Somali Fudge (Aana Baraawe)

This is a nice Somali sweet. It takes a little while to cook but it is very tasty! This is usually a big hit with guests, including children.


I recommend using a plastic spoon instead of a wooden spoon because it is hard to get the aana baraawe off a wooden spoon. Also, try using a spoon holder or towel to rest your spoon on in between stirring so that the sugar will not stick to the counter.


This recipe may look familiar, Tammy also has it posted on her blog:http://tammyssomalihome.blogspot.com/2008/12/aana-baraawe-somali-fudge.html


Cook time about 2 hours with cooling time
Serves about 4-6 people

1 1/2 Cups of Milk
1 Cup of Sugar
1/4 Cup of butter (melted)
1/4 Teaspoon of Cardamom Powder

In a medium sauce pan add the milk and sugar, stir until the sugar is fully dissolved. Heat on medium high (about a 7 on the stove). Let it set until it comes to a full boil, turn the stove down on low (about a 3 on the stove). Let it simmer for 30 minutes without stirring. Once the 30 minutes has passed stir it well, getting all the built up milk off the sides.
Let it simmer for 10 minutes. Once 10 minutes has passed stir again.
Let it simmer for another 10 minutes. Once 10 minutes has passed stir again.
Let it simmer for about 3-5 minutes. Add the butter and stir well. Continue to stir every 45-60 seconds. It will take about 15-20 minutes for the fudge to thicken and turn a nice golden brown color.


Add the cardamom Powder, stir well to mix it in.


Prepare a plate with a large piece of aluminum foil that has been sprayed with a non-stick spray.


Pour the fudge on to the foil and fold the foil over to cover the fudge. Using a spoon or spatula, gently press on the aana baraawe to smooth it out and slightly flatten it (do not use your hand to flatten out it will be very hot).



Put it into the freezer for about 20 minutes. You don't want to freeze it, just cool it off quickly.
Remove it from the freezer and cut into pieces, it will be 'break' into pieces so they won't come out in perfect squares, that's OK.


For a healthier version add splenda instead of sugar.