By Rae Lynn Rucker

Nightly reruns of Christmas classics like “It’s a Wonderful Life” and “White Christmas” on the television remind us the holiday season is here. In the Capra-esc world of Christmases past, the holidays were different - neighbors knew each other’s names, and the local butcher and pharmacist were a part of the family. These movies replay each year because they remind us of a time when life was better, people were kinder and the holidays were more about love and generosity than presents and receiving. Often, we walk away from those films wondering if places like Bedford Falls still exist.

To customers of the Bayside Pharmacy in Newport Beach, Calif., a taste of small-town charm arrives every Christmas. Throughout the holiday season, the customers make a special trip to the pharmacy for their complimentary homemade fudge, made by pharmacist Ralph Autry. Since 1970, Ralph has been sharing his favorite holiday fudge recipe, which he calls “Pharmacy Phantasy Phudge,” with anyone who visits his store. For Ralph, running a business is not simply about making money, but creating an atmosphere where his customers feel at home. Unlike the stereotypical cold and sterile pharmacy, Bayside’s atmosphere recalls an “old-time” feel where customers are family.

Fudge season begins at Thanksgiving and lasts through New Years Day every year. Ralph, 61, looks appropriately like a leaner version of Santa Claus. He will spend a minimum of two hours each night preparing fudge in his home to hand out to customers who visit the pharmacy, as well as family and friends who look forward to his homemade fudge all year.

“I do it to spread Christmas cheer,” explained Ralph, as he stirred his fudge ingredients in his kitchen. The holidays can be a difficult time for people, so Ralph says he does what he can to make the season a little bit sweeter.

Many of his regular customers suffer from chronic ailments and even terminal diseases, and Ralph considers his holiday fudge-giving as a unique opportunity to brighten someone’s day. He knows most of his regulars by name, and pays extra attention to those who are having an especially rough time in their personal lives.

“Sugar really is the best medicine,” said Sue Autry, Ralph’s wife. Besides satisfying the sweet tooth, Ralph’s fudge creates an atmosphere of Christmas spirit often lacking in today’s society. His desire is to not only brighten the day of his customers and friends, but also his philosophy is, “to treat every customer as if they were part of the family.” This has been Ralph’s business motto from the beginning.

Ralph hasn’t missed a fudge season in 30 years, even the year he broke his leg. Ralph had decided to roller-skate in a local parade with the neighborhood kids. He hit a rock and broke his leg. “It was difficult,” Ralph said, “but my family helped me.” Ralph still went to work, crutches and all, and didn’t let his broken leg stop him from making his fudge. “That’s just the way he is,” said Sue.

Customers who visit Ralph’s pharmacy don’t walk away with just a taste of fudge. He insists that each person take an entire plateful of 12 pieces. Some customers return for extra helpings, but Ralph doesn’t mind.

Ralph’s attitude of service and generosity has rewarded him with a faithful clientele. Customers who visited Ralph’s first pharmacy in Los Angeles thirty years ago still drive 35 miles to Orange County for a plate of Ralph’s Christmas fudge. For some customers, the fudge has become a family tradition as the parents introduce both their children and grandchildren to Ralph and his famous fudge.

Jan Jack fondly remembers visiting the pharmacy when her children were growing up. Having three small children during the Christmas season meant a lot of colds and illnesses in the family and many trips to the pharmacy. “Ralph was always so kind and affirming - he provided a ray of hope. The brightest part of my week was going to see Ralph and knowing that we’d leave with something special.”

The recipe that Ralph uses to create his famous fudge is no “secret formula.” It originally came from a Better Homes and Garden Cookbook that he and Sue received for a wedding present 42 years ago. The weathered cookbook still resides in their kitchen. For years, Ralph has modified the recipe to perfection. To get the fudge “just right” Ralph stirs it 200 times, until it is a creamy consistency. He originally began making fudge to give to family members during the holiday season. Then, he began to package it up and give it to customers and doctors at the pharmacy. Sue even delivered it to the police and fire stations.

Since those early days of fudge-making, the Autry’s fudge operation has grown to be quite the sensation in Newport Beach. Today, about 600-800 “regulars” visit the pharmacy for fudge, and Ralph now makes between 150-175 pounds of fudge each year.

Ralph has become a local celebrity to the residents of Newport Beach. When he walks around town or visits a local restaurant, he can’t help but be recognized by some of his many regular clients. They often ask him when the fudge is going to be ready - even if they run into him in May!

New customers are often startled when Ralph offers them the free fudge. What kind of person would go to so much trouble to simply make people smile? Ralph said that many new customers will even call personally to thank him for the fudge. This spirit of generosity has even begun a chain reaction - customers now come and deliver Ralph and his co-workers their favorite homemade holiday treats in response to his kindness.

The holiday fudge is a family tradition as well for Ralph and Sue and their two daughters, Erin and Emily. Erin, 31, said that even now she maintains her official job during fudge season as “spoon-licker.” “Ever since I can remember fudge has been a constant during Christmastime,” said Erin, as her Dad handed her the large wooden spoon fresh out of the mixing bowl.

Last year, Ralph was diagnosed with diabetes, so his fudge intake is considerably less than it was before. “I still taste it for quality control,” Ralph said with a smile. And for his customers who also have diabetes, Ralph encourages them to eat it sparingly. “One piece a day won’t hurt,” said Ralph.

“I have been told by many people that my fudge is the only gift they got for Christmas, and I often receive notes from customers saying, ‘It wouldn’t be Christmas without your fudge,’” said Ralph. “Seeing the grateful response of people makes the work and the effort worth it.”

Pharmacy Phantasy Phudge

Spread your own dose of holiday cheer with Ralph’s Pharmacy Phantasy Phudge. This recipe makes plenty to share!

9 1/2 cups sugar
28 oz. marshmallow crème
1 lbs. butter
2 cans evaporated milk
1/2 teaspoon salt
5 1bs. Ghirardelli Semi-Sweet Chocolate
4 oz. vanilla extract
3/4 cup crushed pecans

Combine milk, sugar and butter in a saucepan over heat. Bring it to a boil until it becomes soft and ball-like. Slowly add chocolate until it melts. Then, add marshmallow crème, Stir in vanilla. Stir in crushed pecans. Stir vigorously 100 times in one direction, 100 times in the opposite direction until very creamy. Place on buttered pans and freeze. Makes 12 lbs. fudge to enjoy and share!