightly white clumps throughout your smooth fudge.).
Microwave on high for 2 1/2 minutes.
Remove from microwave with oven mits and add vanilla.
With a hand-held mixer, beat at medium-high speed until smooth.
If desired, stir in walnuts.
With a rubber spatula, turn out into previously greased cake pan and spread evenly.
Chill for 1 hour or until solid.
Cut into squares.
Store refrigerated for up to two weeks (that is if it makes it that long!).
VARIATIONS: Peanut Butter Fudge--omit cocoa powder, compensate for lack of dry ingredient with 2 tbs. extra powdered sugar and cook as directed. Chocolate Fudge--omit peanut butter, compensate for lack of moist ingredient with 2 extra tbs. butter and cook as directed.