Step 1

Line an 8-inch square pan with foil and butter the foil; set aside. Place pecans in a microwave-safe pie plate. Microwave, uncovered, on high for three minutes, stirring after each minute; set aside.   Editor's Tip: The step of microwaving the nuts on their own before mixing them into the fudge warms them, which gives them a richer, rounder flavor in the finished candy.

Step 2

In a 2-quart microwave-safe bowl, combine chocolate chips and milk. Microwave, uncovered, on high for one minute. Stir until smooth. Stir in the vanilla and 3/4 cup of pecans. Immediately spread into the prepared pan. Sprinkle with remaining pecans, pressing to adhere.

Step 3

Cover and refrigerate until firm, about two hours. Remove the fudge from pan and cut the slab into 1-inch squares. Cover and store at room temperature.