Step 1

Line with plastic wrap or foil. This will make it easier to remove the fudge for slicing later.

Step 2

Melt the butter and milk or half and half in a heavy bottomed saucepan over medium heat.

Step 3

Add the sugar, cocoa powder, salt, and vanilla and stir constantly until everything is incorporated. Continue stirring and cooking over medium heat for just a minute or so more to ensure that the fudge is smooth and silky. Note: Don't over cook this fudge. Once it's smooth, it's done. If your fudge is not coming together, add a splash more milk.

Step 4

Transfer to your prepared pan and smooth out evenly with an offset spatula. Do this quickly as the fudge will start to set up almost immediately. Note: at this point you may or may not want to sneak a taste from the pan, but be careful, it's hot!

Step 5

Let the fudge fully set up before removing from the pan and slicing into squares. You can pop it into the fridge to speed up the process.