Mrs. Ds Chocolate Peanut Fudge - unsalted peanuts

Method

• Preheat the oven to 325F.
• Toast the peanuts on a baking sheet in the preheated oven until golden brown, about 6 to 7 minutes.
• Remove the peanuts from the oven and set aside until needed.
• Lightly coat the insides of a a 9x9x2-inch square cake pan with 1/2 teaspoon butter.
• Heat the sugar, milk, cocoa, and salt in a 2 1/2-quart saucepan over medium heat.
• Stir until the mixture is smooth and the sugar is dissolved.
• Bring to a boil, then adjust heat to medium-low and allow the mixture to cook until it reaches a temperature of 245F, about 22 to 25 minutes.
• Use a rubber spatula to scrape down the sides of the saucepan every 5 to 6 minutes.
• Remove the pan from the heat.
• Vigorously stir in the remaining butter and vanilla.
• Fold in the peanuts and pour into the prepared cake pan.
• Allow to cool to room temperature, about 45 minutes.
• Cut into desired size and serve.