Retro joysticks made of fudge are the perfect treat for gamers

Did you know it’s National Video Game Day on Sept. 13? Make some totally edible old-school Atari joysticks for your favorite gamers. They are simple to make and will bring back memories for anyone who grew up with those first-generation game systems.

It’s hard to believe that those first-generation game systems like Atari are almost 40 years old now. For anyone growing up in the ’80s, they were awesome, but they are really nothing compared to today’s Wiis and Xboxes.

I think everyone felt the pain of using those old joysticks, though. They gave you hand cramps and broke all the time, but we loved them all the same.

These little fudge bites are very simple to make. Plus they should bring back fond memories to anyone who remembers them, and will make the kiddos appreciate how good they have it these days.

Fudgy retro joysticks recipe

Black candy melting wafers can be found in craft stores like Michaels or A.C.Moore. If you can’t find black, you can replace with chocolate chips. The color won’t be as exact as the joystick color but will still look and taste as good.

Yields 12-15

Prep time: 35 minutes | Cook time: 10 minutes | Total time: 45 minutes

Ingredients:

• 3-1/2 cups black candy melting wafers, divided
• 1 can chocolate frosting
• Black food gel
• Pretzel sticks
• Red candy Sixlets (or mini M&M’S would work too)
• Black licorice laces

Directions:

1. To a microwave-safe bowl, add 2-1/2 cups of the melting wafers, and microwave in 30-second intervals to melt the candy. Stir in between until all the wafers have melted.
2. Stir in the can of chocolate frosting. Mix until well combined.
3. To a square baking pan lined with foil, add the mixture. Refrigerate for 10 minutes.
4. Remove the fudge from the pan, and cut into 1-1/2-inch squares.
5. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the remaining candy wafers until just melted. Dip 3/4 of a pretzel stick into the melted candy to coat. Repeat for as many fudge squares you have. Let harden for 5 to 10 minutes.
6. Add a small dollop of the melted candy to the center of a fudge square, and insert the uncoated end of a pretzel stick into the center, covering the uncoated part of the pretzel. This is the stick part of the joystick.
7. Push a red candy slightly into 1 corner of the fudge square for the joystick button.
8. Cut a 2-inch length of black licorice, and insert it into the side of the fudge square for the joystick cord.

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