What could be more delightful than growing up alongside a grandfather who crafted fudge? Especially when he’s a true fudge artisan. Megan Meskill can attest, “The scent of mint chocolate fudge instantly transports me back to those times.” Her grandfather, Harold Carlyon, established Oh Fudge in 1987, initially running it from his Victorian home in Dundee, NY, before becoming one of the first vendors at the Windmill Farm and Craft Market in Penn Yan, NY. Megan’s childhood is brimming with memories of watching him create his fudge. Deep down, there was always a dream—perhaps someday becoming a master fudge maker like her grandfather and, just maybe, owning Oh Fudge herself.
Following his retirement, Megan’s grandfather passed the business to her aunt and uncle, Douglas and Lorie Miller, who upheld the beloved family tradition for 18 years, delighting Windmill patrons with their luscious homemade fudge, buckeyes, and Bavarian nuts.
By 2024, Megan had established a career in law enforcement and was happily married with two lovable little girls. Having children often shifts one's perspective, and Megan found herself yearning for more quality moments with her daughters. When her aunt and uncle approached her and her husband, Michael, with the opportunity to purchase their business and inherit the fudge-making legacy, it felt like the perfect moment to realize her childhood aspiration.
Just before the start of the 2024 Windmill season, Megan and Michael embraced their new roles as the third generation of fudge makers. They converted a section of their home into a commercial kitchen, perfectly timed for her uncle's arrival with everything she needed, including her grandfather’s treasured fudge kettle. Each time Megan pulls out that kettle to whip up a fresh batch of fudge, it brings forth a flood of cherished memories that fill her kitchen. Among the supplies were the beloved handwritten recipes that have been passed down through the family. “I’m so grateful my uncle is always there to answer my calls because those recipes are filled with so much chicken scratch that I really need his help to decode,” Megan laughed.
Creating fudge is undeniably an art form, demanding the ability to consistently reproduce the same deep flavors and velvety texture with every batch. When she and her husband prepared their very first batch, she vividly remembers exchanging uncertain glances and asking him, “What have we gotten ourselves into?” However, the seeds that her grandfather planted in Oh Fudge had long been nurtured in Megan’s hidden dream, and with a generous infusion of love and taste, she quickly rose to the rank of master fudge maker. One of the most heartwarming moments in Megan’s life today is having her four-year-old daughter by her side, already enchanted by the art of fudge-making. It’s clear that Megan and Michael are passing on this cherished family tradition to a fourth generation.
Oh Fudge is situated at The Windmill Farm & Craft Market, a vibrant destination featuring more than 175 vendors both indoors and outdoors, all presenting an array of handcrafted goods, fresh produce, baked treats, and plenty more. After visiting Oh Fudge, where the artisanal fudge and buckeyes are sure to delight your palate, Megan encourages you to explore the unique offerings of her fellow vendors. Every road leads to the Windmill on Saturdays!
As Oh Fudge nears its 40th anniversary, it is now in the hands of the little girl who once gazed in wonder at her grandfather’s fudge kettle, savoring every lick from the spoon he handed her after he whipped up his latest batch. Your grandfather would be immensely proud, Megan. Don your master fudge chef apron with pride.
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