I Just Discovered Hazy Fudge — and It Feels Like Home
Warm, welcoming, and just down the road from me, discovering Hazy Fudge felt a little like uncovering a sweet local secret. One of those "how did I not know about this sooner? "moments. Naturally, I had to find out who was behind it — and how it all came to be.
Hazy Fudge began on a small family farm called Hazy Hollow Acres, named for the misty Finger Lakes mornings that still shape the rhythm of life there. What started as a simple, heartfelt gesture grew out of gratitude and connection. When founder Carol Fitzgerald’s son’s band, Whiskey Shivers, began touring after their appearance in Pitch Perfect 3, they were met with extraordinary kindness from hosts across the U.S. and Europe. Wanting a way to say thank you — something personal, meaningful, and unmistakably rooted in home — Carol began making alcohol-infused fudge using local milk, Finger Lakes wine, and bourbon.
The response was immediate. People didn’t just enjoy it — they loved it. And just like that, a new dream began to take shape.
While Carol had business experience, the food world was entirely new terrain. With support from the Dairy Runway Program through Cornell’s Center for Regional Economic Advancement — including access to the Cornell Pilot Plant and guidance from an expert team — the idea was validated and the recipe scaled. Determined to do things the right way, Carol continued her journey through Cornell Food Spark at the Center of Excellence for Food and Agriculture, building a strong foundation in food safety, regulations, and production. What began as a homemade thank-you slowly and intentionally became a sustainable, woman-owned business.
And then there’s the experience itself.
Fudge in a Jar! Yes, really!
Designed to be savored straight from the jar or stirred into drinks and desserts, Hazy Fudge turns everyday moments into something a little more indulgent — with a spoon tucked into every box. It’s playful, practical, and just a little bit magical. The kind of treat that invites you to slow down, take a bite, and enjoy the moment.
That thoughtful approach — equal parts heart and innovation — is now earning national recognition.
In December 2025,
Hazy Fudge was named one of just three finalists in the Chocolate & Confections category for the Specialty Food Association’s 2026 sofi Awards, the industry’s highest honor.
Out of more than 1,200 submissions nationwide, only 75 finalists were selected. Founded by 67-year-old entrepreneur Carol Fitzgerald, Hazy Fudge stands proudly among them as a woman-owned, family-operated startup rooted in rural New York.
“To be recognized at this level affirms everything we’ve worked toward,” Fitzgerald shared.
“We created the first Cabernet-Infused Spoonable Fudge that blends New York dairy, Finger Lakes wine, and ethically sourced chocolate. Innovation doesn’t just come from large cities or big companies. It can come from rural communities — and from founders at any age.”
Today, Hazy Fudge proudly uses more than 55% locally sourced ingredients, crafting indulgent confections that celebrate the Finger Lakes in every spoonful. As an official Taste NY product, it’s now sharing its sweet blend of local dairy and spirits far beyond the region — while staying deeply rooted right here at home.
Where to buy this sweet indulgence:
A full listing of where you can purchase Hazy Fudge locally is listed at the bottom of the blog. (And you know, here at Keuka Roots we always love to encourage shopping locally!)
But if you cannot shop locally hop on over to the Hazy Fudge website and order yourself, and maybe your entire friends list some Hazy Fudge. Fudge in a jar never tasted so good.
Online:
https://hazyfudge.com/
The Story — Because at Keuka Roots, Story Is Everything
Here at Keuka Roots, everything begins with the story. And for Carol, Hazy Fudge has always been about more than what’s in the jar. It’s a way to share mist-covered mornings on the farm, the warmth of community, and the creative spark that defines so many Finger Lakes entrepreneurs.
Every box carries a sense of place — not just flavor, but feeling. As Carol says, “people don’t just want a treat. They want to know where it comes from. They want to understand the hands that made it and the story behind it.” That connection is what makes the Finger Lakes so special. We don’t just grow remarkable flavors here — we grow remarkable stories.
From misty farm mornings to a perfectly wrapped jar of fudge, Hazy Fudge is more than a sweet indulgence. It’s a reflection of community, gratitude, and the beautiful truth that some of the most meaningful flavors — and stories — begin close to home.
Stay Rooted. Stay Keuka. Get Hazy.
Shop Local!
Glenora Winery
5435 State Route 14
Dundee, NY 14837
Indian Pines Farm Market
2406 State Route 54-a
Penn Yan, NY 14527
Keuka Candy Emporium 131 Main St.
Penn Yan, NY 14527
Milly’s Pantry
19 Main Street
Penn Yan, NY 14527
NY Kitchen
800 S Main St
Canandaigua, NY 14424
Oak Hill Bulk Foods
3173 Rte 14A
Penn Yan, NY 14527
Yesterday’s Roots
5888 State Route 14
Rock Stream, NY 14837
