A method for preparing no-mess fudge is provided. The process for preparing no-mess fudge may include a firming container and a stand-up container. The stand-up container retains a plurality of pre-measured fudge ingredients. The stand-up container may be sleeve providing a seal on one end and a flat base on the other. In preparation of making fudge, a user may cut vents and/or tear notches through the seal. The user may then heat the stand-up container for a sufficient time to properly prepare the plurality of ingredients. The user may then knead the stand-up container for a sufficient time to properly mix the plurality of ingredients. The user may then urge the plurality of ingredients out of the stand-up container and into the firming container so that the plurality of ingredients may set to fudge of a desired hardness.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to baking and, more particularly, an improved process for making fudge.

Currently, making fudge involves many steps and ingredients, use of a wide variety of measuring tools and mixing containers, and a resulting mess to clean up.

As can be seen, there is a need for a mess-free process of making fudge that does not involve measuring tools, mixing container, many steps or a lot of clean up.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect of the present invention, a stand-up container system for no-mess preparation of fudge, comprises: a plurality of ingredients at predetermined pre-measured ratios to prepare fudge of a desired taste; and a microwavable sleeve for retaining the plurality of ingredients, wherein the sleeve terminates in a seal end and an opposing base end; a separable seal disposed along the seal end so as to be positionable in an open position for receiving the plurality of ingredients and in a sealed position; and a flat base disposed along the base end, wherein the flat base is adapted to support the stand-up container in a vertically oriented position.

In another aspect of the present invention, a method of preparing fudge comprises: providing a stand-up container retaining a plurality of ingredients at sufficient pre-measured ratios to prepare fudge of a desired taste, wherein the stand-up terminates at a separable seal on one end and a flat base on the opposing end, wherein the separable seal is positionable in an open position for receiving the plurality of ingredient and in a sealed position, and wherein the flat base is adapted to support the stand-up container in a vertically oriented position; providing a firming container having a tray-like shape defining a firming surface; cutting portions of the seal end; heating the stand-up container for a first predetermined time; kneading the stand-up container for a second predetermined time; and urging the plurality of ingredients out of the stand-up container and on to the firming surface, whereby the plurality of ingredients set to make fudge of a desired taste.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Broadly, an embodiment of the present invention provides a process for preparing no-mess fudge. The process for preparing no-mess fudge may include a firming container and a stand-up container. The stand-up container retains a plurality of pre-measured fudge ingredients. The stand-up container may be a sleeve of microwavable film providing a seal on one end and a flat base on the other. In preparation of making fudge, a user may cut vents and/or tear notches through the seal. The user may then heat the stand-up container for a sufficient time to properly prepare the plurality of ingredients. The user may then knead the stand-up container for a sufficient time to properly mix the plurality of ingredients. The user may then urge the plurality of ingredients out of the stand-up container and into the firming container so that the plurality of ingredients may set to fudge of a desired hardness.

Referring now toFIGS. 1 through 5, the present invention may include a stand-up fudge kit100. The stand-up fudge kit100may include a stand-up container10and a firming container20. The firming container20may have a tray-like shape defining a firming surface22. The firming surface22may have a wax, no-stick or the like surface coating. The firming surface22may be corrugated. The firming container20may inexpensively designed to be disposable.

The stand-up container10may include a mixture of a plurality of ingredients30at predetermined pre-measured ratios to make fudge of a desired taste. In certain embodiments, the plurality of ingredients30may include flavoring such as chocolate chip, nuts, raisins and the like.

The stand-up container10may be made of a microwavable film forming a sleeve16having a seal end17and a base end18. The sleeve16may form a cavity of sufficient size to hold the plurality of ingredients30therein. The seal end17may provide a separable seal12. The separable seal12disposed along the seal end17so as to be positionable in an open position for receiving the plurality of ingredients and in a sealed position. The open position is illustrated inFIGS. 3A and 3B. In the sealed position the separable seal12may be an air tight interlocking seal variety, zipper-like closure, general separable seal or otherwise sufficient to prevent contamination of the plurality of ingredients30. The base end18may provide a flat base14. The flat base14may be suitable for supporting the stand-up container10in a vertically oriented position.

A method of using the present invention may include the following. The stand-up fudge kit100disclosed above may be provided. The user may cut vents, tear notches or the like through the seal end17so as to open a portion of the seal end17to the cavity. The user may then place the stand-up container10on the flat base14so that the stand-up container is in the vertical orientation within a microwave oven. Then the user may heat for a predetermined time to properly prepare the plurality of ingredients30. The user may then knead the stand-up container10for a predetermined time to properly mix the plurality of ingredients30. The user may unseal the seal12. The user may then urge the plurality of ingredients30out of the stand-up container10through the open-positioned seal12and onto the firming surface22so that the plurality of ingredient may set to fudge of desired hardness. In certain embodiments, the user may add desired flavoring to the plurality of ingredients30setting in the firming container20.

In certain embodiments, the stand-up container10need not be vertically oriented during the method of using disclosed above. In certain embodiments, the plurality of ingredients30may be heated by stovetop, open flame, heated water and the like.