Hershey's Rich Cocoa Box Fudge

Hershey's Rich Cocoa Box Fudge

3 c. granulated sugar
2/3 c Hershey's cocoa
1/8 tsp. salt
1-1/2 c. milk
1/4 c. (half stick), butter or margarine
1 tsp. vanilla
1 c. chopped nuts, optional

Butter an 8 or 9 inch square pan and set aside. In a heavy saucepan, combine sugar, cocoa and salt. Stir in milk. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until mixture comes to a full rolling boil. Boil without stirring until mixture reaches 234 degrees on a candy thermometer, or until it reaches the "soft ball stage". Remove from heat. Add butter and vanilla, but do not stir. Cool at room temperature until mixture is lukewarm, (about 110. Beat with a wooden spoon until mixture begins to thicken and begins to lose some of its gloss. Quickly spread into prepared pan and cool completely before cutting. Enjoy.