Cherry Walnut White Chocolate Fudge

Finally got to try out a new recipe! I found this recipe at TLC Cooking, but I changed it just a bit. The dried cherries that were on sale were sold out so I bought dried cranberries, which I think was good for Thanksgiving. I didn't add walnuts, but I know it'd make them even better for me. And I did not get even close to 64 pieces since I didn't cut them teeny-tiny. I love how pretty and colorful they are.

Cherry Walnut White Chocolate Fudge

3 c. sugar

1 c. whipping cream
1/2 c. butter
1/4 c. light corn syrup
8 oz. premium white chocolate, chopped
1 t. vanilla
1 c. chopped dried cherries
1 c. toasted walnuts, chopped

Spray 9X9-inch pan with cooking spray. Spray inside of heavy large saucepan with cooking spray.

Combine sugar, cream, butter and syrup in prepared saucepan. Cook over medium heat until sugar dissolves and mixture comes to a boil, stirring frequently. Wash down sugar crystals.

Attach candy thermometer to side of pan, making sure bulb is submerged in sugar mixture but not touching bottom of pan.

Continue cooking about 6 minutes or until sugar mixture reaches soft-ball stage (234°F) on candy thermometer, stirring frequently. Remove from heat; let stand 10 minutes. (Do not stir.)

Add white chocolate and vanilla; stir 1 minute or until chocolate is melted and mixture is smooth. Stir in cherries and walnuts.

Spread evenly in prepared pan. Score into 64 squares while fudge is still warm. Refrigerate until firm. Cut along score lines into squares.