This weekend The Artist and I attended a memorial service for a beloved family friend, Bob. He and my father were classmates at the Naval Academy at the close of World War II, and Bob went on to serve with distinction as a submariner during the Korean War. People traveled from all over the state to celebrate his life, remember the good times, and share stories, laughter, and tears.
My parents were originally from Indiana but, after being stationed in San Diego, my father declared he would not endure another Indiana winter and moved the family west. Settling in the San Francisco Bay Area, we built a circle of friends who became our extended family. Among those friends, the Ricker family stood out as a steady, loving presence. They hosted dinners, joined in vacations, played bridge with us, and welcomed people into their home with open arms. Their warmth shaped many of my childhood memories and gave our family roots far from our place of origin.
Bob and Betty Ricker raised four children and opened their home to several “adopted” exchange students over the years. Their household was defined by laughter, faith, and generosity. The children grew into thoughtful adults, carrying forward the traditions and values their parents modeled. That kind of continuity — neighbors who become family and rituals that pass from one generation to the next — is rare and precious.
To honor Bob and others of his generation, I’m sharing a classic 1950s recipe that represents a simple, comforting era. After World War II and as the Korean conflict eased, the country embraced a period of rebuilding and domestic warmth. Mamie Eisenhower, the First Lady at the time, was known for her gracious hospitality and a few favorite recipes. One of those, widely circulated as “Mamie’s Million Dollar Fudge,” became an enduring favorite in American kitchens.
This fudge captures the straightforward, homey spirit of mid-century desserts: rich, creamy, and best when shared. You can adjust the chocolate to taste — darker chocolate will yield a less sweet, more intense flavor, while semisweet gives a classic balance. The recipe makes a substantial amount, which is perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or gifting to neighbors and friends during holidays or memorial gatherings.
If you have older relatives in your life, take the chance to hear their stories while you can. Sitting down with parents or grandparents to listen is both a gift to them and a way to preserve family history. Stories about service, migration, friendships, and everyday life offer perspective and connection that recipes and traditions help carry forward.
Thank you, Mr. Ricker, for the warm hugs, the laughter, and the care you showed to everyone around you. You will be missed, and your influence will be felt through the family and friends who remember you fondly.
The secret ingredient to the creamiest fudge!
- 4-1/4 cups granulated sugar
- 1 pinch salt
- 1-2/3 cups evaporated milk (one 12 oz can)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2-1/2 cups chopped semisweet or bittersweet chocolate (NOT unsweetened)
- 2 cups marshmallow creme (two 7 oz jars)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups chopped pecans, optional
- Butter a heatproof pan (an 11×16-inch jelly roll pan or a similar size). Set aside.
- In a large saucepan combine the sugar, salt, evaporated milk, and butter. Bring to a vigorous boil, stirring frequently; then reduce the heat and simmer for 6 minutes, stirring continuously to prevent scorching.
- While the syrup simmers, place the chopped chocolate, marshmallow creme, and vanilla in a large heatproof bowl. Gradually pour the boiling syrup over the chocolate and marshmallow mixture while whisking. Continue to beat until the chocolate is fully melted and the mixture is smooth. Stir in the chopped pecans if using.
- Pour the fudge into the prepared pan and let it sit at room temperature for several hours until firm. Once set, cut into 1-inch squares.
- Store the pieces in a covered tin in a cool place; the fudge keeps up to six months when stored properly.
- Yield: about 4 pounds of candy.
This recipe is ideal for sharing at gatherings where stories and memories are exchanged. Its simplicity and reliably creamy texture make it a classic choice when you want to offer something nostalgic yet impressive. Whether you make a full batch for a family reunion or a smaller portion to take to a memorial, the fudge is forgiving and easy to prepare for cooks of varying experience.
If you try the recipe, consider making a note about which chocolate you used and any small tweaks you made; those notes become part of the recipe’s story as it moves between kitchens. Passing along a dish together with the memories it represents keeps both the food and the people who loved it alive in family tradition.
Thank you!