Delectable and tempting, this fudge combines the best of the peanut-butter and chocolate worlds. Whole peanuts are a crunchy contrast to the luxuriant smoothness of this confection.

Rich Chocolatey Peanut Butter Fudge

1 cup sweetened condensed milk
1/2 cup water
3 ounces unsweetened baking chocolate
3 cups granulated sugar
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup roasted peanuts
5 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1. Combine condensed milk, water and baking chocolate in a deep saucepan over medium heat. Stir until chocolate has melted.
2. Stir in sugar and salt. Bring to the soft-ball stage (see note) over moderate heat, stirring frequently.
3. Remove from heat; mix in peanuts and peanut butter, stirring just enough to incorporate. Cool to 150°F (use thermometer); add vanilla and beat until no longer shiny.
4. Pour into 9 x 9 x 2-inch buttered dish. Refrigerate until firm and cut into 1-inch squares.

Makes 16 pieces.

Note: 'Soft-ball' describes the point at which a drop of boiling syrup immersed in cold water, when removed, forms a soft ball that flattens of its own accord but does not ooze. On a candy thermometer, the soft-ball stage is between 234° and 240°F.