Once the mixture boils, insert a candy thermometer into the pan and cook, without stirring, until the thermometer reads 234°F, or soft-ball stage. Learn more about how to make candy.

Although making fudge does require a candy thermometer, (which can be scary, we know) it's actually quite easy to make—and to fix, when things get grainy—yes grainy.

When making candy, accurate temperatures can make the difference between a delightful treat and a gooey mess. Here's how to test your candy thermometer.