There is only one shop on the Island that can tout itself as the oldest offering genuine Mackinac Island Fudge, and that is May’s. Harold May started his business in Atchison, Kansas in 1881.
Murdick’s arrived on Mackinac Island in 1887, following the traditional confectionary recipes of Mrs. Henry Murdick (Sara) and a renowned marble table to give the fudge a unique texture.
Joann’s has authentic Mackinac Island Fudge, made fresh daily. We liked them the best since they gave discounts to Boy Scouts and their leaders.
The ingredients—pure ground cocoa beans, sugar, heavy cream, fresh butter, and other natural ingredients —are weighed into a copper kettle set over a propane gas burner. The maker constantly stirs with an oak paddle until the sugary mixture reaches a roaring boil, about 16 to 17 minutes. Next, they pour the hot liquid onto one of three original marble tables, which weigh 750 pounds. Light fudges—vanilla, maple, pecan, and peanut butter—are made before chocolate fudges because the tables need to be warm for the chocolate to cream out before it can be folded into shape. As the fudge cools, the chef works around the 5-foot-long marble slab, folding the fudge with a flip of their wrist. When the fudge resembles a giant loaf, the cutter steps in and begins slicing.
