Pumpkin Walnut Fudge

Source: Gourmet Magazine

4 cups granulated sugar
1 cup milk
3 tablespoons light corn syrup
1 cup fresh pumpkin puree or canned pumpkin puree
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into bits
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups chopped walnuts

In a 4-quart heavy saucepan combine the sugar, the milk, the corn syrup, the pumpkin puree, and a pinch of salt, cook the mixture over moderate heat, stirring, until the sugar is dissolved, and cook it, undisturbed, until a candy thermometer registers 238 degrees F. Remove the pan from the heat, add the butter (do not stir it into the mixture), and let the mixture cool until it is 140 degrees F.

Stir in the vanilla extract and the walnuts, beat the mixture with a wooden spoon for 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until it begins to lose its gloss, and pour it immediately into a buttered 9-inch square pan. Let the fudge cool until it begins to harden, cut it into squares, and let it cool completely.

The fudge keeps, stored between sheets of wax paper in an airtight container, in a cool place for 2 weeks.

Makes about 2 pounds.