John Ritter's Favorite Fudge

2 cups granulated sugar
3 to 4 heaping tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1 cup milk
1 1/2 tablespoons butter or margarine
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

In large saucepan, combine sugar and cocoa and mix well. Add milk and stir until mixture is smooth. Set over medium heat and bring to boil. Reduce heat and boil slowly, stirring occasionally to remove mixture from sides of pan. Continue to cook until mixture reaches soft ball stage (238 degrees F) when tested with candy thermometer. Remove from heat and let cool 5 minutes.

Stir in butter and vanilla extract, then beat hard until mixture becomes very thick and starts to lose its gloss. Pour into buttered 8- or 9-inch dish and chill completely.

Makes about 2 1/2 pounds of fudge.